Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the DILG and its attached agencies have been “prudent and effective” in the utilization of its funds as 98.7 percent or P139.366-billion out of the total P141.2-billion obligation for the first semester of fiscal year 2023 had already been disbursed,
“We assure you that the DILG is prudent in utilizing the funds intended for their allocated purpose. The Department ensures transparency in financial management following existing auditing rules and regulations,” Abalos said. In his report during the budget hearing at the House of Representatives, Abalos explained that of the P141.206-billion fund, P123.508-billion went to personnel services for the entire DILG family, including all its attached agencies; P15.642-billion for maintenance and other operating expenses and P2.055-billion for capital outlay, as of June 30, 2023.
The total DILG budget based on the General Appropriations Act 2023 was P253.404-billion. Of this amount, the DILG received P241.682-billion allotment from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),
Of the P241.682-billion, 58.43 percent or P141.206-billion has so far been obligated by the DILG for its priority programs and projects.
Meanwhile, on the proposed FY 2024 DILG budget, Assistant Secretary for Administration, Finance, and Comptrollership Ester Aldana explained that the Department proposed a budget of P7-billion for capital outlay, which will be allocated for information and technology equipment under the approved Information Systems Strategic Plan; construction of DILG Regional Offices in Region IV-B, VI, and II, fire stations, jail facilities, police stations, classrooms and dormitories; purchase of furniture in the newly completed DILG Regional and Field Offices; purchase of motor vehicles; and procurement of firetrucks.