New Tool Empowers Local Governments for Child Welfare
The Philippine government, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), has introduced the Child Budget and Expenditures Tagging and Tracking (CBETT) tool. This innovative system is the first of its kind designed to help local government units (LGUs) prioritize and monitor spending focused on children’s needs.
By using the Child Budget and Expenditures Tagging system, LGUs can now identify budget items related to children and evaluate how public funds directly affect child welfare programs. This tool aims to ensure that initiatives benefiting Filipino children receive adequate funding, are closely tracked, and align with local development objectives.
Collaborative Launch with Key Government and International Partners
The formal launch took place in Quezon City, gathering representatives from the Department of Budget and Management, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Bureau of Local Government Finance, and the Council for the Welfare of Children. International partners and development agencies also participated, underscoring the tool’s significance.
“This is our legacy for our children – ensuring adequate funding support and monitoring of key programs and interventions that protect and uplift the lives of our future generation,” said CWC Undersecretary Angelo M. Tapales during the event.
Phased Rollout to Reach All Local Governments Nationwide
The Child Budget and Expenditures Tagging will be implemented in phases. It will begin with eight LGUs in 2025, expand to cover all provinces and cities by 2026, and finally reach over 1,600 municipalities by 2027. This gradual approach seeks to maximize the tool’s effectiveness and adaptability across diverse local contexts.
Behzad Noubary, UNICEF Philippines Representative ad interim, remarked, “This initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring that every peso spent by government contributes to the well-being and development of all children in the Philippines. By strengthening public finance for children, we are advancing equity, accountability, and results for the most vulnerable.”
Supporting Local Autonomy and Improved Public Financial Management
The introduction of the Child Budget and Expenditures Tagging tool also supports broader efforts to enhance public financial management, especially following the Mandanas-Garcia ruling. This landmark decision granted LGUs greater autonomy over their public funds, making it essential to align budgets with local priorities.
By tagging and tracking child-related expenditures, the tool is expected to improve policy decisions and outcomes for Filipino children nationwide. Local leaders noted that this alignment will foster more responsive and effective programs tailored to the unique needs of communities across the country.
Overall, the Child Budget and Expenditures Tagging tool represents a major advancement in ensuring that government spending truly benefits Filipino children. It promises increased transparency, better resource allocation, and stronger accountability for programs aimed at nurturing the nation’s future.
For more news and updates on child welfare and government initiatives, visit Filipinokami.com.
