Government Invites Citizens to Monitor Projects
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is set to enhance transparency by encouraging public participation in monitoring government infrastructure projects. This initiative centers on the Project Digital Information for Monitoring and Evaluation (DIME), which will soon be launched to empower citizens to contribute directly.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman explained that the four-word keyphrase “public participation in monitoring projects” is crucial to the government’s plan. Through Project DIME, citizens can upload photos, videos, and comments to report potential issues or improvements in ongoing government projects.
Strengthening Collaboration Between Government and Public
“We want to strengthen collaboration between the national government and the public so we can respond faster to programs or issues they want the government to address,” officials reported Secretary Pangandaman saying during a recent news forum. She noted that traditional monitoring tools like drones and satellites cannot cover all areas continuously, sometimes missing critical changes on the ground.
By involving the public, the DBM hopes to create a more dynamic and responsive system that captures real-time data and feedback from citizens who witness the projects firsthand.
Introducing the Budget ng Bayan Monitor
In addition to Project DIME, the DBM will unveil the Budget ng Bayan Monitor (BBM) on August 20. This platform will include a grading system that assesses each government department’s budget spending efficiency and transparency, community members said.
Secretary Pangandaman acknowledged that the BBM is still in its early stages but emphasized the department’s commitment to refining the program. “It’s still new, but we will dig deeper into the programs for the project. We’ll do it,” she stated.
Public Engagement Crucial to Budget Process
The secretary also urged citizens to remain actively engaged throughout the budget process until the General Appropriations Act is enacted. She stressed that this legislation is one of Congress’ most significant annual laws, shaping the country’s development and priorities.
“The public’s role in monitoring and understanding the budget is essential to ensure that government resources are used effectively and transparently,” local leaders noted.
Challenges in Infrastructure Monitoring
Images from remote areas like Latbang village in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, reveal the urgency of efficient monitoring. Students there risk crossing damaged bridges daily just to attend school, highlighting the need for timely government response and public vigilance.
Such real-life scenarios underscore why public participation in monitoring projects is vital to ensure that infrastructure developments meet community needs and safety standards.
For more news and updates on government projects and public involvement, visit Filipinokami.com.
