The Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) led the launching of local government units (LGUs) with the Best Local Fiscal Management Practices during the Covid-19 pandemic, in commemoration of its 34th Anniversary last 19 October 2021.

BLGF Executive Director Niño Raymond B. Alvina commended all LGUs for actively participating in the battle against an invisible foe, whilst instituting initiatives to rebuild the economy.

As the technical arm of the Department of Finance (DOF), the BLGF oversees and supervises the local fiscal operations of all local governments, and commits to continuously strengthening the fiscal management and revenue operations of LGUs.

DOF Undersecretary Antonette C. Tionko was the Keynote Speaker and emphasized that the DOF is counting on its partnership with the LGUs to help revive the economic activity in the coming months as the national government continues to work with the LGUs.

The DOF, through the Bureau of Local Government Finance, is committed to continuously empower local government units to attain fiscal sustainability,” Undersecretary Tionko added.

Recognized best practices in local treasury and/or assessment services were divided into three thematic areas: (i) digitization of treasury and assessment operations; (ii) efficient allocation of funds and resources to aid affected households and marginalized sectors, protect the health of our health care workers and the public, and to support the education sector; and (iii) recovery initiatives to help rebuild the local economy. Three LGUs were given the virtual floor to present their area of best practice.

In the area of Digitization of Revenue and Assessment Operations, General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera spearheaded the presentation of its adoption of information technology to digitize the LGU’s operations. In the area of Efficient Allocation of Funds and Resources, Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City, shared how the LGU has exhausted all possible means to provide funds and manage their resources to ensure the welfare of its citizens, including the indigents and marginalized sector, the elderly and healthcare frontliners. Finally, in the area of Recovery Initiative to Help Rebuild the Economy, Mayor Andrea Ynares of Antipolo City set a model for other LGUs in catalyzing projects and programs to help spur the growth of their economy.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary Francisco Cruz and Director John Aries Macaspac of the Local Government and Regional Coordination Bureau of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) gave their insights as panel reactors and expressed their appreciation on the showcased best practices of LGUs.

The program concluded with an invitation from BLGF Executive Director Alvina to the upcoming online programs where more LGUs with the best local fiscal management practices will be showcased in the succeeding months.