In line with the national thrust of inclusive growth and development, Grassroots Participatory Process (GPP) shall be mainstreamed to all concerned specifically by having updates on the status of GPP FY 2014 project implementation; GPP FY 2015 proposed projects; and appreciate GPP FY 2016.
In order to further appreciate GPP FY 2016 particularly the Policy Guidelines and Procedures in the Implementation of the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process for the Preparation of the F.Y. 2016 Budget and Succeeding Years, DILG Region III is presently holding an orientation to ten representatives each for the 130 LPRATs of this region, five representatives from the LGU and DILG, and five representatives from the CSOs.
Likewise, members of the Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (RPRAT) composed of the DILG, DBM, BFAR, DA, DENR, DOH, DEPED, DOLE, DSWD, DTI, DOT, NEDA, NIA, NCIP, and TESDA serve as resource speakers during the orientation to advocate and market their respective programs to the LPRAT. Representatives from GOCCs namely DOE and NEA, seven Provincial Planning and Development Officers and seven NAPC provincial focal persons as Basic Sector Representatives also participated.
The orientation, which is being conducted in eleven batches started on November 4, 2014 until November 21, 2014. Provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales and Cities of Angeles and Olongapo were held at Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel, SBFZ. On the other hand, Provinces of Aurora and Nueva Ecija will be held at Baler, Aurora and Palayan City, respectively.
In her message, Regional Director Florida Dijan as RPRAT Chair discussed the value of GPP. “The bottom-line of the program is Convergence, several stakeholders such as LGUs, CSOs and NGAs converged and through concerted efforts the perennial problem of our society, that is poverty, will be addressed”, she said. She also announced that the Philippines was awarded 3rd Place (Gold Award) for the GPP last September 24, 2014 during the recent Inaugural Open Government Partnership Awards at the United Nations Head Quarters in New York City, USA. Philippines was recognized for its outstanding efforts to deepen citizen engagement in the budget process.
