BACOLOR, PAMPANGA –Department of the Interior and Local Government Region III Director Florida M. Dijan as the chairman of the Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (RPRAT) presided over the Central-Luzon RPRAT Consultation Meeting with the Bottom up Budgeting F.Y. 2014 recipients last February 18, 2015 at the Promenade Ball, Kings Royale Hotel. She was assisted by the Department of Budget and Management Regional Director Elisa D. Salon, Mr. Ariel Dayrit, Regional Focal Person from the DBM, and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Undersecretary Patrocinio Jude H. Esguerra III.

   The Promenade Ball was filled with two hundred eighty-three participants and guests from different National Government Agencies (NGAs) who are members of the RPRAT. Also in attendance were the13 Local Chief Executives (LCEs) and representatives from different Local Government Units (LGUs).

   CDD Chief Martin Porres B. Moral discussed the status of 2014 BuB implementation covering 770 projects in 52 municipalities and cities of Region III.

   During the open forum, Regional Director Florida M. Dijan mentioned that there are problems and hitches being encountered in the course of implementing BuB projects. According to her, “These are part of the birth pains ng isang proyekto na nasa unang taon pa lamang ng pag-iimplement.”

   The main purpose of the consultation meeting between the Local Chief Executives and NGAs is to identify the areas of conflict and as well as seek solutions to address these concerns for smoother implementation of projects in the future.

   Later, RD Dijan discussed the issues and concerns raised in the consultation with the RPRAT. She clarified that the consultation has been made not to really finger point to anyone but to acknowledge the shortcomings since the team is still groping in this first year of implementation. Lifting the morale of the members, she said that it is not too late to improve and amend lapses committed. Issues and concerns raised were provided with corresponding resolutions and recommendation for consideration of concerned Agency. RD Salon commended the NGAs for giving their best despite being first-timers on the BuB implementation.