SECRETARY MEL SENEN SARMIENTO

SPEECH OF SECRETARY MEL SENEN SARMIENTO Department of the Interior and Local Government Convention Seminar of Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines (AGAP), Inc. Theme: “BOLSTERING GOOD GOVERNANCE THROUGH PUBLIC EXPENDITURE MANAGEMENT REFORMS” October 21, 2015, 11:00 am at Aziza Paradise Hotel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

GOOD GOVERNANCE Making every public servant, if not every citizen walk the straight path. Making every public servant, if not every citizen walk the straight path. Ruled by principles of honesty, transparency, accountability and shared responsibility. Ruled by principles of honesty, transparency, accountability and shared responsibility.

-More than simply getting rid of corrupt officials, but serving with utmost integrity and efficiency, by “doing the right thing with the right people, the right way” …even when nobody is watching.” GOOD GOVERNANCE

Sustaining the drive for Good Governance

BuB approach is a demand-driven budget planning process which allows members of communities to identify projects to be prioritized in their localities

You have a critical role in the proper allocation and disposal of funds especially in this program. The LGUs rely on you especially on fiscal management because you guide them as to what is allowed and what is not under the law.

OF OVER 14,300 BuB PROJECTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY 2013: P48.9 Billion = 39,727 projects in various cities and municipalities

Set of Priorities: Basic Social Services and attainment of the MDG Hunger mitigation and elimination Job generation and inclusive local economic development Climate change adaptation/mitigation and disaster preparedness

Projects: Provision of potable water supply Opening or enhancement of existing local access roads and bridges budgeted at P2M and below; and Other infrastructure and capacity development projects – DRRM evacuation centers, DRRM equipment and vehicles.

Requirements: Compliance with Good Financial Housekeeping Submission of the Public Financial Management improvement plan

CHALLENGE Uphold credibility, accountability and transparency on the basis of accurate financial conditions and operations of your respective offices; Professionalize your ranks through capability development; Adopt innovative accounting tools; Improve systems and processes; and Strictly enforce laws and policies

“Your reputation and integrity are everything. Follow through on what you say you’re going to do. Your credibility can only be built over time, and it is built from the history of your words and actions.”