In photo: (from left) Regional Director Violeta A. Cruz encourages Civil Society Organizations to share their inputs and recommendations for the finalization of DSWD 2014 budget preparation. (from right) A representative of a Women’s Organization shares her comments on the proposed budget on a specific program of DSWD which is related to her sector.

Tuguegarao City-–In line with the Department of Budget and Management’s memorandum circular to integrate citizen’s participation in the budget process as means of enhancing transparency and accountability in the allocation and utilization of public funds, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 02 conducted a regional consultation with Civil Society Organizations on the preparation of 2014 budget held at Crowne Pavilion, Tuguegarao City on February 26, 2013.

This was attended by Philippine Chamber of Commerce Inc. (PCCI) Cagayan Chapter, Pangkaunlaran, CAVAPED, Green Meadow Development Foundation, Alalay sa Kaunlaran (ASKI) Inc., Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI), Federation of Senior Citizen’s Association of the Philippines, CLAIM, Regional Women with Disabilities, Providence Rural Band, academe, media and partners agencies from National Economic Development Authority and Department of Budget and Management.

DSWD Regional Director Violeta A. Cruz, encouraged the CSOs to actively participate in the regional budget consultation for their inputs play a significant role in the finalization of DSWD budget preparation.

Director Cruz also emphasized that the department has been consulting civil society organizations to strengthen and promote the principles of good governance by involving them in budget preparation for the different programs implemented by DSWD.

Meanwhile, Ms. Rowena Arugay, DSWD Field Office 02 Budget Officer has presented a total budget of P1,782, 461,571.00 for Calendar Year 2014 including the locally funded projects and funds for Centers and Institutions.

The participants of said consultation gave their inputs, comments and recommendations on the proposed budget particularly on programs that are related to their respective sectors.

The department likewise thanked the participants for their inputs and further recommendations and these will be considered in the finalization of budget preparation of DSWD Field Office 02 for CY 2014. ### By Angely M. Lubo-Mercado, DSWD Regional Information Officer