DPWH and DSWD Enhance Budget Utilization, Reports NEDA
MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have shown an uptick in budget utilization for the third quarter of 2023, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke to Palace reporters, the DPWH and DSWD were highlighted for their capital spending during a sectoral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. This meeting, which took place at Malacañan Palace earlier in the day, was based on a report by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Edillon mentioned that several agencies exhibited high spending in the third quarter, particularly due to the submission of catch-up plans, which boosted their expenditures. The DPWH was specifically noted for capital spending, while the DSWD, previously flagged for low utilization rates in the first half of the year, saw marked improvement.
The gathering convened by President Marcos focused on the September headline inflation and the spending performance and outlook of the government. Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil in a separate statement said that the DBM briefed the President on the catch-up plans to fully utilize the allocated budget, countermeasures against underspending, and projections for the year’s end.
Among the strategies employed to increase spending were early procurement activities, capacity building for procurement entities, the adoption of an integrated financial management information system across government agencies, and the development of agency-specific roadmaps.
Further initiatives detailed by Garafil included the issuance of guidelines prioritizing significant projects and the enforcement of early procurement activities. The adoption of digital payments for services and the distribution of financial assistance were also part of these measures.
As of the end of September 2023, spending reached PHP 3.82 trillion, improving upon the PHP 2.41 trillion recorded at the end of June. However, this figure fell short by PHP 40.90 billion of the programmed PHP 3.86 trillion for the period. The DBM anticipates that disbursements could hit PHP 5.32 trillion by the end of the year, exceeding both the programmed PHP 5.23 trillion and the previous year’s PHP 5.16 trillion.
The inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee recently indicated a positive outlook for government expenditure in the final quarter of 2023, bolstered by successful agency catch-up plans and accelerated implementation of key programs in infrastructure, transport, labor, social protection, and education sectors.