The government is collaborating with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the rightsizing and a public financial management (PFM) institute for local agencies, according to the Department of Budget and Management. Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman stated that the ADB has been assisting the government in passing the National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP) bill, which is among President Marcos’ priority measures. “They’re helping us with the study of a right-sizing program, that’s one we are pushing in Congress now. In fact, they’re giving us technical assistance for that,” said Pangandaman.
The proposed legislative measure aims to eliminate redundancy or duplication of functions in the bureaucracy and reduce government spending. Pangandaman noted that this doesn’t necessarily mean a reduction in the number of personnel in government agencies, but could also involve strengthening the skills of personnel to fit certain criteria of other offices.
Additionally, the government is working with the ADB to establish a PFM institute for local government units. The PFM system encompasses budgeting and accounting, among other financial management practices.
Pangandaman also mentioned that the government is currently assisting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in managing its budget according to the Philippine Development Plan. “In the BARRM, our capacity-building efforts with them are ongoing, as their government is relatively new. This is especially important for their budget department,” she stated.
