Full Disclosure reaps more compliant LGUs in Samar, says DILG official

By PIA Samar / NBQ
September 6, 2012

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar  –  The Full Disclosure Policy (FDP) Program of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is reaping a host of local government executives who are more careful and judicious in spending government money.

This is more or less the analysis of DILG Samar provincial director Marilyn Saboy in an informal conversation with PIA before the start of the Samar Provincial peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting yesterday.

“This is a learning opportunity for LGUs, and when they do become compliant, the challenge to sustain is there,” she added.

The lady official is all praises for the LGUs of Marabut and Calbiga as the prime leaders who started compliance.

“Some 12 LGUs are closely following the Full Disclosure Policy trail,” she beamed.

Secretary Robredo was focused on drumming up public support for the FDP, an instrument he hoped would advance transparency and accountability in local governance, the DILG chief said.

According to DILG, the FDP requires LGUs to disclose in public places 12 key financial documents that show how funds are spent.

The FDP is a requirement in the conferment of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH), which is awarded to LGUs every year. As of June 2012, 856 LGUs who have qualified for the SGH have been granted P1.1 billion from the Performance Challenge Fund-money that based on guidelines are spent for the poorest of the poor.

SGH awardees are eligible to receive an incentive fund ranging from P1M to P7M for their local development projects.

“Robredo wanted to incentivize not to penalize,” said Saboy.

Secretary Robredo then said that, “Only those LGUs with the Seal and who walk the ‘Daang Matuwid’ will be able to borrow money from banks to finance their local projects.”

In Eastern Visayas, DILG reported that at least 118 LGUs may receive the SGH way up from the 35 LGUs granted the same award last year.