BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte --  The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) urged the local government units to prioritize population and development services, family planning services and program for the welfare of children in their appropriations for fiscal year 2023.

POPCOM Caraga Director Alexander A. Makinano advised all regional and local partners that the LGUs’ budget for 2022-2024 shall prioritize the mentioned services as provided under POPCOM’s DBM-approved Devolution Transition Plan (DTP).  

Director Makinano underscored that the Supreme Court Mandanas-Garcia ruling implementation calls for a higher level of services from the local government units in providing the basic needs of families and communities, which includes greater access to family planning and other reproductive health services.

Under Executive Order No. 138, Makinano added that all LGUs are mandated to lay down their programs, projects and activities in the DTPs as part of the preparations for the rollout of the Mandanas implementation commencing this year. 

It was mentioned by the POPCOM Caraga Director that DBM issued Local Budget Memorandum No. 82 which prioritizes the funding of the approved DTP by the LGUs’ National Tax Allotment (NTA) and other local resources in FY 2022. Said directive was reiterated for FY 2023 through LBM No.85.

The good director added, “Now that the treasury of the LGUs has increased in light of the Supreme Court ruling on the Mandanas-Garcia petition, may you promote the availability and strengthen the basic health and social services for your constituents.”

“Population is the main focus of development, and in turn, development conditions impact on the wellbeing of the people. The Philippine Population and Development Program remains a key and important strategy in facilitating sustainable and inclusive development at all levels.” POPCOM Caraga Director Alexander A. Makinano emphasized. (May ann O. Escobal, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)