MANILA -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is set to convene representatives from National Government Agencies (NGA) and Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) in a series of budget forums at the Philippine Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

In a letter, DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandman has called the heads of Departments, Agencies, Other Executive Offices, the Constitutional Offices, and GOCCs to attend the said fora to be held on Friday, 27 January 2023.

Expected attendees include the heads of budget, accounting, and planning units of NGAs and GOCCs.

The conduct of the budget fora is part of the start of the budget preparation throughout the bureaucracy, following the issuance of Memorandum No. 145 or the National Budget Call, which signals the preparatory stage for the drafting of the National Expenditure Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.

"Our government agencies and GOCCs can be assured of the DBM's continued support as they prepare for their respective budget proposals. For 2024, as stated in our National Budget Call, the national budget will reflect the priorities and policy directions of the Marcos Jr. administration," the Budget Secretary said.

The Budget Call also stated that the 2024 budget proposals should be embodied in the administration's Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF), the 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda, and the Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028.

FY 2024 budget should also have a continued emphasis on infrastructure development, including the Build Better More program, and digital and social infrastructure.

From January 2023, the DBM will conduct budget consultations with national government agencies and government corporations; and in February with Regional Development Councils, civil society organizations, student/faculty associations, and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges. (DBM)