DBM launches LGSF - Green Green Green Program, issues guidelines on the fund's release, and utilization

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued the guidelines on the release and utilization of the fund under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) - Green Green Green Program in the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The issuance of the guidelines coincides with the launch of the LGSF - Green Green Green Program and the inauguration of the Roxas Boulevard Promenade Project, together with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) at the Metro Park in Pasay City on Thursday, 11 July 2024.

“With the launch of the Green Green Program and today’s inauguration of Roxas Blvd. Promenade Project, we are able to take a huge step towards fulfilling the President’s goal of a Bagong Pilipinas, where every Filipino is committed to the improvement of life in the community, involved in contributing to the maintenance of a healthy ecology, and devoted in providing secure environments that will benefit future generations,” said DBM Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman during the unveiling program.

The Green Green Green Program under the LGSF is designed to support beneficiary provinces, cities, and municipalities in promoting green open spaces and infrastructure projects for active mobility. It aims to develop greener, more vibrant, and well-connected public open spaces, fostering an active lifestyle and enhancing the overall wellness of the community.

“Hindi lang po natin mapapaganda ang kapaligiran at imprastruktura, kung hindi ay magagawa din nating ibsan ang masamang epekto ng climate change, tulad ng malubhang init, polusyon, at pagbaha. Malaki po ang maitutulong nito sa ating mga komunidad lalo na sa pagpapabuti ng kalusugan at kalidad ng pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan,” Secretary Mina explained, emphasizing how the program also helps mitigate the harmful effects of climate change.

In the FY 2024 National Budget, a total of ₱1.055 billion has been allocated for the Green Green Green Program of 80 beneficiaries nationwide, composed of 38 LGUs in Luzon, 21 in Visayas, and 21 in Mindanao.

This funding is designated for the construction, rehabilitation, repair, or improvement of green open spaces, including public and municipal parks and plazas.

Furthermore, the program is set to facilitate infrastructure projects such as bicycle lanes, bike racks, elevated or at-grade pedestrian footpaths, walkways, sports facilities, and recreational trails to provide a comfortable and livable environment for the Filipino people.

Per the DBM guidelines, all projects to be funded under the LGSF-Green Green Green Program shall strictly conform to acceptable design concepts, environmental principles, and safety requirements. 

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall also monitor and evaluate how local governments implement projects funded by the LGSF. Monitoring and evaluation of projects shall incorporate the principles of participatory governance through the Administration’s whole-of-government approach to ensure quality, timeliness, transparency and accountability in the implementation of projects.

Meanwhile, the Roxas Boulevard Promenade, a key component of the Adopt-a-Park initiative, heralds a new chapter in the development of accessible and expansive public spaces across Metro Manila.

Both initiatives support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Build Better More Program and align with the priorities outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. The efforts also highlight the importance of inter-agency collaboration and public-private partnerships in creating sustainable, livable, and resilient communities for Filipinos.

Sec. Mina was accompanied by MMDA Acting Chairman Romando S. Artes in leading the ceremony. The event was further graced by the presence of prominent figures including Senator Loren B. Legarda, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, Philippine Reclamation Authority Chairman Alexander T. Lopez, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Federal Land Inc. Chairman Alfred V. Ty and President William Thomas F. Mirasol, and other distinguished officials.

“Sec. Mina, congratulations! We are incredibly proud of you and the entire DBM family," remarked Senator Legarda at the beginning of her keynote speech.

“It was way back in 2017 during the time of then-DBM Secretary Ben Diokno that Amenah was a very young Undersecretary who supported the Green Green Green project. I’m glad to see that almost eight years later you are continuing this passion project,” recalled the champion for environmental protection.

“I’m sorry if I really go off script because I’m very passionate about the work I do and Mina knows my passion is boundless,” Senator Legarda explained as she ended her message.

“All the laws that we’ve written, fund, support, and enact, will be to naught if you do not join us in this journey towards a green, green, green Philippines,” Senator Legarda concluded. ###

📷 Rising Tigers/Nestor Lim