By LGOO II Blessing Grace V. Ganitano

150 members coming from different Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), mostly members of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) of the local government units of Nueva Vizcaya, are now prepared to monitor and evaluate projects implemented under the Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) program after undergoing a roll-out training on BuB Citizen’s Monitoring and Evaluation Scheme on September 29-October 2, 2015 at Highlander Hotel, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya.

The activity is aimed at strengthening the capacities and involvement of CSOs in the implementation and monitoring of BuB projects in the province. Since CSOs have been equally and actively involved in the project identification and prioritization to see to it that projects are responsive to the needs of the communities, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Nueva Vizcaya has broadened their role by involving them as well in the monitoring and implementation of projects particularly those funded under the BuB program so as to ensure a wholesome CSO participation.

To ensure that monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are effective, DILG – Nueva Vizcaya, through the headship of the Provincial Director Ruperto B. Maribbay Jr. and the assistance of the DILG personnel, oriented the CSO members on the citizens monitoring and evaluation and the necessary steps to be undertaken in the monitoring and utilization of M&E results, thusputting a strong emphasis on evaluation and monitoring as a key phase. Furthermore, the participants were also equipped in filling out the monitoring tools or instruments.
Apart from the lectures and focus group discussions, they had also simulation exercises and action planning. The last day of the activity was devoted to the presentation of outputs and awarding of certificates.

Lending assistance and knowledge to the participants were Community Mobilizers Richard Afidchao and Diego Cabalar and Regional Coordinator Geraldo Ocquias.
This continuing training activity for CSOs is hoped to improve governance, increase development effectiveness through better service delivery and people empowerment and attain inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction.

“It is gratifying to note that you all want to take part on issues surrounding the formulation and implementation of government budgets as well as in supporting greater transparency of public revenues. With that, I commend your strong spirit of volunteerism,” saidPD Maribbayin his closing message. He also stated that DILG will continue its partnership with the CSOs with the full resolve of achieving a sustainable development.

Julia Duntogan of Kayapa said, “We are very grateful that we are involved in this program of the government for us to know more on how we can help DILG and LGU in the implementation of BuB”.#