THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, reminded local government units (LGU) to apply directly with the Department of Budget and Management regional offices for assistance under the Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units.
In a statement, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said he has been receiving reports from regional and field offices that against unscrupulous individuals have been offering assistance in accessing the fund for a fee.
“Let’s protect government funds. We are issuing a warning to the LGUs against third-party entities who are engaging in illegal transactions intending to access the LGSF-FALGU fund. Pangalagaan at protektahan natin ang pondo’t kaban ng bayan,” Año said.
He said there is no need to employ a fixer to access these funds.
He urged LGUs to immediately coordinate with the DILG and report such illegal activity.
For 2021, the government has allocated a total of P13.586 billion for the fund. The DILG statement said 319 LGUs have been granted P2.93 billion.
The fund is used to assist LGUs in implementing infrastructure and development projects to boost their local economies.
Among the infrastructure and other projects covered by the fund are local roads and/or bridges, public markets, slaughterhouses, multi-purpose buildings/halls, multi-purpose pavements, drainage canals, sea wall/river wall, water system projects including level 1 standalone water points, evacuation centers, public parks, fish ports, and post-harvest facilities such as ice plant and cold storage facilities. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / SunStar Philippines)