DBM launches P1.055-billion fund for LGUs to create green spaces

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday launched a P1-billion fund with which, it said, to bankroll the construction, rehabilitation, repair, or improvement of green open spaces, including public and municipal parks and plazas, in 80 LGUs nationwide.

In its 2024 budget, the DBM allocated P1.055 billion for the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)-Green Green Green Program set to benefit 38 cities and municipalities in Luzon, 21 in Visayas, and 21 in Mindanao.

The program can also be tapped to fund LGUs’ infrastructure projects such as bicycle lanes, bike racks, elevated or at-grade pedestrian footpaths, walkways, sports facilities, and recreational trails.

The LGSF-Green Green Green Program was launched by the DBM in collaboration with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) at the Metro Park in Pasay City.

Coinciding with the launch of the program was the issuance of guidelines on the release and utilization of the LGSF-Green Green Green Program’s fund.

“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 Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

Under the DBM’s 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 Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been tasked to monitor and evaluate how local governments implement projects funded by the LGSF. — Ted Cordero/BM, GMA Integrated News