DBM signs MOU on real-time monitoring of gov’t projects

The Department of Budget and Management has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of the Philippines and the Department of Public Works and Highways on a project that provides real-time updates on government projects. — Photo from Official Gazette/Website

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the University of the Philippines (UP), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on implementing a project that provides real-time project updates to improve accountability and reduce delays.

The initiative, called the Digital Information for Monitoring and Evaluation (DIME) Project or Project DIME, will display relevant information such as the project’s completion rate, funding source, implementing agency, and name of the contractor. The agreement was signed in a ceremony on Tuesday.

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“With the advent of technology, the demand for progress from our citizens increases. In just one click, they can rightly demand for greater openness, transparency, and accountability, especially for projects and initiatives that have significant impact in their lives. And if our people demand for progress, then their government must be able to respond,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, as quoted in a press release on Wednesday.

Through the MOU, the UP Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards Center and DBM will work together to improve Project DIME by adding disaster risk reduction strategies and ensuring government projects can withstand natural hazards.

Meanwhile, the DPWH will provide input to enhance the DIME website, identify infrastructure projects with substantial visible accomplishments at the site, and collaborate with DBM on displaying the obligation and disbursement rates of projects, among others.

In June 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 31 institutionalizing the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP).

As a founding member of the OGP, the DBM said the Philippines is committed to promoting transparency, increasing civic participation, fighting corruption, and leveraging new technologies to strengthen governance. /das/abc