DBM, MMDA lead launch of program for sustainable public spaces

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority acting chairman Don Artes, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Acuzar sign a memorandum of understanding for the launch of Local Government Support Fund – Green Green Green Program on Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Pasay City. (Photo courtesy of Luisa Cabato)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched the Local Government Support Fund – Green Green Green Program on Thursday.

The project aims to improve public open spaces and aid local government units (LGUs) in “making their communities more livable, sustainable, and well-connected through the implementation of green infrastructure.”

During the program’s launch, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said that the project is a response to the government’s call to deal with the adverse effects of climate change.

“We, especially in the government, have a role to play in mainstreaming green and sustainable initiatives that will usher in economic growth and social development,” she said.

Pangandaman also mentioned that the DBM has allocated a budget of P1.055 billion to this program and has identified a total of 80 beneficiary LGUs nationwide. Thirty-eight of these beneficiaries are in Luzon — 17 of which are in the National Capital Region — 21 in Visayas, and 21 in Mindanao.

“The fund shall be used to fund the construction, rehabilitation, repair, and improvement of green open spaces such as public municipal parks and plazas. It shall also fund a construction infrastructure project for active mobility such as bicycle lanes, elevated and at-grade pedestrian footpaths, walkways, sports facilities, and recreational trails to provide a comfortable and livable environment for our Filipino people,” she added.

Furthermore, she urged the beneficiary LGUs of the program to make use of domestically produced materials and goods in implementing their projects.

The program is a revival of the 2017 Local Government Support Fund – Assistance to Cities in adherence to the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. The funding for the project was included in the 2024 Allocations to Local Government Units.

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The program’s launch was a joint event with the inauguration of the Roxas Boulevard Promenade, which Pangandaman referred to as a sample project made by the MMDA that LGU mayors can base their Green Green Green initiatives on. — Felice Nafarrete, INQUIRER.net intern