The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Presidential Broadcasting Service-Bureau of Broadcast Services (PBS-BBS) have formally entered into a partnership to produce a radio program. This venture marks a significant first in the agency’s history.
The radio show, dubbed ‘Usapang Budget Natin’, will be aired every Friday between 6pm and 7pm on RP1, with Secretary Pangandaman as host.
“It is the right of every Filipino to know, learn, and understand the critical exercise of allocating and managing funds to attain the economic and social goals of the country. That’s why we have also given this radio program its fitting title – the Usapang Budget Natin. Ito ay dahil budget po natin ito,” Secretary Pangandaman said.
This pioneering initiative underscores DBM’s commitment to improving accessibility and fostering a deeper connection with the public. By actively sharing information about its strategies, programs, actions, and achievements, the DBM is making strides towards promoting transparency, and cultivating a culture of accountability.
‘Usapang Budget Natin’ further aims to stimulate insightful conversations surrounding budgeting and management practices, in an effort to foster greater understanding around the judicious use of public funds. By heightening public engagement and involvement in the government’s programs, it is envisioned that the quality of life for citizens will be significantly enhanced.
“Marahil po, may mga kababayan tayo na magsasabing “Ay, budget ‘yan, mahirap intindihin ‘yan.” “Usapang Budget? Eh di puro numero ‘yan at computation? Nakaka-nosebleed!” the Secretary said.
“‘Yan po ang gusto nating baguhin. Our goal in establishing this program is to help communicate with the public all about the budgeting process; to convey how important is their participation and involvement; and to uphold public trust and support at the national, regional, and local government units,” she added.
Established in 1936 by Executive Order 25, DBM’s fundamental role lies in developing and executing the National Budget. The department is dedicated to ensuring the principled and effective utilization of governmental resources, with the ultimate aim of realizing the country’s developmental objectives.
“To inform the public is one thing, but to have them understand and digest information is another. That’s our goal in Usapang Budget Natin. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to the community to forge connections that will not only inform but also unite and empower our kababayans. This is part of our Agenda for Prosperity,” the Budget Secretary stressed.
DBM Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran, as well as Radyo Pilipinas 1 Station Manager Allan Allanigue and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Jose Torres, Jr., also signed the MOA as witnesses.
Aportadera, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of “Usapang Budget Natin” and committed the full support of the PBS-BBS.
“This cooperation between the Department of Budget and Management and the Presidential Communications Office, together with its two attached agencies, is a significant step forward. The Filipino audience will now to listen, learn, and understand how our President and the government are working for them through the ‘Usapang Budget Natin’ radio program,” he stressed.
“The Presidential Broadcast Service-Bureau of Broadcast Services, through its flagship station Radyo Pilipinas (dati pong Radyo ng Bayan) and its 28 stations from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, will endeavor to fulfill its role in ensuring the proper dissemination of relevant news and information that this radio program will offer,” he added.
Philippine Information Agency Director General Jose Torres Jr., for his part, pointed out the opportunities the radio program can offer.
“It will provide space for the DBM the complicated budget process, answer questions from the public, and share stories about how proper budget allocation, prioritization, and utilization is making a difference in the lives of our people. Indeed, stories can be powerful tools in nation building. I can attest to that personally as a journalist for almost four decades. Stories can help us understand the government better and in new, interesting ways. They can inspire us to act and make a difference, and ultimately bring people together and promote harmony,” he said.
He likewise committed the PIA’s assistance to the project, “We at the Philippine Information Agency, with the guidance of PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil, are ready to provide technical assistance to the ‘Usapang Budget’ radio program as the needs arise. Our regional and provincial offices are embedded in the grassroots, and can supply the team with feedback on ground, which they can use as inputs to the discussion.”
