Provincial News
AusAID Orients Guimaras LGUs
Australian government represented by First Secretary Shayne Mckena orients the Local Government Units of the province of Guimaras about the Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF) project held on September 15 at the Guimaras Trade and Information Center.
Mckena explained that the PRMF in Guimaras is not the usual project they offer. He said that the province is among of the seven lucky provinces that become their recipient. According to Mckena that as a bilateral program, both parties are accountable and responsible for the direction, decisions and activities carried out under the PRMF. He further explained, the Australian government is providing financial support provided that the province of Guimaras has framework under which PRMF will operate.
Under the project principle, the provincial government will achieve a state of sustainable road maintenance within 5 years. The province will achieve a transparent and accountable budget and expenditure management system, achieve a fully functioning internal control system, procurement process; achieve and implement a comprehensive Human Resource Development Plan and Management Strategy.
As part of the project steering committee the DILG has the responsibility to assess the program. It serves as the lead agency to the province in all its undertakings; wherein the project is expected to start before the end of this year.
Gov. Felipe Hilan A. Nava expressed thanks to the AusAID. He said that the orientation is beneficial for the provincial officials and those offices involved were given proper background. He added, “It does not only mean project implementation but the financial management is needed most.” He urges the offices of budget, accounting, and treasurer to help on this project especially on financial matters.
The orientation is participated by barangay and municipal officials, department heads of the province particularly the Provincial Engineering Office with the participation of the. It also involve: DPWH, DILG regional office led by Dir. Evelyn Trompeta, and DILG Guimaras Dir. Roy Defiño.
Together with Mckena is AusAid PRMF consultant, Allen Williams and Ms. Christine Bantug.
AusAID Allen Williams talks with Gov. Felipe Hilan A. Nava after the orientation
