As a response to the government calls for transparency and accountability, the CODE-NGO through the Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Networks (MINCODE), hosted a regional forum entitled “Enhancing CSOs Understanding and Participation in the DA Budget Processes” on February 24, 2009 in partnership with the Department of Agriculture in Region 11 at MTRC in Davao City.

A total of 30 participants coming from the Civil Society Organizations and DA Regional Staff and City Personnel fully occupied the MTRC venue.  Six representatives from four member NGOs of PHILDHRRA Mindanao-Davao Cluster actively participated in the forum. These member NGOs were: KAPWA Upliftment, Mainland Development Center (MDC), Josefa Segovia Foundation (JSFI) and Institute of Primary Health Care (IPHC).

The primary intention of the forum was to ensure better understanding and appreciation of the CSOs in the budget processes of various line agencies particularly the Department of Agriculture, with the end view that through their participation it will enhance efficient utilization of the budget. The forum started with a presentation of the study findings done by CODE NGO on the DA Budget appropriation and execution. Significant concerns and issues cited were the centralized budget allocation, weak accountability mechanisms and the minimal participation of the CSOs which contributed to failure in the implementation of some government programs in the countryside. The COA Audit observations was also presented which motivated CODE NGO along with MINCODE in pushing for possible avenues where CSOs can participate in developing a more responsive regional budget of the Department of Agriculture.

The DA Region for its part provided the participants with a brief orientation on the budget structures and processes involving regional budget and allocation of the agency. Highlighted in the presentation were the banner programs of DA indicating the regional budget formulation and its integration in the agency’s national budget. The inputs ended with an open forum clarifying certain gaps and concerns in the budget process. A workshop was also facilitated that resulted in identifying possible venues and mechanism for CSO participation in the DA Budget process.

The activity ended with an action planning where a Core Group has been formed tasked to seek membership in the RAFC and conduct mapping of CSOs (NGOs and POs) that can participate and engage with the Department of Agriculture in the budget processes for Region 11.