QC gov’t gives residents formal role in city budget process

Quezon City Hall. (Photo from the Facebook account of the QC Government) MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City residents and accredited civil society organizations (CSOs) will get a formal opportunity to weigh in on the city’s spending priorities under a new ordinance institutionalizing public participation in the local budget process. In a statement on Monday, the Quezon City local government said the city council approved Ordinance No. SP-3520, S-2026, which provides for participatory budgeting in the city government. The city government said the measure aims to “[strengthen] people-centered governance by giving citizens a meaningful role in shaping the city’s budget and priorities.” Article continues after this advertisement Under the ordinance, residents and accredited CSOs may take part in identifying community needs, reviewing proposed programs, monitoring projects as they are carried out, assessing their results and providing feedback. The city government will also develop digital channels through which residents can recommend programs and projects they want considered for funding. Mayor Joy Belmonte said the arrangement would allow residents to have a say in decisions involving public funds. “Quezon City residents know the needs of their communities best. Through participatory budgeting, we are giving them a meaningful opportunity to help decide where public funds should be allocated,” Belmonte said. “In this way, we can develop programs that truly respond to the needs of QCitizens and ensure that every centavo contributed by the people is returned through honest and efficient public service,” she added. Article continues after this advertisement READ: 2027 budget vulnerable to politicking, watchdog warns READ: Making sense of the 2027 national budget Article continues after this advertisement ₱6 billion in proposals reviewed The city government had already tested participatory budgeting last year in 11 frontline departments and offices. During the pilot, accredited CSOs reviewed budget proposals totaling approximately ₱6 billion, according to the city government. The City Finance Committee and the Quezon City OGP Local Steering Committee will draw up the implementing guidelines and conduct capacity-building activities for city offices and accredited CSOs. The measure is also part of Quezon City’s commitments under the Open Government Partnership, which promotes transparency, accountability, and public participation in government. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. “This ensures that budgeting is not solely an internal government process. By listening directly to the people, the City can design more responsive programs, allocate public funds more effectively, and deliver services that address the actual needs of QCitizens,” the city government said in a statement. /mcm