DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. sign the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on Public Financial Management to enhance the national government's coordination in ensuring sound fiscal management. (photo: DHSUD)

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) will be providing technical assistance to the local government units (LGUs) on climate change and disaster risk assessment and comprehensive land use plan to improve the country’s public financial management.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said all the assistance are stipulated in the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on Public Financial Management with other government agencies, particularly the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) which spearheaded the formulation of the agreement.

“This [signing] marks a significant step forward in our collective effort to empower LGUs and achieve stronger public financial management. The JMC ushers in several significant changes to our existing policy guidelines,” said Acuzar. 

"The DHSUD is committed to foster the improved coordination among oversight agencies, strengthen LGU support to equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge for local land use and development planning,” he added.

The JMC covers the areas of local development planning, land use planning, investment programming, resource mobilization, budgeting, expenditure management, and performance monitoring and coordination in fiscal oversight over provinces, cities, municipalities and villages.

Under the JMC, the DHSUD is tasked to provide technical assistance, as well as formulate and prescribe standards, regulations and guidelines for the Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment, Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan of LGUs.

The DHSUD is also mandated to ensure the LGUs’ compliance with the formulation or updating procedures of land use or physical framework plans, up to the implementation process through review or ratification, monitoring and imposition of penalties. 

“We at the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development recognize the importance of effective resource utilization as it is the cornerstone of building resilient and sustainable communities,” Acuzar said.

“The DHSUD stands ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation. I believe that through our collective commitment and action, we can build a brighter future for Better, Greener, Smarter Human Settlements, and Urban Systems in a More Inclusive Philippines,” he added.