To National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan,
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr.,
Senior officials of National Government Agencies present today,
Fellow public servants, our media partners, and all our stakeholders,
Good afternoon! Assalamu alaikum wa Raḥmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
It is both an honor and a privilege to be part of this significant occasion—the ceremonial signing of a Joint Memorandum Circular that will strengthen the Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB) approach in the budget process. This is a turning point where we are not only aligning our resources, but more importantly, aligning our collective efforts to better serve the Filipino people.
Overview of the PCB Approach
In 2012, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has pioneered the PCB approach, an innovative, whole-of-government methodology that fosters collaboration among agencies to implement programs and projects.
The PCB enables government agencies to work together, ensuring consistency in program targets, beneficiaries, focus areas, implementation timelines, and resource requirements, guided by a unified Master Plan or roadmap. It also opens opportunities for partnerships with development groups and the private sector.
Ultimately, the PCB approach strengthens government coordination, ensuring that initiatives are aligned and effectively driving the country’s development goals.
In fact, over the past 12 years, we have successfully implemented several PCB projects, including the biggest inter-agency initiative on disaster response—the Risk Resiliency Program. And in 2023, we digitalized the submission of PCB proposals, aligned with the administration’s thrust to enhance bureaucratic efficiency.
However, we recognize that there is still much more to be done.
Institutionalization of the PCB Approach
That’s why, today, we take a significant step in further solidifying our commitment by institutionalizing the PCB approach through this Joint Memorandum Circular.
We are henceforth establishing the Program Convergence Budgeting Steering Committee (PCB-SC)—chaired by the brilliant NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and co-chaired by yours truly—as the oversight body that will ensure the coordinated and synergized implementation of the PCB programs.
Specifically, the Steering Committee shall identify and approve PCB proposals based on the government’s overarching plan and priorities, and monitor the implementation of existing PCB programs, among others, to further improve the planning-programming-budgeting continuum and compliance of government agencies.
By doing so, we emphasize that the institutionalization of the PCB is not merely procedural, but we seek concrete actions to break down silos, ensure efficient budget allocation, and effectively rationalize overlapping and redundant programs, activities, and projects.
By bringing together programs and initiatives from across different government units, we are creating a unified and cohesive plan to address the needs of our people.
Moving Forward
Looking ahead, we have identified 13 PCB programs for the Proposed FY 2026 National Budget, with several key programs already in motion. Among these are the PCB on Livelihood and Employment, which we started and presented to the President last year, the Water Resources Program, and the PCB on the Sustainable Development Goals, which were initiated during the FY 2025 budget preparation.
With this, let me take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all participating agencies and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to bring these PCB programs to fruition. Your collaboration and dedication are what make this possible.
But wait, there’s more! Under the Proposed FY 2026 National Budget, we are adding a new PCB project, led by the DBM—the PCB on Philippine Public Financial Management (PFM) Systems! As Budget Secretary, I am deeply committed to ensuring that this initiative lives up to its full potential. Hence, we will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that all PFM systems and policies are digitalized and harmonized, guided by the Philippine PFM Reforms Roadmap 2023-2028.
Closing
Indeed, today’s signing of this Joint Memorandum Circular marks a milestone in our pursuit of more efficient, transparent, and open governance. Through the PCB approach, we are not just enhancing our ability to fulfill the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people; we are strengthening our resolve to work together as one unified government.
The institutionalization of the PCB approach becomes the cornerstone of our program development and execution. Hence, let us continue to work together, with unwavering commitment, towards our strategic vision for a Bagong Pilipinas marked by unity, progress, and good governance.
Thank you very much.
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