By Rose Palacio

Davao City (7 January) -- Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin has called on all budget officers to constantly look for better ways to manage scarce local resources as the administration continues its austerity program after passing the transition of economic deficit.

Secretary Boncodin said all budget officers should aim for a more efficient and effective management of limited fiscal resources including the harnessing of the growing potentials of local governance to be able to improve delivery of essential services to the people.

She also acknowledged the important role of the local government units (LGUs) as partners of the administration in making budgeting as an essential tool for development particularly in the countrysides.

`We have to budget our resources very well as everybody is clamoring for more funds. Managing resources is not simply playing with numbers but it involves visions and projected management committed in addressing competitive needs of the different sectors of our society, she told Mindanao mediamen.

She said the Philippines is now being looked up by other Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and other countries affected by the recent Tsunami because we are the only country which was not affected by the recent dreadful calamity.

The budget secretary stressed that LGUs and budget officers are mandated under the Local Government Code to work together so that essential basic services are delivered to the constituents as it should be.

“Without the full cooperation and mutual coordination of budget officers, the local government executives would not be able to fully implement their thrusts and programs to the fullest,” she said.

Secretary Boncodin likewise urged budget officers to ensure the public that funds are wisely and honestly spent.