South Cotabato, Philippines – The Provincial Government of South Cotabato continues to improve responsible asset management and operational transparency through the expanded implementation of its “Transfer Without Cost” program—a core initiative led by the Office of the Provincial General Services Officer (OPGSO).
It was Introduced in 2022 and maintained up to the present, the program ensures that government-constructed facilities and equipment are formally transferred to agencies and institutions actually utilizing them.
This year, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan further strengthened the program with the approval of Resolution No. 2025-397, authorizing the transfer of 387 units of real properties and vehicles to partner LGUs, barangays, national government agencies, and other local institutions.
The resolution supports the province’s goal of maximizing resource use, promoting accountability, and reducing redundant government costs.
According to Ms. Anna Rose Z. Kasan, Provincial General Services Officer, the program is based on both legal mandate and practical governance principles. She explained that provincial assets built or purchased but no longer used by the Provincial Government must be turned over to the agencies that utilize them daily.
“Everything we provide to our partner agencies, LGUs, barangays, national government agencies, and DepEd—including buildings such as water systems, Rural Health Units, multipurpose structures, and local roads—are transferred because the law states that if the Provincial Government is not the actual user, we must give these assets to those who are using them,” Ms. Kasan said.
She emphasized that the program brings significant financial benefits, particularly in reducing annual GSIS insurance expenses for buildings, vehicles, and other insured properties.
“This helps reduce our costs. We insure all buildings, vehicles, and their contents under GSIS every year, and that reaches millions. But because we transfer assets no longer used by the provincial government, our expenses decrease. Whatever we purchase or construct anew just adjusts into that amount, so our total insurance cost no longer increases,” she explained.
To ensure accuracy and compliance with auditing standards, the OPGSO conducts a structured evaluation every semester.
This includes physical site visits to determine which buildings remain usable, which must be transferred, and which are already damaged or dilapidated and should be removed from accounting records.
“Every semester, after our inventory, we visit the sites. If a building is already damaged or dilapidated, we request that it be dropped from accounting. Those still fit for use undergo processing so we can request a resolution approving their transfer,” she added.
In addition to the 387 assets covered by the latest resolution, 22 more properties and vehicles have been formally submitted for review for possible transfer under the next batch.
Since 2022, the “Transfer Without Cost” program has become a vital governance mechanism in South Cotabato—reducing costs, ensuring proper documentation, and allowing government-built infrastructure and equipment to fully benefit the communities and institutions that rely on them. Through the leadership of OPGSO, the province remains committed to strengthening asset efficiency and improving public service outcomes.
