South Cotabato – The Provincial Government of South Cotabato continues to uphold transparency, discipline, and accountability in public finance management—ensuring that government resources are strategically planned and responsibly utilized for the benefit of its people.
Under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., the Office of the Provincial Budget Office plays a crucial role in aligning public funds with the province’s development priorities while strictly adhering to national laws and fiscal policies.
Provincial Budget Officer Luz Perpetua Fontanilla emphasized that the provincial budget is anchored on careful planning and legal mandates under Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.
“The provincial budget is like managing a household, but on a much larger and more complex scale,” Fontanilla explained.
She said, “We are dealing with people’s money, which is why every allocation must be planned, justified, and included in the Annual Investment Program.”
The province’s budgeting process ensures allocations for mandatory funds such as disaster risk reduction, development projects, and essential public services. From infrastructure and hospital expansion to social services and community facilities, all expenditures follow a strict planning–budget–procurement linkage—an approach consistently advocated by Governor Tamayo to strengthen transparency.
Civil society organizations and non-government organizations are also engaged throughout the process to help monitor and validate the proper use of public funds. This inclusive governance model allows constituents to see where funds go and how projects are implemented.
“Our budget is a public statement of accountability,” Fontanilla said. “It reflects the Governor’s commitment to listen, act, and deliver services that truly respond to the needs of the people.”
Through disciplined fiscal management and participatory governance, South Cotabato continues to build public confidence—ensuring that development is not only planned on paper, but felt in every community.
