THE PEOPLE’S BUDGET. Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman (center) and the Presidential Broadcast Service – Bureau of Broadcast Services Director Rizal Giovanni P. Aportadera Jr. (fourth from left) show the signed Memorandum of Agreement between DBM and PBS-BBS for the “Usapang Budget Natin” radio program at the DBM central office in San Miguel, Manila on Friday (Oct. 27, 2023). The new radio program will be aired every Friday between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on government-run AM station, RP1 Manila (RP1 738 khz), beginning Nov. 17. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)
MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Presidential Broadcast Service – Bureau of Broadcast Services (PBS-BBS) on Friday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the launching of “Usapang Budget Natin” radio program.
The MOA was signed by DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and PBS-BBS director Rizal Giovanni Aportadera Jr. in a ceremony at the Multi-purpose Hall of DBM’s central office in San Miguel, Manila.
Radyo Pilipinas 1 (RP1) station manager Allan Allanigue, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) director general Jose Torres Jr., and DBM Undersecretary Goddess Hope Libiran witnessed the signing of the MOA.
Under the agreement, the “Usapang Budget Natin” radio program will be aired every Friday between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on government-run AM station, RP1 Manila (RP1 738 khz), beginning Nov. 17.
The radio show will be hosted by Pangandaman.
Pangandaman said the Marcos administration sought to bring the government closer to the Filipino people by using radio broadcast as a communication medium, despite the rise of the digital age.
“In today’s digital age where streaming platforms and digital media dominate the landscape, it is crucial not to overlook traditional broadcast media’s enduring relevance and significance,” she said.
“The reality is no matter how many new channels emerge in today's world, traditional media such as radio will continue to even be substantial influence in terms of engaging effectively with the masses. It remains a powerful tool for conveying messages and relaying information to the Filipino people,” Pangandaman added.
Pangandaman said the DBM aims to reach a wider audience to foster greater understanding about the judicious use of public funds, ensure public participation and involvement, and uphold public trust and support for the government.
She said the radio program would stimulate insightful conversations about budgeting and management practices.
“It is the right of every Filipino to know, learn, and understand the critical exercise of allocating and managing funds to attain the economic and social goals of the country. That’s why we have also given this radio program its fitting title – the Usapang Budget Natin. Ito ay dahil budget po natin ito (It is because it is the people's budget)," Pangandaman said.
"To inform the public is one thing, but to have them understand and digest information is another. That’s our goal in Usapang Budget Natin. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to the community to forge connections that will not only inform but also unite and empower our kababayans (countrymen). This is part of our Agenda for Prosperity.”
Established in 1936 by Executive Order 25, DBM’s fundamental role lies in developing and executing the National Budget. The department is dedicated to ensuring the principled and effective utilization of governmental resources, with the ultimate aim of realizing the country's developmental objectives.
Aportadera said the PBS-BBS, through its flagship station Radyo Pilipinas and its 28 stations from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, would ensure the proper dissemination of relevant news and information that will be discussed in the new radio show.
“This cooperation between the Department of Budget and Management and the Presidential Communications Office, together with its two attached agencies, is a significant step forward. The Filipino audience will now listen, learn, and understand how our President and the government are working for them through the ‘Usapang Budget Natin’ radio program,” he said.
Torres vowed that the PIA would provide technical assistance to ensure the success of the Usapang Budget Natin radio program, noting that its regional and provincial offices may give feedback which could be used as inputs to the discussion.
“It will provide space for the DBM to explain the complicated budget process, answer questions from the public, and share stories about how proper budget allocation, prioritization, and utilization are making a difference in the lives of our people. Indeed, stories can be powerful tools in nation-building,” he said. (PNA)
