The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 hosted a five-day Financial Planning for fiscal years 2013-2014, and Updating of the Personal Services Itemization and Plantilla of MGB from February 4-8, 2013 in Cebu City.

Attended by nearly 110 participants representing 15 MGB regional offices including regional directors and division chiefs of the administrative and finance in every region, the objectives included putting in the right and adequate budget for the priority programs of MGB such as geohazards mapping and assessment and identification of “minahang bayan”.

“This joint activity which is conducted annually provides an opportunity among regional offices of MGB to sharing successful strategies, present the positive points and things to be improved in implementing the various projects and programs,” said MGB 7 Regional Director Loreto B. Alburo in an opening statement.

He added that every centavo should go to the projects that would have an impact to the communities like the geohazards mapping as it determines the level of vulnerability to flooding and landslides.

The flagship programs are geohazard assessment and mapping for land and coastal areas, groundwater resources assessment, national greening program, mining industry development program for responsible mining, national mineral reservation and mine rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo said the planning workshop is intended to discuss and present fiscal policy and management with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) officials.

“It must be emphasized here that sound fiscal management must be exercised at all times consistent with the good governance and transparency initiatives as espoused by DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje,” Alburo added.