The Naga City People’s Council organized a two-day workshop titled “Budget Natin: Capacitating Sectors for Effective Local Planning and Budgeting Engagement.” Held on February 24-25, 2024, at the Flamingo Hostel, the workshop was conducted in partnership with WeSolve Foundation and the Movement for Good Governance, with support from the City Government of Naga.

The workshop’s discussions revolved around the challenges and expectations of each sector, including the Youth, PWD, Children, BPC, NGO, Senior Citizen, and Farmers Sectors. Participants shared valuable insights and strategies to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for collaborative governance and community participation.

The said workshop aimed to empower sectors to actively engage in the budget planning process, ensuring that budget allocations align with community needs and priorities. Discussions focused on aligning sectoral proposals with the Social Development Plan, improving access to specialized services, and enhancing income security by presenting targets in terms of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also addressed the lack of awareness among citizens regarding budgeting processes and the need for clearer communication between sectors and offices. Participants highlighted the importance of follow-up actions and the prioritization of proposals with justifications to ensure thorough consideration.

The Budget Natin workshop not only focused on enhancing sectoral engagement but also emphasized the importance of community participation in the budgeting process. One of the key takeaways from the workshop was the importance of data-driven decision-making in budget planning. Participants stressed the need for accurate and up-to-date data to effectively assess sectoral needs and allocate resources accordingly. They also emphasized the need for greater transparency in the budgeting process, including public consultations and regular updates on budget implementation.

The workshop concluded with sectors presenting their challenges, 3-year plan visions, and proposed improvements for the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). This session aimed to align sectoral goals with the city’s development objectives and enhance the CDP for more effective and inclusive development. Participants shared insights and strategies to address sector-specific challenges, such as inadequate budget allocations and lack of coordination and proposed innovative solutions. They also outlined a 3-year plan to implement these solutions and achieve their vision for their sectors. This exercise demonstrated the commitment of participants to drive positive change and contribute to the overall prosperity of the sectors in Naga City.