The Office of Project Development Services (OPDS), in partnership with DILG MIMAROPA, successfully held its 4th Quarter Policy Dialogue with the theme “Celebrating Achievements. Thriving with Resilience,” at the Manila Prince Hotel, Ermita, Manila from December 4 to 6.

The event was attended by key officials, including Assistant Secretary for Administration, Finance, and Comptrollership Ester Aldana, CESO II, Assistant Secretary for Human Resource Development Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO III, OPDS Director Alfonso Maralli, Jr., CESO IV, Financial and Management Service Director Sara Jane Cerezo, OPDS Assistant Director Rene Valera, Regional Directors, Assistant Regional Directors, PDMU Chiefs, Planning Officers, Budget Officers, Accountants and other functionaries.

In his welcoming remarks, Regional Director Karl Caesar Rimando, CESO III, highlighted the importance of the dialogue in improving the quality of work and addressing ongoing challenges. He emphasized that collaboration and open discussions would help the department achieve greater success in the future.

“This gathering represents an opportunity for us to learn from one another, share best practices, and identify concrete actions that will further elevate the work we do. It is through open dialogue, collaboration, and a shared commitment to our respective mandates that we can achieve even greater success in the coming years,” said Director Rimando.

The dialogue featured several presentations, including a study by Dr. Maria Catalina Cabral, DPWH Undersecretary for Planning and Public-Private Partnership Services. Her research focused on the effects of the Mandanas-Garcia ruling on public works planning, with a special case study on Pampanga and Biliran provinces.

Representatives from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shared updates on their latest issuances, while DMO IV John Paul Padonia reviewed highlights from previous policy dialogues. BPDU Head LGOO VI Paul Irineo Montano also discussed feedback on the proposed creation of the PDMD.

Assistant Secretaries Aldana and Cabrido-Leysa presented updates on financial matters and human resource development, while LGOO V Russel Adalla of PMED shared recommendations from the PRIME Results and M&E Policy. OPDS-OD Project Manager I Likha Lakan Delos Reyes followed with a presentation on the results of the Pilot Third-Party Monitoring of LGSF Projects.

Meanwhile, Director Maralli discussed the findings from the PDMU Operations Audit and Fiduciary Review, as well as key initiatives and plans for FY 2025.