The DILG R3 initiated an RPRAT Consultation Meeting cum CSO Tarlac Provincial forum last May 5, 2015. The activity addressed the issues that hinder the expeditious implementation of BuB Projects.

CDD Chief, Martin Porres B. Moral, presented updates on the status of the BUB Projects as of April 30, 2015 along with some important reminders in order to maintain transparency on project implementation and fund utilization.

CDD Chief Moral updated the Tarlac LGUs with the status of BUB projects on Central Luzon. The CDD Chief has commended DAR, DOE and NEA for accomplishing 100% completion of FY 2014 BUB Projects as of April 30, 2015 and encouraged the other NGAs to meet the target. He also reminded the Local Poverty Reduction Action Teams (LPRATs) about the submission of articles for the BuB Quarterly publication "From the Grassroots Newsletter", conduct of LPRAT Quarterly meetings, Posting of BuB List of Projects for FY 2014 and 2015 and the conduct of CSO Provincial Forums and Townhall Meetings between LPRATs and RPRATs.

Another highlight of the activity is the awarding of BUB checks led by the DILG – III Regional Director Florida M. Dijan witnessed by Congressman Kit Cojuanco and Tarlac Vice Governor Enrique D. Cojuanco jr and other department heads who are present in the meeting. LGUs who were deemed qualified for check awarding happily accepted the allotted funds for their Pipelined BuB Projects to be put into realization.

The activity also became an avenue for Civil Society empowerment. Led by the DILG BuB Regional Coordinator Avelino Aparente and Tarlac Community Mobilizer Moises Cipriano, CSO representatives were able to conduct a forum where they were able to freely express their queries and ideas.

Gracing the meeting was Tarlac Governor Victor A. Yap who generously offered his time in order to give further motivation to the LGUs to be even more compliant for smoother processing of documentary requirements and faster implementation of projects.

Optimum coordination between the RC, CMs, CSO, MLGOOs, and MPDOs is imperative in order to fast track the implementation of the projects. Active participation of the grassroots is vital in order for these poverty reduction actions to be true to their purpose. Most importantly, the grassroots should be constantly empowered and motivated to participate as they are the ones who can most accurately determine the needs of their community. These are the very purpose of the initiation of this meeting. The DILG, together with the rest of the RPRAT and other oversight agencies continues to secure the promptness of the implementation of these projects and make sure that these projects remain true to their cause.