Ateneo Policy Center launches book on Budget Reform in the Philippines
18 Mar 2019
The Ateneo School of Government through the Policy Center in partnership with The Asia Foundation launched the book titled “Budget Reform in the Philippines: Making the Budget a Tool for National Transformation” last March 14, 2019 in Pacifico Ortiz Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.
The book provides an analysis of the dynamics of Aquino-era budget reform and aims to contribute insights into executive-legislative relations, the challenge of bureaucratic reform, and participatory local governance in the Philippines.
The launch featured four of the authors of the book, namely Dr. Ronald U. Mendoza of ASOG, independent scholar Mr. David G. Timberman, former DBM Secretary Butch Abad, and Dr. Toby Monsod of UP School of Economics.
Two reactors from different sectors shared their views about the book and commended it for its comprehensive discussion on the issues surrounding public financial management in the country.
Mr. Lewis Hawke of the World Bank emphasized importance of a vibrant civil society in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
Meanwhile, Ms. Tanya Hamada of the Institute for Leadership, Empowerment, and Democracy (iLead) highlighted the crucial role of the Senate as the battleground for institutionalizing governance reforms in the country.
Representatives from the government, civil society, academe, and media attended the launch and interacted with the authors during the open forum.
Budget Reform in the Philippines is available in selected National Bookstores at PhP 695 each.