BUDGET authorities have allocated a total of P1.055 billion to promote green open spaces within local government units (LGUs).

In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said that 80 LGUs nationwide — 38 cities and municipalities in Luzon, 21 in Visayas and 21 in Mindanao —would benefit from the fund.

"This funding is designated for the construction, rehabilitation, repair or improvement of green open spaces, including public and municipal parks and plazas," she added.

The budget chief said that the program was also designed to facilitate related infrastructure projects such as bicycle lanes, bike racks, elevated or at-grade pedestrian footpaths, walkways, sports facilities and recreational trails.

In accordance with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) guidelines, all projects funded by the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)-Green Green Green Program must strictly adhere to acceptable design concepts, environmental principles and safety requirements.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is assigned to monitor and evaluate how local governments implement these projects.

Pangandaman said that the DBM would provide the DILG with a list of projects funded by the LGSF-Green Green Green Program for better facilitation by the LGUs.

The LGSF-Green Green Green Program supports local governments in promoting green open spaces and active mobility infrastructure. It aims to create greener and well-connected public spaces, encouraging an active lifestyle and improving community wellness.

"With the launch of the Green Green Green Program ... we are able to take a huge step toward fulfilling the President's goal of a Bagong Pilipinas, where every Filipino is committed to the improvement of life in the community, involved in contributing to the maintenance of a healthy ecology and devoted in providing secure environments that will benefit future generations," Pangandaman said.