There are statutory rules and regulations governing the handling and control of public funds to maximize their effective use for intended public services. The custody and disbursements of these funds require a thorough understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the designated Special Disbursing Officers (SDOs).

Thirty (30) personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assigned and/or identified to assume the duties and responsibilities as Special Disbursing Officers in the Home Office and at Foreign Service Post completed the Seminar for Special Disbursing Officers. Aside from participants from the Home Office, participants from the following Consular Offices (COs) also participated in the Seminar: Antipolo, Bacolod, Butuan, Calasiao, General Santos, La Union, Pampanga, Santiago, San Pablo, Tacloban, Tagum, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga.

The Functional and Transition Programs Section of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) conducted the Seminar from 26 to 27 November 2020 through synchronous sessions via Google Meet. The Seminar was designed to address the need of the Department’s SDOs for capacity building and skills enhancement in managing government funds consistent with statutory requirements.

As the government agency primarily responsible for managing the country’s foreign affairs, the DFA needs a highly capable team of officers and staff who can efficiently handle and control public funds to optimize the management of the Department’s resources for its effective and efficient operation.

The Department has a number of non-OFMS personnel designated as SDOs. Their knowledge of the rules and regulations on the disbursement of funds in their custody is therefore important for them to effectively carry out their functions.