Abstract
This study aimed to determine the level of awareness and extent of participation of Barangay Development Council (BDC) members in the budget process that may serve as a basis for intervention. The research employed a descriptive design and was conducted in the Municipality of Candoni, Negros Occidental for the fiscal year 2023. The study's participants comprised 122 BDC members from nine barangays. Data were collected using a researcher-made survey questionnaire, which underwent validity and reliability tests. The study focused on three critical areas of the barangay budget process: budget preparation, budget authorization, and budget accountability. Results indicated that BDC members had a very high level of awareness and always as to extent of participation in the barangay budget process. Awareness and participation levels were consistent across demographic variables such as level of education, position, and age. On the other hand, the study revealed that the length of service has a highly significant influence on the extent of participation of the respondents in the barangay budget process. In conclusion, the BDC members have a good grasp of the different processes involved in the barangay budget process. The study recommends continuous education and training programs to maintain and enhance awareness and participation levels, ensuring that budget processes are inclusive and reflective of community needs. Future research could expand on these findings by including additional areas of the budget process and extending the geographic scope.
