Manila, July 16 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) underscored the importance of sustained engagement with civil society in crafting more responsive fiscal policies, as government and non-government stakeholders convened to discuss the country's medium-term economic outlook and budget priorities.

Speaking during the "Fiscal Priorities and Economic Dialogue: A DBCC-Civil Society Outlook" at the DBM Central Office on Wednesday, Acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said meaningful reforms require continuous consultation and collaboration between the government and the public.

"At the Department of Budget and Management, we believe that listening is also public service," De Leon said, as quoted in a DBM statement on Thu...