With the deadline fast approaching for the submission of the 2024 Annual Provincial Performance Reports (APPRs), the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) has mobilized officers to assist provinces that are behind in their reporting responsibilities. As part of this initiative, DPLGA Technical Officer Anton Make is currently in Wabag, providing week-long technical assistance to the Enga Provincial Administration. His mission includes delivering refresher trainings, conducting induction sessions, and facilitating one-on-one consultations with key public servants to enhance their capacity in compiling and submitting the APPRs, as mandated under Section 119 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local-Level Government. DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo explained that the effort goes beyond meeting compliance requirements. The primary goal is to strengthen the quality, accuracy, and integrity of provincial service delivery data and ensure provinces fulfil their statutory obligations. “This engagement is about more than compliance. It’s about equipping provincial administrations and sector officers with the skills and tools necessary to produce accurate, timely, and meaningful reports that will inform better decision-making and public service outcomes,” Mr. Leo said. The DPLGA team is working closely with officials from the governance sector, particularly staff from the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Office and the Office of the Deputy Provincial Administrator – Corporate Services. These consultations aim to validate sector performance data for the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years, which will be used to complete the Section 119 reporting templates. Refresher trainings commenced on Monday, focusing on the reporting process, performance indicators, and technical use of standardized templates. Special emphasis is being placed on helping the Enga Provincial Administration finalize its outstanding reports for both 2023 and 2024. “Our goal is to build internal capacity, improve data accuracy, and ensure that the reports meet all legislative requirements under the Organic Law,” Secretary Leo stressed. In a recent parliamentary session, the Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Soroi Eoe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with all provinces to improve national reporting standards. He stressed the importance of reliable provincial performance data in shaping national planning and policy. Meanwhile, Secretary Leo has issued a strong reminder to all provinces yet to submit their 2024 APPRs, urging them to complete their reports by the end of this month. “Timely and accurate reporting is not just a legal requirement — it’s a governance imperative,” he said, adding that Section 119 reports are critical for monitoring service delivery and holding all levels of government accountable. To date, only four provinces have submitted their 2024 reports. The DPLGA remains committed to providing technical support to all provinces to ensure compliance with reporting obligations and to enhance public sector performance for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.