ILOILO – The Sanggunuiang Panlalawigan (SP) is on track to approve the proposed P5.132-billion executive budget of the provincial government for 2024 by the end of this year.
Having already cleared the first reading, the budget is poised for a second reading during the SP’s regular session today.
Vice Gov. Christine Garin, the SP presiding officer, expressed a commitment to the timeline, stating, “We are focused on passing the budget by Dec. 12. We have a two-week window to ensure its approval before the onset of 2024.”
The SP’s schedule initially marked Dec. 12 as its final regular session for the year. However, the delay in approving the 2024 budget and the pending submission of the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) Incentive budget by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. for provincial capitol employees necessitate additional meetings.
Garin is optimistic about holding another session, noting, “Our initial plan was to conclude SP sessions by Dec. 12. Yet, given the pending issues, including the much-awaited CNA incentive, we’re prepared to extend our sessions to accommodate these crucial matters. This extension is especially important as our employees look forward to these incentives for their Christmas and New Year preparations.”
Governor Defensor submitted the proposed executive budget for 2024 to the SP on Oct. 16, marking a P19-million increase over the current year’s budget.
This budget primarily focuses on development initiatives, with significant investments in connectivity, tourism, water supply, the Provincial-led Agricultural and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES), and renewable energy.
The executive budget for 2024 comprises a P4.174-billion General Fund and a P957-million allocation for Local Economic Enterprises.
The General Fund’s P4.174-billion allocation includes:
* Current Operating Expenditures
* Personal Services at P1.145 billion
* Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses at P1.498 billion
* Capital Outlay of P5 million
* Special Purpose Appropriations of P1.527 billion
The proposed P957 million for Local Economic Enterprises will fund the salaries of health workers and staff across 12 district hospitals and the Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan town.
Underlining the budget’s importance, Defensor said, “This budget is vital for our key sectors, especially agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy, along with our water system program that supports our zero open defecation campaign.”
On the other hand, the 2023 budget was allocated as follows:
* Personal Services: P1.130 billion
* Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses: P1.482 billion
* Capital Outlay: P81 million
* Special Purpose Appropriation: P1.490 billion/PN
