ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has proposed a P5,132,534,481 executive budget for 2024, higher by P19 million than this year’s budget.
He submitted the proposal to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Oct. 16.
The bulk of the budget is directed towards development programs, focusing primarily on connectivity, tourism, water supply, Provincial-led Agricultural and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES), and renewable energy, among others.
“I would like to submit the Executive Budget CY 2024 consisting of the General Fund in the amount of P4,174,923,572 and P957,610,909 for the Local Economic Enterprises,” read part of Defensor’s letter to the SP.
Here’s the breakdown of the General Fund worth P4.174 billion:
* Current Operating Expenditures
* Personal Services – P1,144,766,540
* Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses – P1,498,199,069
* Capital Outlay – P5,000,000
* Special Purpose Appropriations – P1,526,957,536
The P957,610,909 proposed budget for Local Economic Enterprises is allotted for the salaries of health workers and personnel of the 12 district hospitals and the Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan town.
“It’s crucial that we have a budget for the programs we are pushing, especially in agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy. It’s also important that we be aggressive in our water system program because it’s part of our zero open defecation campaign,” added Defensor.
In 2023, the SP unanimously approved a General Fund of P4,182,735,093 and over P900 million for the local economic enterprise.
The 2023 annual budget breakdown included:
* personal services – P1,129,714,114
* maintenance and other operating expenses – P1,481,965,199
* capital outlay – P81,000,000
* special purpose appropriation – P1,490,055,780
Defensor said he designed the P4.182-billion 2023 budget around the provincial government’s objective for the next three years, aiming to achieve his development roadmap called “MoReProGRes” – Movement for Resurgent, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient Iloilo.
“MoReProGRes” has these specific goals:
* increasing investments and employment opportunities
* achieving food security
* providing accessible health and social services
* promoting public safety
* protecting and managing the resources and assets of the province
* offering effective, efficient, and transparent government administrative service/PN
