ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has submitted a proposed executive budget for 2025 amounting to P5,974,689,943 to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
The proposed budget is divided into two major allocations: P4,849,438,886 is earmarked for the General Fund; and P1,125,251,057 for Local Economic Enterprise (for the maintenance and operation of 12 district hospitals, including the Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan).
The General Fund includes Personal Services, Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses; Special Purpose Appropriation (which in turn includes 20 percent of the National Tax Allocation, Development Fund, 5 percent for the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, Aid to Barangays, Terminal Leave Pay, Aid to the Commission on Elections, and Advances to Local Economic Enterprises).
The 2025 budget proposal represents an increase of P842,155,889 over the 2024 approved budget, which was set at P5,132,534,054.
This increase follows the 20 percent share from the National Tax Allocation and the annual rise in the province’s income.
Governor Defensor described the 2025 budget as “developmental”, focusing on enhancing the province through infrastructure and other development projects.
“We are trying to be aggressive in funding our local road networks and the basics such as road connectivity, water, electricity, power, and internet connectivity, with a particular focus on road connectivity and power along our roads,” Defensor said.
He expressed hope that the 14th SP will approve the proposed budget before the end of the year. Last year, the 2024 budget was passed on December 19 through the Appropriation Ordinance No. 2023-02, titled “An Ordinance Authorizing the Annual Budget of the Iloilo Provincial Government for Calendar Year 2024.”/PN
