BONTOC, Mountain Province—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has approved a budget of over P722 million as well as the Annual Investment Plan that lists this province’s priority projects.
Vice Gov. Francis O. Tauli, who presides over the provincial board, says the SP has already submitted its Appropriation Ordinance No. 2016-42 to the Department of Budget and Management for review.
The approved budget—P722,696,149 to be exact—is 15 percent higher than the 2016 budget of over P610 million.
Mountain Province expects to spend over P354.5 million in personal services, P186.8 million in maintenance and operating expenses, and P181.2 million in capital outlays, which includes its development and reserved funds, Tauli said.
About P653.2 million of the budget is expected to come from the province’s Internal Revenue Allotment, and P69.3 million would be derived from local taxes, regulatory fees and charges.
Mountain Province’s ITA dependence is still high owing to its low tax base, Provincial Treasurer Cawed A. Gamonnac explained.
The budget for next year is programmed for the provincial government’s 29 departments, four hospitals, various developmental projects, disaster risk reduction management office, and the social, health, education and environmental services departments. It also includes funding for provincial special bodies and subsidies or aid to barangays and peoples’ organizations.
Among the development projects identified under the AIP are the construction of a parking space at the provincial plaza to help minimize traffic congestion around Bontoc, and the restoration of the demolished part of the provincial capitol.
Lump-sum appropriations to apply the second tranche salary adjustment and the 14th month pay of provincial employees are also included in the annual budget.
Tauli said the provincial board and the treasurer’s office ensured that the needs of the community, especially at the barangay level, are addressed in the budget.
Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr. said the delivery of quality service to the public will not be sacrificed despite the meager resources and the austerity measures adopted by the provincial government.