Garcia proposes P2.6 billion budget for 2010

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is proposing a P2.6 billion budget for next year, which is P300 million more from this year’s allocation.

The governor submitted to the office of provincial secretary Anecita Pasaylo last October 15 the proposed annual budget of P2,621,836,000 for the provincial board’s deliberation. The province has allocated P2.319 billion as its budget for this year.

Of the proposed amount for 2010 budget, P881,729,000 will go to the General Public Services, while P663, 157,000 will be allocated for the Capitol’s economic services. The social services will the biggest share of P1,076, 950,00, representing about 40 percent of the proposed budget.

In a letter attached to her proposal, Garcia said that the “projected funds and resources are being considered in the utilization for programs, projects and activities and for other purpose, not contrary to law, with the end view of promoting the general welfare of our Cebuano people.”

The governor explained to the PB members that the province has a “relative autonomy from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share, contributing only 56 percent of the required funding sources.” Unlike other local government units, she said the province of Cebu does not depend on its IRA.

“This, likewise, affirms this administration’s philosophy in achieving total fiscal independence by continuing or engaging in economic enterprises to widen income base,” she added.

Garcia further said that Cebu’s Personal Services appropriations remain low at 25 percent, far below than the prescribed 45 percent limitation.

The proposed budget will be discussed in Monday’s regular session of the Provincial Board. It was supposed to be tackled during last week’s session but was postponed next week due to PB’s lack of quorum. — Liv G. Campo/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)