Capitol’s eyes P460M AIP

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is proposing P460 million worth of projects under the annual investment plan (AIP) for inclusion in next year’s annual budget.

Provincial Budget Officer Danilo Rodas, however, said the amount is not yet final as it is still subject for approval by the Provincial Development Council, which is set to convene on Monday.

He said the proposed AIP is 20 percent of the Capitol’s Internal Revenue Allotment share of P2.3 billion for 2015 and can still be increased, upon the discretion of the governor.

 “Minimum man ni siya. Discretion na ni gov kung mo-push through pa sa mas dako or mo-maintain sa minimum,” he told reporters.

Formulation of the AIP is mandated under Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991), which sets that at least 20 percent of a local government unit’s IRA share should be set aside for it.

The AIP, which is a listing of projects identified by the PDC, a body whose composition includes non-government and people’s organizations, reflects the priorities of an administration.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer-in-charge Benigno Cris Lucero, who also serves as PDC secretary, said the breakdown of the AIP could not be released pending its presentation to the PDC.

After PDC adopts the AIP, it would then be deliberated upon and approved by the Provincial Board. The PB also decides how much of the AIP gets funding in the next annual budget

The proposed AIP is higher than this year’s P407 million as Cebu Province’s IRA for 2015 is higher than this year’s P2.022 billion.

Economic services got the lion’s share in this year’s AIP with P277.66 million. Of the amount, P113 million was set aside for the farm-to-market roads and construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, highways and includes P10 million for the planning and pre-implementation of the Trans-axial Highway Project.

The AIP also includes P26 million for food production, livelihood, and entrepreneurship support program. (FREEMAN)