Supplemental budget in the works

CEBU, Philippines —  The first supplemental budget for the year, which will include aid for those affected by Typhoon Odette in December, is now in the works.

According to Councilor Raymond Garcia, chairperson of the committee on budget and finance, they have met with the members of the local finance committee for the desired Supplemental Budget No. 1 (SB 1).

He said among the major items under the extra budget will be the aid for those affected by the typhoon, as well as programs for the city’s COVID-19 response.

Garcia added that Mayor Michael Rama directed the local finance committee to find a source of funds for SB 1.

“Nakig-meet si Mayor Rama namo pag last week asking for sources of funds ug angay nga gastuonon. Usa sa dako nga item mao gyud ang itabang nato sa typhoon victims,” Garcia said.

It will be recalled that the city previously allocated P500 million for the relief of those affected by the typhoon, and an additional P500 million for other needs of the city's recovery after the typhoon.

There are plans to increase the budget allocated for these purposes since the city’s recovery efforts are still ongoing.

Garcia also vehemently denied criticisms to the end that the city’s funds are already exhausted.

He said the city has P18 billion currently deposited in the bank.

Garcia added that the Charter Day bonus for City Hall employees is also included in the proposed supplemental budget.

He said concerned officials have yet to meet with the Programs on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) committee to determine how much bonus will be given.

Nevertheless, he said it is possible that the bonus could be anywhere between P5,000 and P10,000, depending on the course of the PRAISE meeting and the budget.

Last Monday, during the flag raising ceremony at City Hall, Rama said that he will strive to have all Cebu City government employees receive the bonus in time for the 85th Charter Day on February 24, 2022.

Rama said he wants the usual bonus to continue because so that the workers will be “happy.” — KQD (FREEMAN)