MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Tuesday signed Republic Act 10651 or the P2.606-trillion national budget for 2015.
In his speech after signing the resolution, Aquino stressed that this is the fifth time that the national budget was passed on time.
"Makasaysayan po ang araw na ito. Sa ikalimang pagkakataon naipasa natin sa tamang oras ang budget para sa susunod na taon. Ibig sabihin sa bawat taon ng ating paninilbihan ginawa natin ang ating tungkulin," Aquino said.
Aquino highlighted the “Bottom-up Budgeting Program” which allows the local government units’ involvement in the budgeting process. The President noted that 1,590 municipalities are included in the program.
"Ngayon kung ano ang kailangan ng komunidad sila mismo ang magsasabi. Sila mismo ang magdidisenyo ng inisyatiba para dito at siya naman din pong pinaglalaanan ng pondo ng ating pamahalaan," Aquino said.
The President added that the national budget is not just a collection of numbers because it also indicates a clear target.
Aquino cited the Department of Public Works and Highways which aims to concretize all national roads by 2016.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development, on the other hand, seeks to support 4.3 million families through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
The President also mentioned the Department of Tourism's goal to increase the number of international tourist arrivals by 20 percent.
"Sa ganitong sistema na tinatawag nating Performance Informed Budgeting may batayan tayo kung natutupad ng mga ahensya ang kanilang mga ipinangako. Nakita natin kung saan napupunta ang kaban ng bayan," Aquino explained.
The signing of the national budget came barely two weeks after Congress approved it last December 10.
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