City parks commission pushes P72.2M budget

CEBU, Philippines - At least P72.2 million was the proposed budget of Cebu City Parks and Playground Commission for 2015, which is six times higher compared to its current budget.

In 2014, CCPPC was allocated P10, 461, 458 budget for the operational, maintenance, construction, and other expenses. For next year, the commission has proposed P72, 224, 938 budget because of the major constructions that were not given allocations this year.

Some of these projects are the construction of the commission’s field office; motor vehicle outlay; construction of parks/playground on existing Cebu City open spaces; construction of parks and playground; construction of water reservoir; construction and development and greening of sidewalk and open spaces; and the construction of steel fence in the center island.

The maintenance of the plazas, parks, and monuments was also given P1 million appropriation for next year, in time for the preparation of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit next year and the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in 2016.

The total operating expenses appropriated by the commission is pegged at P10, 864, 938, which included the salaries, wages, cash gifts, contributions, and bonuses of the casual and regular employees.

The proposed budget has already been submitted to the City Council for approval. — Jean Marvette A. Demecillo/FPL (FREEMAN)