The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental approved on first reading Tuesday the P4.4 billion budget proposed by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson for 2021.
The proposed P4,471,695,065 budget is seven percent higher or, P267 million more than the current year’s GAA.
In his letter to the Sanggunian, Lacson explained that the formulation of the 2021 budget was anchored on the province’s priorities that shifted to more pressing concerns in the face of decline in business activities and in ensuring public health and safety.
Reflective of this is the proposed P128 million allocation for the Economic Enterprise Development Department, Lacson added.
Personal services actually got the lion’s share with P1.64 billion; special purpose appropriations, P1.44 billion; maintenance and other operating expenses, P1.37 billion; and, capital outlay, P12 million.
Lacson claimed that the coronavirus disease led to local economic losses of P9.57 billion.
For the province to recover, Lacson said that major projects and programs under his “Abanse Negrense”should be responsive, proactive and efficient to meet the needs of Negrenses.
Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer assured Lacson that the Sanggunian will approve the proposed budget by November.
The SP Committee on Finance chaired by Board Member Rogelio Debulgado has already started the marathon hearing of the proposed budget. GPB
