• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Janice Degamo defended the proposed P43-billion allocation for multipurpose buildings under the 2027 national budget, citing the need for public facilities in remote communities.
In a statement released by the House of Representatives, Degamo said multipurpose buildings play a vital role in far-flung sitios where residents have limited access to government infrastructure.
She noted that in many communities, a single structure serves various functions because no other public facilities are available.
Degamo cited remote areas with populations ranging from 500 to more than 1,000 residents, where multipurpose buildings are used for a wide range of community activities and government services.
The lawmaker said policymakers should recognize the realities faced by residents in isolated areas, which differ from those in highly urbanized centers where infrastructure and basic services are readily accessible.
The House said the proposed funding would support facilities that may serve as evacuation centers, community halls, classrooms, and venues for health, livelihood, and other government programs.
Lawmakers maintained that the projects were based on requests from local communities and underwent consultations and screening, with allocations intended to address specific local needs, including disaster preparedness.
The proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, which has been approved by the House of Representatives, is now under review by the Senate before bicameral conference committee deliberations. | GPB
