The proposed P5.1 billion budget of the provincial government of Negros Occidental for 2023 was justified after weeklong deliberations by the Committee on Finance and Appropriations, which ended Nov. 24, its chairman, Board Member Romel Debulgado, said yesterday, Nov. 25.
Debulgado said he will present the proposed budget to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental on Dec. 6, and he expects it to be approved on second and final reading.
With its expected passage by the SP, it can be used starting January next year, he added.
Compared to the 2022 budget, the proposed 2023 allotment is lower by 12.87 percent, or equivalent to P766 million, due to reduction in the province’s National Tax Allotment share.
The proposed General Fund Budget is P4,952,981,428, while the amount earmarked for the Economic Enterprise Development Department reaches P190,379,525.
Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, who is the SP presiding officer, earlier said the focus of the proposed budget will be food security and health services, including requests from local government units./GB
