• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer yesterday said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is committed to approve the proposed P5.4 billion budget of the provincial government for 2024 “on time”.
The Provincial Board will start the deliberations on next year’s budget this coming week.
Ferrer said that just like last year, they are expecting to approve the budget during the first week of December.
Heads of various Capitol departments and divisions are expected to defend their respective budget proposals before the finance committee chaired by First District Board Member Rommel Debulgado.
The proposed budget for next year increased by five percent compared to the amount in 2023.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the National Tax Allotment share of the province increased by six percent.
“This will mean more projects and programs for the people,” he added.
The NTA share of Negros Occidental was increased by the national government from the previous P4.6 billion to P4.9 billion this year.
Lacson also reported that income from local sources, such as local taxes and nontax revenues, registered an increase of P10 million, from P329 million to P339 million. | GB
