Lapu-Lapu proposes P1 billion budget for 2011

CEBU, Philippines – Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza has sent a proposed P1 billion budget for 2011 to the city council for approval, the first billion-peso budget the city has submitted for consideration.

The budget is composed of the expenditures program and sources of financing amounting to P1,012,414,380,163 or 19 percent higher than the 2010 annual budget which totaled P904.47 million.

Of the budget, P48 million will go to operations of hospital and P10 million to operation of market and slaughterhouse.

Radaza said a big part of the budget will finance the implementation of priority programs and projects of her administration which include the improvement of the education system as well as youth development, enhanced overall wellbeing of every resident, hospital and health care, and strengthening of investor confidence through peace and order.

She also envisions an efficient delivery of the city's basic services as well as business transaction activities in the One Stop Shop, infrastructure development such as the implementation of a comprehensive drainage system, expansion of road networks, construction of the city college building, sports complex, and the Mactan North Reclamation and Development Project.

The administration of Mayor Radaza also wants an advocacy humane-driven governance which addresses benefits for both public and private employees.

She said the proposed 2011 Annual Budget has been put together in view of the aforementioned spectrum of Priority Program and following an exhaustive consultation with various heads of office and department heads.

"We seek to move bolder decision and action as we aspire to live up the image of Lapu-Lapu City as an island paradise," Radaza said.

Mayor Radaza said the 2011 annual budget will fund the projects of the previous administration for continuity, and will likewise finance new endeavors and activities of her administration.

"We have crafted this executive budget with an underlying principle of ensuring sustainable revenues while attaining a higher tax effort," she said. (FREEMAN)