P462 million investment plan gets PDC nod

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu Provincial Development Council yesterday approved the P462.6-million Annual Investment Plan (AIP) proposed for 2015, with more than half of the amount for infrastructure projects.

The amount is P55.6 million more than last year’s approved AIP of P407 million.

According to the AIP, which reflects the what projects were prioritized for funding, showed sectoral service development projects for 2015, repair and construction of roads, bridges and other structures have an allocation of P246 million.

Of the amount, P86 million would go to the construction and repair of structures while P50 million was for farm-to-market roads. The remaining P110 million would be for loan payment.

In an interview, Governor Hilario Davide III said they intend to pay the loan for the heavy equipment.

“I have to take this up with the provincial board. Amo lang na gibutang diha kay plano paman, mahimo dayunon, mahimo dili dayonon,” he said.

Further, the allocation for subsidy to local government units on investment for capital expenditure projects has the second biggest allocation with P116.5 million.

Out of the said amount, the budget for the governor has the highest share with P75 million, while the vice governor has P7 million and the PPN members with P34.5 million.

The P75 million budget of the governor for 2015 is higher than this year’s P65 million.  Davide explained that the budget increased because the Province’s Internal Revenue Allotment also increased this year.

Based on Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) at least 20 percent of an LGU’s IRA share should be set aside for the AIP.

The Capitol’s projected IRA share for 2015 is P2.3 billion, which Php278 million more than this years’ P2.022 billion.

Davide, however, is authorized to augment or realign funds based on the resolution approving the AIP.

“Depende because the Vice Governor’s office and the Board members may have other programs that needs funding,” Davide said.

The governor also added that funding would be limited to the assistance to LGUs or institutions on investment activities.

“Please realize also na daghan kaayo mangayo sa governor in terms of projects,” he said.

Also included in the AIP is P37.61 million for livelihood, entrepreneurship support program; P33.8 million for hospitals, birthing centers and animal health facilities; P12.68 million for the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of buildings and other structures like the Cebu South Bus Terminal; provincial facilities, livestock farms and livestock and poultry markets; and P5 million environmental enhancement, resource protection and solid waste management programs.

A budget of P5 million was also allocated for water supply development program while P2 million was set aside for manpower development.

Another P2 million was intended for electrification, renewable energy development and street lighting program and still another P2 million for ecotourism and resort development and resort development programs.

The approved AIP is still to be deliberated upon and approved by the Provincial Board. —/RHM (FREEMAN)