PB okays committee report on 2025 budget

CEBU, Philippines — Capitol’s proposed P25 billion annual budget for 2025 is now a step closer to being approved after the Provincial Board approved on Monday the report of the committee on budget and appropriations.

PB Member Glenn Anthony Soco, committee chairman, presented his report following the budget hearing last week. Budget officer Danilo Rodas together with PB Members Raymond Calderon, Mike Villamor, and Cesar Baricuatro presented the proposed annual budget before the body. Capitol department heads were also present.

Following the approval of the committee report, the board will already start the deliberation. The proposed budget is now up for second and third reading. A huge chunk of the proposed annual budget, P14 billion, has been earmarked for development projects of the provincial government.

These include the P3.8-billion allocation for health and medical services in Capitol-run hospitals; P3.5 billion for the continuous road and bridge infrastructure development and solar street lighting projects; P3.3 billion for the bulk water system program in the initial 25 local government units.

Power generation and electrification program was allocated P1 billion following Capitol’s takeover of the power supply in Malapascua Island.

A P1.2 billion budget was also earmarked for the construction, improvement, and furnishing of Capitol buildings and other structure programs; P400 million was allocated for the agricultural, veterinary, and environmental facilities; P350 million for the airport, seaport, reclamation, and other site development program; P200 million for the construction of drainage systems, slope protection, and flood control structures; P150 million for the development and restoration of cultural heritage buildings, museums and other community sites; and P100 million for the acquisition of government vehicles like ambulances and emergency response units.

For countryside development and food sufficiency programs, the Capitol has proposed P100 million each for the Sugbo Negosyo, Sugbusog, Sugbo Kahanas, and Sugbo Merkado programs. — (FREEMAN)