P5.3M SB budget okayed; outgoing members honored

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board has approved the P5.3-million Supplemental Budget (SB-4) to fund the province’s development projects and activities this year.

The additional budget, which was lobbied by outgoing Board Member and chairman of the committee on budget and appropriations Grecilda Sanchez-Zaballero, was passed Monday during PB’s last regular session.

Of the total amount, P1.55 million goes to the newly-created Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office and P2.75 million for the purchase of meat vans in support to the agricultural, fishery and forestry equipment.

Provincial Budget Officer Danilo Rodas said the Capitol will purchase 10 meat vans to be distributed to 10 local government units in the province. Each van costs P275,000.

The P1.55 million for CPADAO is set aside for the salaries and allowances of its employees. For its drug-related operations, Rodas said the budget will be temporarily obtained from the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Commission.

But he said they will allocate separate funding for the CPADAO’s operations in the 2017 annual budget.

The remaining amount has been earmarked for the salaries and benefits of two provincial lawyers (P855,000) and for the purchase of audio amplifier/recorder mace for the Office of the Vice Governor (P125,000).

The budget of the SB-4 was sourced from the savings in 2016 (personal services-vacant positions) and in 2015 (Capital Outlay-Continuing appropriations) amounting to P2.532 million; and realignment of budget from food production, livelihood, entrepreneurship and other related support program to motor vehicle account amounting to P2.75 million.

Recognition

Meanwhile, nine outgoing members of the Cebu Provincial Board were honored Monday in the last regular session of the 13th Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Outgoing Board Members Julian Daan and Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba (1st district), Peter John Calderon (2nd district), Sanchez-Zaballero (3rd district), Joven Mondigo (4th district), Arleigh Sitoy and the late Thadeo Ouano (6th district), Meca (President of the Philippine Councilors League-Cebu Province Chapter), and Aladin Williame Caminero (former SK Cebu Federation president) received a plaque of recognition.

Ouano’s plaque was received by his son Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano who was elected as Sixth District board member. Caminero, on the other hand, failed to attend the session.

Each of the outgoing members gave their farewell speech yesterday. An audio-visual presentation of their legislative journey was also showcased that drew laughter and tears from the people attending the session.

 Sanchez-Zaballero asked the incoming 14th Sangguniang Panlalawigan to support the proposed Trans-Axial Development Highway project, which was first proposed by her late father Cebu vice governor Gregorio Sanchez.

She said it doesn’t matter who will take credit for it as long as it will be realized.

“…this highway will be surely be benefited by our people more than the name that brings along with it,” she said.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale also delivered her speech, thanking the board members for their hard work and dedication.

“We came from and belonged to different political fences. But even our party affiliations did not sway us from working together. We crossed party lines and let public interest prevail over and above partisanship…” she said. (FREEMAN)