Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson submitted the P5.7 billion Negros Occidental proposed budget for 2022 to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for review on Wednesday, October 13.
He said while there is a dramatic increase in the province’s share of the National Tax Allotment, formerly the Internal Revenue Allotment, caused by the Supreme Court ruling on the Mandanas-Garcia case, it is still an uphill climb with the continuing battle against COVID-19.
The health crisis has shifted priorities and spending policies, he said.
“Our foremost goal is to get back on track at the soonest possible time, he said.
He said among the continuing priorities of the provincial government are the Provincial Integrated Safe Water Program, the One Hospital Command System, the Center for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City, the Capitol Cab Service, support to the Valladolid District Hospital and Cadiz District Hospital as COVID-19 centers , molecular laboratories, healing centers, other hospitals and COVID-related expenses.
The P5,719,337,346 budget will be sourced from local revenues totaling P329,000,000 and the National Tax Allotment of P5,390,337,346.
He said personal services will be allotted P1.7 billion, Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses – P1.8 billion, capital outlay – P12 million and Special Purpose Appropriations – P2.1 billion.
The governor said the allocation of P1.7 billion for personal services will cover the proposed creation of the Provincial Information Division under the Office of the Governor and various positions in different offices.*
