More pro-poor programs under new budget
BACOLOD CITY -- Mayor Evelio Leonardia confirmed recently that under the proposed P1.1 billion budget next year, more projects and pro-poor programs will be delivered aside from the newly constructed New Government Center.
This statement was issued after he requested the Sangguniang Panglungsod to approve the Annual Budget of P1.1 billion or an increase of 10 percent compared to Calendar Year 2008 General Fund Budget.
Leonardia explained in his request for budget approval that part of this appropriation is the rationalization of compensation structure. "There was information from the DBM that there is a salary standardization law (SSL) Part III next year effective July, The said SSL will rationalize the compensation structure in the government by providing higher salary rate increase to employees with higher levels of responsibility. Since the welfare of our employees' financial well-being is also our prime consideration, we have appropriated the amount of P20 million for a more accountable and better paid bureaucracy," he added.
The Local Chief Executive had also plans to appropriate P19.3 million to connect Gatuslao Extension to the back of Robinson Mall.
He likewise committed to convert the present building of the officers in the City Health Compound to a "Lying-in" Clinic as part of his main thrust of giving the marginalized people the same kind of health services from the private hospitals. His administration will likewise appropriate P3,100,000 to fund and support the education development program of elementary and secondary schools.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Finance and Appropriation will schedule a budget hearing in the proposed budget submitted by Mayor Evelio Leonardia for 2009 amounting to 1.1 billion Pesos. City Councilor Al Victor Espino said that they will invite the department heads to defend and justify their budget in a hearing to be scheduled. Under the Local Government Code of 1991, SP has the power to approve, disapprove or slash the budget. Espino further said that if the budget will not be approved midnight of Dec. 31, 2008, the budget in 2008 will be re-enacted.