BY CARLA P. GOMEZ
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has submitted a P4.4 billion proposed 2021 budget for the provincial government of Negros Occidental to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for review and approval.
Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer said yesterday that the proposed budget will be included in the SP session for first reading on Tuesday, after which it will be sent to the Committee on Finance.
“It will be approved on time, there will be no delay, as funds are needed amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ferrer said.
Lacson said the proposed general fund budget is P4,471,695,065, and allocated for personal services is P1,641,424,244, maintenance and other operating expenses – P1,374,658,871, capital outlay – P12,000,000 and special purpose appropriations – P1,443,611,950 .
The P4.4 billion will come from tax revenues totaling P98,000,000, non tax revenues – P380,357,719, and Internal Revenue Allotment – P3,993,337,346, the governor said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an economic loss of P9.57 billion to Negros Occidental, the governor said.
For Negros Occidental to recover, major projects and programs anchored on “Abanse Negrense” should be responsive, proactive and efficient to cater to the needs of Negrenses, he said.
Lacson also said that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the province’s priorities and its budget formulation have now shifted to more pressing concerns in the face of decreasing business activities and ensuring public health and safety.*
