CebuOnlineNews.com

Cebu Capitol eyes P2.6-B 2010 budget

CEBU CITY – If approved by the Provincial Board, the Province of Cebu will be working on a P2.6 billion budget for 2010, with the General Public Services taking up the lion’s share of the funds.

This, as Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia submitted the proposed P2,621,836 budget for next year, or P300 million higher than the budget for this year, to the office of the Provincial Secretary.

Of the proposed amount for 2010 budget, P881,729,000 will go to the General Public Services, while P663, 157,000 will be allocated for the Capitol’s economic services. The social services will the biggest share of P1,076, 950,00, representing about 40 percent of the proposed budget.

In a letter attached to her proposal, Garcia said that the “projected funds and resources are being considered in the utilization for programs, projects and activities and for other purpose, not contrary to law, with the end view of promoting the general welfare of our Cebuano people.”

The governor explained to the PB members that the province has a “relative autonomy from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share, contributing only 56 percent of the required funding sources.” Unlike other local government units, she said the province of Cebu does not depend on its IRA.

“This, likewise, affirms this administration’s philosophy in achieving total fiscal independence by continuing or engaging in economic enterprises to widen income base,” she added.

Garcia further said that Cebu’s Personal Services appropriations remain low at 25 percent, far below than the prescribed 45 percent limitation.

The proposed budget will be discussed in Monday’s regular session of the Provincial Board. #