Batac mayor Albert D. Chua leads the distribution of 161 goats to farmers affected by typhoon “Ompong” as part of the city's rehabilitation program for affected farmers in cooperation with the Dept. of Agriculture regional field unit I. (CMO Batac photo)
By Dominic B. dela Cruz (Staff Reporter)
City of Batac—The city government executive branch here has proposed an allocation of PHP735,688,227.36 annual budget for 2021.
The budget proposal is at least PHP1 million short compared to this year’s budget of PHP736,647,586.14.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod here is already tackling the budget proposal.
During their October 26, 2020 session, the budget proposal was on its first reading and was referred to committee of the whole in preparation for budget hearings.
Based on the budget message of Batac mayor Albert D. Chua, the proposed allocation breakdown is PHP73,114,406.36 for the beginning balance; PHP630,883,521.00 for general fund; and PHP31,690,300.00 for economic enterprise.
Mr. Chua said the proposed appropriation for “personal services” was set at PHP186,355,941.47 which constitutes 25.34% of the total proposed budget. “Personal services” covers salaries, wages and other benefits of officials and rank and file employees.
Likewise, the lump-sum appropriations for the second tranche of the “salary standardization V” was also included in the proposed budget.
The mayor also noted that the allocation for “personal services” did not exceed the 55% “personal services limitation”.
In relation to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the city government provided funds to combat the said problem with projects, programs and activities related to the prevention of the spread of the disease and the provision of basic services to the affected population, including the necessary support to frontline workers.
The maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) of all the different city offices was pegged at PHP124, 828,904.78; and capital outlay in the amount of PHP30,343,835.00.
“Special purpose allocation’ is at PHP82,012,091.65. The said allocation composes not less than 5% of the estimated revenue from regular sources for local disaster risk reduction and management fund; aid to every component barangay in the amount of PHP5,000; and provided funds of not less than 20% of the internal revenue allotment (IRA) for development projects.
The city government likewise proposed other special purpose allocations, which include gender and development, support to local council for the protection of children, support to persons with disability and senior citizens, subsidy to national agencies, logistic support in the implementation of the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino” and sustainable livelihood program and allocation for COVID-19 purposes.
Mr. Chua also stressed that the proposed budget for the economic enterprises was sourced out the operations income of the market and slaughterhouse for 2021 in the amount of PHP31,690,300.00.
The mayor added that the proposed budget was determined for a “greater and progressive city for the coming year”.
Meanwhile, Batac vice mayor and council presiding officer Atty. Windell Chua said the proposed budget was referred to the committee on the whole while the Sangguniang Panlungsod first approves the annual investment plan in the said regular session.