All councilors may now recommend usage of PAGCOR funds

CEBU, Philippines – All city councilors may now recommend to the mayor projects that they need covered by funds from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Mayor Michael Rama told The FREEMAN yesterday he has changed the practice during the term of former mayor Tomas Osmeña that only Councilor Augustus Pe could recommend which projects or activities can be covered by PAGCOR funds.

Pe was one of Osmeña's most trusted councilors. This time around, however, Rama said all councilors may now approach him and recommend the projects that need funding.

PAGCOR gives Cebu City P3 million every year as share from its operation in the city.

Projects that may be charged from the PAGCOR funds are those that involve self-sustaining livelihood initiatives and infrastructures essential to the effective delivery of basic health services.

The funds may also be utilized for projects designed to prevent the spread of disease or epidemic, those for the improvement of peace and order, emergency assistance to victims of natural disasters and calamities and projects for social amelioration.

The city government has given funds regularly to the police office and fire department to purchase equipment needed for their operations. (FREEMAN)