Talisay council to approve 2017 budget

CEBU, Philippines -  Talisay City Council has completed deliberations on the city's proposed budget for 2017and is set to approve the P888 million budget without any cuts during the council's next regular session scheduled on November 29.

According to Vice Mayor Alan Bucao, the council deliberated on the budget for two weeks with the heads of concerned departments present.

Bucao said that they clarified functions including rules and regulations for the implementation of the budget during the deliberation.

"Ato sad giklaro kung unsa gyud ang mga paagi nga dali nga makuha (funds) sa atong mga konsehales ang mga  requests, especially kaning mga materials nga dili ma-delayed ang services nga gihatag sa publiko," Bucao said.

The bulk of the 2017 budget is allocated for infrastructure development projects including drainage systems rehabilitation of dilapidated roads.

Earlier, Bucao vowed that the proposed budget, dubbed as "people's budget" because all sectors were involved and consulted during its crafting, will be approved without any cut downs.

During the administration of former Mayor Johnny de los Reyes, his proposed 2016 annual budget of P823 million was slashed down to P638 million by the City Council.

In a separate interview with Mayor Eduardo Gullas, he thanked the council for approving the budget, adding that he hopes for the budget to accomplish the objectives not just of the executive department but also of the legislative and other sectors for Talisay City.

For Gullas, the council approved the budget without any cuts because the councilors believe that it is intended for the good of their constituents. (FREEMAN)