Talisay SP okays P960M invest plan

CEBU, Philippines – The Talisay City council approved on the final reading the proposed 2013 Annual Investment Plan (AIP), which contains different infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects that would cost the city around P960 million.

Based on the summary of the AIP allocation, the social services component will receive the biggest funding with P372.6 million from the total investment of P962,173,200 for 2013.

It is followed by the social services with an allocation of P362.6 million, and general services with P226.8 million.

Councilor Rodi Cabigas, chair of the committee on appropriation, budget management and ways and means, said the AIP would serve as a guideline on what should be implemented by next year.

But Councilor Romeo Villarante, who is a lawyer by profession, asked Cabigas on what was really the “flagship project” which the city government wanted to be implemented by next year. 

“This is just a clarification. What is our flagship project to be implemented next year?” Villarante said during yesterday’s council session. 

Villarante observed that in the AIP, there is no specific priority on the implementation of the drainage plan, which he wanted it to be specific and formulated in the next 2013 annual budget. 

Cabigas assured Villarante that the implementation of drainage plan will be prioritized in the annual budget for the 2013. 

The projects listed in the AIP still have to undergo a budget hearing to determine which one will be prioritized in the annual budget next year.

The budget for the 2013 is expected to be submitted to the city council by October.

Among the sources of funds include the city’s Internal Revenue Allotment, the local tax collections for the year, and also the commitment of some government agencies and politicians.

Cabigas said the city government has allocated P50 million for an integrated drainage system in the city.

Among the flood-prone areas identified is barangay Cansojong, whose creek takes in water from barangays Poblacion and Tabunok as well.

The creek runs toward the neighboring coastal villages of Tanke and San Roque.

Other flood-prone areas are barangays Bulacao, Cansojong, and Tanke.

Bulacao normally gets flooded during heavy rains, rendering a portion of the national highway impassable to motorists and pedestrians.  – THE FREEMAN