JVR submits P731M budget for 2015

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City's proposed annual budget for 2015 is P731.6 million, over 40 percent higher than this year's P516 million allocation.

In a letter addressed to Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, the council presiding officer, Talisay City Mayor Johnny "JVR" De los Reyes is asking for the approval of his prepared annual budget amounting to P731,606,261.14.

Talisay City Councilor Edward Alesna, who is the chairman of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, will lead the discussion on the review on the 2015 Annual Budget presented by De los Reyes.

Bulk of the budget's amount covers a general fund of P608,171,630.

Also included in the yearly budget are the 20 percent development fund in the amount of P83,855,407; the Talisay City College fund amounting to P14 million; waterworks operations, P579,224.14; market operations, P10 million  and slaughterhouse operations, P15 million.

The sources of funding include income from business permits, aside from the savings from the previous budgets and the city's other income-generating collection agencies, such as the public markets.

Other sources of the city's revenues are income from local taxes, permits and licenses, service income and income from economic enterprises.

De los Reyes said the annual budget is important since these projected funds to be collected by the local government will be essential for the implementation of "pro-people programs and projects."

The mayor said his administration sets focus on education, genuine peace, safety and security, livelihood and tourism development, economy and sound taxation, wellness, infrastructure and communication development, NGO empowerment, good governance and social services.

Alesna said the deadline for the submission of the annual budget was last October 15, adding that the same needs to be discussed and approved by the council before the year ends. — Garry B. Lao (FREEMAN)