More than half is allocated for maintenance, operations

The Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) recently approved the P2.52 billion city budget on its first reading, which, according to Bacolod City Councilor Caesar Distrito, who chairs the SP Committee on Appropriations and Finance, is higher than the previous budget by P270 million.

He noted, over half of the budget, P1.33 billion, is allocated for maintenance and other operating expenses. Another P660 million is allotted for personnel services and another P252 million for the city’s development fund.

“The budget includes the provision for salary standardization,” the city official added.

Distrito also pointed out, half of the budget will be funded by the Bacolod City’s internal revenue allotment, which is the local government unit’s share of national tax revenue.

However, the mayor earlier said he plans on making the city less dependent on the allotment.

Public hearings, meanwhile, will be held regarding the budget, where various city departments are invited to defend their respective allocations./WDJ