By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved on second reading a proposed ordinance revising the city’s Barangay Development Fund (BDF), a measure aimed at ensuring fairer distribution of development resources, clearer funding rules, and stronger accountability at the barangay level.
The proposed ordinance mandates a fixed share for barangays sourced from seven percent of the city’s 20 percent development fund under the annual investment plan, along with other lawful appropriations approved by the city council.
Under the revised framework, each barangay will receive funding based on population or constituency, with a guaranteed minimum allocation of P200,000, subject to periodic review.
The measure updates City Ordinance No. 366, series of 2004, which has governed the BDF for more than 20 years.
Councilor Caesar Distrito said the revision addresses present-day challenges faced by barangays amid rising costs of infrastructure and basic services.
He stressed that the updated policy is designed to balance equity and efficiency while ensuring that public funds are properly managed.
Councilor Dindo Ramos noted that the proposed ordinance institutionalizes fairness by guaranteeing a minimum development fund for every barangay, regardless of size, while still considering population-based needs.
Meanwhile, Councilor Celia Matea Flor emphasized that the measure tightens rules on fund release, liquidation and reporting to promote transparency and fiscal discipline.
Councilor Lady Gles Gonzales-Pallen added that the policy strengthens community participation by aligning barangay-identified priority projects with the city’s development plans and national guidelines.
Under the proposal, barangays must have no pending cash advances and must fully liquidate previous financial assistance before accessing their BDF allocation.
The ordinance also requires the execution of a memorandum of agreement between the city government and the concerned barangay prior to fund release and project implementation.
The measure is now scheduled for third and final reading and, once approved, will be transmitted to Mayor Greg Gasataya for consideration and approval./CJ, WDJ