The City Council approved the P2.255 billion annual budget of the city government next year during its last regular session this year.
Earlier, the executive and legislative branches of the city government agreed to increase the city’s proposed annual budget from the previous P2.230 billion to P2.255 billion to accommodate a number of priority programs not provided appropriations.
The adjustment on the proposed 2020 city budget was made by the members of the city finance committee on the beginning balance from P200 million to P225 million to accommodate the P15 million funding needed for the city’s hosting of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) and the P10 million required for the city government’s educational assistance to indigent residents wanting to pursue their studies.
Under the proposed annual budget of the city next year, the sources of funds include beginning balance – P225 million, tax revenue – P518,212,938, non-tax revenue – P345,850,000, external sources – P1,165,937,062.
Among the expenditures of the city government where the budget will be used include personal services – P820,826,000, maintenance and other operating expenses – P741,766,000, capital outlay – P262,008,000, special purpose appropriations – P405,340,000.
The proposed 2020 annual budget of the city that was increased represents the strategic priority projects, programs and activities of the city government that is anchored on the 15-point core agenda of the administration.
Earlier, a joint planning session of both the executive and legislative departments resulted to an agreed executive-legislative agenda for 3 years that gave the opportunity for city officials to examine the city government’s existing processes, assess most pressing concerns and suggested potential operational innovations and efficiencies, cost reductions and new revenue sources.
The city legislative body agreed to conduct the necessary hearings and consultations with the concerned offices of the city to ensure the planned programs, projects and activities of the city will be funded to realize the overall objective of the administration to have a better Baguio after 3 years.
Under the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government Code of the Philippines, local legislative bodies have until March next year or the first 90 days of the coming year to deliberate on the proposed annual budget of the city once it will not be able to pass the same by the end of the year.
The approved annual budget of the local government will be contained in an appropriation ordinance to be submitted to the Cordillera office of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM-CAR) for review as to its compliance to budgeting rules and regulations before the execution of the same by the concerned offices of the city.
The DBM-CAR is required to review all the annual budgets of local governments within 90 days after the same shall have been transmitted to the said office pursuant to existing budgeting rules and regulations.
By Dexter A. See
