• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental on Tuesday approved the proposed 2023 general fund supplemental budget number of the provincial government, amounting to P348,392,739.41.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz yesterday said the supplemental budget covers the 70 percent Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of all Capitol departments and offices, which has not given to them last year due to the reduction of National Tax Allotment of the provincial government.
The provincial government initially gave 30 percent MOOE to various departments after the national government reduced the National Tax Allotment of the provincial government by about P700 million.
The lower NTA was attributed to reduced tax collection in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic that hit the country.
Diaz said the budget was taken from the savings of the provincial government of Negros Occidental.
MOOE covers gasoline, office supplies, training, and travel allowance, among others.
Diaz also reported that there is un-appropriated balance of P43,700.906.45, which can be used upon the presentation of proposals from local chief executives and Capitol departments.
An amount of P5 million has been allocated for the establishment of a municipal abattoir in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, P9.1 million for the installation of solar street lights Talisay City, and P63 million for land banking, among other Special Purpose Appropriations.*
