BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The proposed P5.1 billion budget of the provincial government of Negros Occidental for 2023 is justified, after week long deliberations by the Committee on Finance and Appropriations ended on November 24, yesterday disclosed its chairman, Board Member Rommel Debulgado.
Debulgado said he will present the proposed budget before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental on December 6, for second and final reading, which he expects to be approved.
With its expected passage by the SP, it can be used starting January next year, he added.
The proposed budget for next year is lower by 12.87 percent, equivalent to a P766 million drop compared to the 2022 budget, due to reduction of the province’s National Tax Allotment, which is also being experienced by the all local government units across the country, Debulgado said.
The proposed General Fund Budget for next year is P4,952,981,428, while the proposed budget of its Economic Enterprise Development Department amounts to P190,379,525.*