• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The proposed P5,434,644,700 budget of the provincial government of Negros Occidental for 2024 is now up for deliberations and scrutiny by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, after it was submitted by the executive department on October 11.
Lacson said the proposed budget for 2024 is higher compared to this year’s P5.1 billion.
“The increase is a product of the hard work and sacrifice of the provincial government to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” the governor pointed out.
Lacson said that Negros Occidental has recovered from the pandemic in terms of agricultural, industrial, and commercial business.
He also reported that the National Tax Allotment of the province increased by six percent. “This will mean more projects and programs for the people,” Lacson added.
The NTA of Negros Occidental was increased by the national government from P4.6 billion to P4.9 billion this year.
Lacson also reported that income from local sources, such as local taxes and nontax revenues, also registered an increase of P10 million, from P329 million to P339 million, he added.
The increase of the NTA is “a big help for the funds of LGUs, especially the smaller municipalities,” he added.
Lacson also said that the bulk of the proposed budget will go to infrastructure projects, such as farm to market roads and school buildings.*
