TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- On the first day of December, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cagayan has approved the 2017 Annual Investment Plan and Executive Budget.
In a special session lasting only 23 minutes, the P2.2 billion budget was approved with reservations from Board Members Rodrigo De Asis and Rosauro Resuello.
The SP adopted the findings of the Committee on Finance and Appropriations which was submitted on Thursday, November 30.
The committee recommended the itemizing of the proposed P500,000 development assistance to barangays. From this fund, P300,000 will be allotted for infrastructure projects while P200,000 will be allotted for scholarships, honorarium, and other non-infra projects.
The board stressed that only elected barangay officials will implement the fund, with required liquidation.
Meanwhile, the SP is set to tackle the supplemental budget and the 2018 budget submitted on October 16.
Vice-Governor Melvin Vargas, Jr said they will continue to fight what they deem is “right” for the province’s budget.
Vargad added that the board has the power of the purse and that recommendations should be considered by the executive.
The approval of the budget also lifts the mandamus order. The SP can now tackle ordinances as early as next week. Northernforum.net
