DBM asks PDEA to brace for higher budget in 2017

TACLOBAN CITY, Sept. 5 (PNA) – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has asked the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Eastern Visayas to brace for higher budget next year in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust on war against drugs.

DBM Eastern Visayas Regional Director Imelda Laceras asked the PDEA regional office here to prepare all plans as the national government steps up funding support for anti-drug programs starting next year.

PDEA’s proposed budget nationwide rose to PHP1.21 billion for next year from PHP1 billion in 2016.

“There is positive development as far as Duterte administration priorities are concerned. There is an increase in budget of agencies involved in crusade against drugs and criminality. The President has the leeway to expand agencies to support his priorities,” Laceras said.

The DBM official expressed concerned that PDEA might not be prepared for higher outlay since this was not discussed in regional level 2017 budget deliberations early this year.

“Try to plan for the higher budget like finding properties for offices. We don’t want under spending anymore. We have to fast track the implementation of infrastructure projects by completing the design and program of work this year, bid out in the last quarter of 2016 and award the project early next year,” Laceras said.

PDEA Regional Director Edgar Jubay said their office currently rents an apartment at the city’s Marabaras district at PHP35,000 monthly. The agency has no provincial offices outside the regional capital.

“Manpower resources are not enough to cover six provinces in the region,” Jubay said.

The agency is now finalizing its proposal for a PHP26 million new building in this city. This will be presented to the Regional Development Council for endorsement. (PNA)

FPV/SQM