Leyte approves P2.64-B supplemental budget for 2018

TACLOBAN CITY, June 20 -- The Leyte provincial government has approved on Wednesday the PHP2.64 billion supplemental budget for the various development projects in the province this year.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla said during the provincial development council meeting here that funding requirement will be added to the PHP7.3 billion approved 2018 annual investment plan of the province.

“The supplemental budget will be sourced from the savings derived by the province in its General Fund, Special Education fund as well as national fund inflow such as the Local Government Support Fund, funds from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Health,” Petilla said.

The council members, composed of key provincial government officials and town mayors, approved the 43-page supplemental budget for the 2018 annual investment plan during a Wednesday morning meeting.

Among the activities to be financed under the additional funds are hospital upgrade, procurement of medicines and health laboratory supplies, construction of health centers, road rehabilitation, water system projects, construction of community multi-purpose centers, bridges construction, installation of street lights, school building projects, and livelihood activities.

The provincial government pushed for these projects as proposed by residents and local officials in various consultations.

Last year, provincial legislators approved the PHP7.3-billion annual investment plan for 2018. These include the PHP1.31 billion for general services, PHP3.94 billion for economic services, PHP1.94 billion for social services, and PHP100.2 million for special education fund.

“Our programs focus on achieving total development by way of providing the needed interventions on values formation, agriculture, health and nutrition, climate change mitigation, solid waste management, skills development, public health, peace and security, infrastructure and all other similar components,” Petilla added.

Leyte, is a province in Eastern Visayas region, occupying the northern three-quarters of Leyte Island. Its capital is the city of Tacloban. Leyte, with 1.72 million people, is the most populated province in the Eastern Visayas region. (SQM/PNA)