BACOLOD CITY, Nov. 25 (PNA) — The 2015 annual budget of the City of Bacolod amounting to P1.55 billion was approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod during its special session Monday.
The highlights of next year’s budget include P804.054 million or 52 percent for general public services; P252.162 million or 16 percent for social services sector; and P360.059 million or 23 percent for special purpose appropriations.
Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, chairman of the committee on finance and appropriation, said the 2015 budget also includes P150 million for environmental services that will fund the services of a new contractor for the hauling and collection of the city’s garbage.
He said the city government will no longer renew the contract of private contractor Enviroking Corp. which will end on December 31.
Councilor El Cid Familiaran, who presided the session as acting vice mayor, said the 2015 annual budget was approved with certain colatillas or conditions.
One of these is the funding of ordinances passed last year, including the payment of all obligations of the city involving court cases as requested by Councilor Archie Baribar.
Puentevella said they allocated P10 million for the terminal pay of employees in the previous administration.
“Part of the colatillla requires a list of the balance of those who have not been paid yet,” he said.
Moreover, Familiaran said he also requested for the enrollment of all job order casual workers in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. benefit as mandated by Republic Act 7875 or the Universal PhilHealth Act.
Familiaran said he hopes all programs and projects included in the 2015 annual budget will be implemented especially those in the Annual Investment Plan. (PNA)