Photo courtesy of PNA
The Baguio City government has lifted its austerity measures, allowing delayed projects, programs and regular government activities to resume.
The change took effect after Mayor Benjamin Magalong issued Executive Order 124 on Sept. 1, revoking the cost-cutting directive imposed in March during the Middle East fuel crisis.
Acting Mayor Faustino Olowan said the move would allow the city to address pending concerns and restore the regular implementation of priority projects and public services.
He said the city would continue observing prudent spending even as departments regain access to logistics, funding and other resources previously restricted under the austerity policy.
The earlier measures had limited overtime, hiring, leave monetization, official travel and some government-funded trainings and conferences. Purchases of vehicles and certain capital outlays were also deferred unless considered necessary for essential services.
The city had likewise implemented tighter controls on office supplies and utilities while postponing some construction projects and other expenditures that were not immediately ready for implementation.
Olowan said the decision to lift the restrictions followed a review of current conditions and the operational needs of the local government.
The city had earlier ended the four-day workweek introduced as part of the austerity program, signaling a gradual return to normal government operations.
