ILOILO CITY – The city government here is projected to have more than PHP4.2 billion budget in 2025, a 14.83 percent hike from this year’s allocation of PHP3.6 billion.
The Sanggguniang Panlungsod approved the proposed budget consisting of PHP4.13 billion for the executive budget and PHP81.95 million for the special account of the Local Economic Enterprise Office during its regular session on Wednesday.
The budget hike is due to the “sharp increase in the National Tax Allotment (NTA),” according to the report of the Committee on Appropriations chaired by Councilor Rex Marcus Sarabia.
“The increase in the NTA has come in a timely manner considering that there is now a reduced expectation of increase from local sources, especially due to the significant reduction in the real property taxes,” the report said.
From this year’s PHP1.45 billion, the NTA is projected to increase to PHP1.71 billion in 2025.
A greater portion or 48 percent of the 2025 budget will be for general services intended for planning, financial administrative, legal, and legislative services; 25 percent for social services; 15 percent for economic services; and 12 percent for other remaining services.
In a statement on Thursday, Mayor Jerry Treñas said the “landmark decision reflects the dedication and collaboration of our City Council and all stakeholders in prioritizing the needs of our beloved Ilonggos.”
“With this early approval, we can now proceed with early procurement processes, ensuring that projects and programs slated for 2025 can commence on time and deliver timely services to the public,” he said.
This proactive approach, he added, “allows us to avoid delays, enhance efficiency and maximize the impact of government spending for the benefit of our constituents.” (PNA)
