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[av_heading heading=’Aklan makes health care, tourism, services priorities ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY BOY RYAN ZABAL
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KALIBO, Aklan – In 2017 the provincial government will spend more on the improvement of health care services, developing more tourist spots, supporting employment programs, and the antidrug campaign.
Gov. Florencio Miraflores submitted the proposed P1,814,806,333 annual budget to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for deliberation.
The amount covers P1,062,207,833 for the regular fund and P752,598,500 for the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD).
It is higher by P300 million than this year’s P1.5 billion, and this may be attributed to the increase in the provincial government’s Internal Revenue Allotment, Provincial Board secretary Odon Bandiola said.
The executive department is expecting the budget’s approval by December.
Better essential health care services and social services, including the Gobyerno sa Baryo program, and tourism programs promoting “side tours” are among the priorities in the 2017 budget.
The executive department also raised the allocation for the antidrug campaign, support for persons with disabilities and senior citizens, incentives for centenarians, and the protection of children.
Capitol departments drafted the proposal, while the Provincial Local Finance Committee evaluated it through forums and conferences with civil society organizations and other stakeholders, Miraflores said.
“The EEDD budget was raised 20 percent due to efforts in exploring possibilities in identifying new revenue resources and innovative solutions to improve collections using the approved revenue code,” he said.
Much of the EEDD allocation — a total of P752.598 million — went to Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (P418.987 million). Port operations had P139.334 million, while Ibajay District Hospital got P58.490 million.
Godofredo P. Ramos Hospital got P40.359 million, while construction development and quarrying services was allotted P13.704 million.
Capitol allocated P9.089 million for resort/hotel operations, P5.897 million for the Provincial Academic Center and P5.212 million for commercial center operations.
Five percent of the total was reserved for disaster risk reduction and management programs, including the construction of evacuation centers and purchase of rescue equipment and supplies. (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
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