The city government of Naga, Southern Cebu is expected to increase its annual budget next year to P880 million to fund their priority programs, including the implementation of various infrastructure projects.
Aside from her accomplishments this year, City of Naga Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong said she will continue to provide better basic services to her constituents as she approaches the end of her first term as city mayor.
Chiong made her third State of Naga Address (SONA) during the culminating activity of the city's 11th Charter Day celebration on Wednesday, September 5.
Chiong said that the P880 million-proposed budget, which is higher than this year's P785M, will also be aimed towards improving the living conditions of her constituents.
Back in 2016, the City had an annual budget of P650 million.
Revenue
As to local revenue, Chiong said they are close to reaching their annual collection target of P506 million. The increasing revenue, she said, is due to the participation of the city's local business sector and their efficient tax collection system.
"You can see the consistent rise of local income generated, including the Internal Revenue Allotment, which enables the city to increase its budget every year.
Itallows us to implement programs and projects for the people of Naga," Chiong said.
For next year, one of their major targets for expenditure will be the P70-million Naga Boardwalk expansion and the P10-million "Pasilong sa Naga" project, which will be placed at the old Naga municipal public park.
Chiong said the two projects are aimed at propelling the city's economy and tourism in the next few years.
Aside from these, Chiong said her usual programs such as road concreting, construction of drainages, water systems and other improvements will remain on top of her concerns for the city.
For this year, the City allocated P174 million for infrastructure development.
Chiong also said that they are allocating P92 million for the implementation of projects in the barangay level.
Another infrastructure project that the City has pursued this year is the expansion of the City of Naga Jail and Detention Center (CNJDC) from a two-storey to a three-storey facility, increasing its maximum capacity to 340 inmates.
Public health
In terms of public health, Chiong boasted of various accomplishments including the construction of the Vicente Mendiola Center for Health (VMCH), which looks to provide affordable health care for her constituents, particularly the marginalized.
The VMCH, which already secured a license from the Department of Health as a Primary Care Facility, can provide services such as basic care benefits, animal bite treatment, Integrated Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (iDOTS) for tuberculosis patients, and mother and child care packages.
Following its establishment, the VMCH had received various financial aid including P4 million from private establishments in the city; P4 million from Cebu Rep. Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas (Cebu, 1st district); and P10 million from Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III.
Chiong said these financial assistance will be used to fund the various services being offered by the VMCH.
Earlier this year, Chiong and city officials inaugurated the VMCH Infirmary, which can provide minor medical services to 35 patients at a time.
The VCMH also provides diagnostic services and recently, dialysis after securing 15 new dialysis machines through a public-private partnership joint venture.
Education
In education, Chiong said they've prioritized the construction of new classrooms, faculty rooms, covered courts and other infrastructures in the city's 26 elementary and 21 secondary public schools.
Around P42 million was allocated for assistance to public schools from July 2016 until July 2018, Chiong said.
The city's College Scholarship program, which was initiated by former city mayor Valdemar Chiong, was also continued during her term.
Chiong said that through the program, the City was able to produce 246 college graduates from 2011 up to present.
The City is currently spending P20 million to assist 305 college students enrolled in different universities and colleges in Cebu, Chiong said.
Following the passage of the Free Tuition law, scholars from the City of Naga currently studying in state universities and colleges will still receive financial aid from the city but only for transportation allowances, which is P6,000 per semester. (JKV)