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Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Local governments told: Prioritize water, infra projects
By Gingging A. Campaña
CEBU CITY -- Setting up a potable water supply system and infrastructure projects for various sectors must be given priority by local government units in spending 20 percent of their annual Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share, two government agencies suggested.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) identified projects such building or repairing training centers for out-of-school youths, women, minors, displaced families, indigenous people, persons with disabilities and the elderly.
Other projects were listed by the two agencies in their guidelines issued to local government units (LGUs) last month.
A joint memorandum circular signed by Budget Secretary Romulo Neri and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes stated that 20 percent of the IRA should be used according to President Arroyo's Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan and the Medium-Term Public Investment Program.
The two officials also said barangay chiefs, mayors and governors should ensure that the 20 percent of the IRA is used to achieve socio-economic development.
The DILG, through its Bureau of Local Government Supervision, will monitor and maintain a database system on the use of such funds.
In effect, the memorandum suspends all DBM and DILG existing directives, which are deemed inconsistent with the recent order.
A copy of the memorandum was submitted to the Cebu City Council and the City Budget Office last month.
Acting City Budget Officer Marietta Gumia said they have yet to review the provisions of the order as they have already submitted the proposed 2006 annual budget to the council for review.
A series of budget hearings have been scheduled by the council committee on budget and finance.
Projects
Projects identified under social development include construction or repair of manpower development center; building health centers, rural health units or hospital and purchase of medical equipment; and construction of an LGU-owned potable water supply system.
Preservation of cultural and historical sites is also encouraged under this area.
Economic development projects include livelihood and entrepreneurship development programs; construction or repair of a communal irrigation or water impounding system; and purchase of harvest facilities such as farm or hand tractor with trailer, thresher and mechanical drier.
Farm-to-market roads and local roads and bridges should be built or rehabilitated.
Buying garbage trucks or related equipment and constructing a sanitary landfill or controlled dumpsite are also encouraged to manage the environment.
The LGU should also spend part of its IRA on community reforestation or urban greening projects; flood control programs like de-clogging creeks, canals and de-silting rivers and other environmental management programs that promote air and water quality and productivity of coastal or freshwater habitat, agricultural land and forest land. (Sun.Star Cebu/Sunnex)
(November 1, 2005 issue)
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