Without any questions from its members, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental unanimously approved yesterday the P2.29 billion budget of the provincial government for 2014.

Last year, the approval of the 2013 budget, that was supposed to be approved before the year ended, dragged on until after the May 2013 elections.

Included in the SP approval is the P874,889,712 budget for the provincial government’s Economic Enterprise Development Department.

Board Member Salvador Escalante, chairperson of the SP committee on Finance and Appropriations, who moved for the passage of the budget, said it was a “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” for him, as the budget deliberations went through smooth sailing even at the committee level, unlike in the previous year.

Escalante also acknowledged the cooperation of Vice-Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who always attended the budget deliberations, and his colleagues, that led to its smooth passage.

The budget for next year is up by 14 percent, or by P270 million, compared to that of 2013, he said.

Escalante said the bulk is allocated to health-related concerns and hospital operations, citing the expansion of the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay, full-swing operations of the Merceditas Montilla District Hospital in Sipalay, that require additional manpower, among others.

He said he was authorized by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. to summon department heads to clarify matters pertaining to their budgets.

During the SP regular session, Escalante also suggested that the Office of the Governor provide the Office of the Vice-Governor and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan copies of proposed projects and programs of works of the projects funded under the General Fund.

Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. said the people of Negros Occidental are happy with the approval of the budget as it will make Christmas brighter for the province.

He thanked the vice governor for a splendid performance in ensuring the swift passage of the budget.

The vice governor and the board members are very supportive for the good of the province, he said.*GPB

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