Naga sets P880M for big infra, services in 2019

• Source: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1762895/Cebu/Local-News/Naga-sets-P880M-for-big-infra-services-in-2019
• Thursday, September 6, 2018

(JKV)

THE City Government of Naga, Southern Cebu is expected to increase its annual budget next year to P880 million to fund its priority projects, especially on infrastructure.

Aside from her accomplishments this year, Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong said the City will continue to provide better basic services to its constituents as the mayor approaches the end of her first term.

Chiong made her third State of Naga Address during the culminating activity of the city’s 11th Charter Day celebration yesterday.

Chiong said the P880-million proposed budget for 2019 will be aimed towards improving the living condition of her constituents.

She said it’s a significant increase from this year’s P785 million. In 2016, the City set aside P650 million for its budget.

As to local revenue, Chiong said they are close to reaching the annual collection target of P506 million.

She said the increased collection is helped by the local business sector and the City’s 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, enabling us further to implement programs and projects for the people of Naga,” Chiong said.

One of their major targets for expenditure in 2019 will be the P70-million Naga Boardwalk expansion and the P10-million “Pasilong sa Naga,” which will be placed at the old Naga municipal public park.

Chiong said the two projects are aimed to propel the city’s economy and tourism in the next few years.

Aside from her priority projects, Chiong said her usual programs for infrastructure, such as road concreting and construction of drainage and water system, will remain a main concern.

This year, the City allocated P174 million for infrastructure development.

Chiong said they also allocated P92 million for infrastructure and support facilities in the barangays.

Another infrastructure project that the City has pursued this year is the expansion of the City of Naga Jail and Detention Center from a two-storey to a three-storey facility, increasing its maximum capacity to 340 inmates.