Marquez Proposes P1.19B Budget of Aklan For 2013

Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez has proposed to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan on October 16, 2012 the annual budget of the provincial government for 2013 at a total amount of P1,190,242,382.00 for review and approval.

The proposed 2013 annual budget bears the theme, “Investing quality time and resources with local partners be they program recipients or co-implementers in an effective way of achieving Good Governance”.

Regular (general) fund proposed budget totals P684,112,382 while the budget for the operation of the province’s Economic Enterprises is P506,130,000.00. Of the total appropriations in the proposed budget, P99.4 million or 15 percent is earmarked for social services; P130.4 million or 19 percent for economic services; P338.1 million or 49 percent is allocated for general public services; P34.2 million or 5 percent is reserved for disaster risk reduction and management; and P81.5 million or 11 percent for debt servicing.

Out of the total appropriations embodied in the regular(general) fund budget, some P597 million, or 87 percent will be sourced from the Internal Revenue Allotment Share of the province; P12 million or 2 percent  from Operating and Miscellaneous Revenues; and, P75 miilion, or 11 percent from local taxes.

Aklan is classified as a 2nd class province. However, it is expected to become first class by next income classification of local government units (LGUs) due this year. During the last three years, Aklan was elevated to a “nominal”  status as one of the “billionaire” provinces of the Philippines in terms of annual budgetary appropriation.

Under the fold of its Economic Enterprises are the operations of the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital, the two district hospitals in Altavas and Ibajay and one hospital each in the towns of Libacao, Madalag, Buruanga, Malay and Boracay. Also under the EEDD are the Provincial Tourism Operations, Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Ports and Terminals, Construction Development and Quarrying Services, Provincial Academic Center, and Agri-Aqua Production Services.

The SP will soon schedule budget hearings in November and December. It is expected that the said budget can be enacted before  the year ends. /MP