Aklan Saves P117 Million In Cash 2012

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

The immediate past Aklan Provincial Governor Carlito S. Marquez left to his successor, former governor and congressman and now Governor Florencio T. Miraflores again the widest breathing room as far as the financial situation of the provincial government is concerned. 

The province of Aklan as of the end of 2012, the last in Marquez’ 9-year term, recorded an overall surplus of P116,939,367.18, according to the 2012 Annual Audit Report the Commission on Audit released recently.

The COA audit report stated that Aklan Province realized a total 2012 annual income of P1,011,541,041.22 but only expended a total of P791,469,403.62.

Aklan’s provincial budget in 2012 has total appropriation of some P1.15 billion.

COA noted however that the 2012 surplus is lower by P13.985 million compared with the 2011 cash surplus. COA attributed the decrease to the depreciation of Aklan Province’s asset.

COA further found that collection from local taxes, permits, licenses, services and business income have all increased significantly. “Hence, this year’s (2012) operations  showed a tremendous increase in earnings out of locally generated revenue of  P1.012 billion, which is P80.4 million higher than in 2011, or an increase of 8.64 percent,” COA stressed.

Impressed by the provinces performance, COA cited in its report, “this year’s administration of the Provincial Government of Aklan is under the leadership of Gov. Carlito S. Marquez leading and serving the Province of Aklan in his last term for nine fruitful years. The Province has continued to implement the planned programs/projects/activities for CY 2012 as contained in its Annual Investment Plan and achieved high levels of development in the General Public Services, Social Services, Economic services, External Services and Economic Enterpries Development Sectors.”

No less than new Governor Florencio T. Miraflores heaped hefty praises for Marquez for the latter’s sound fiscal management of Aklan province.

Furthermore, COA also cited the Marquez administration for the awards Aklan received from the DILG like the Excellence in Local Governansce, Gawad ng Pamana ng Lahi Award and the Seal of Good Housekeeping. /MP