100% HIGHER THAN OTHER BARANGAYS

THE Dagupan Sangguniang Panlungsod finally passed a resolution approving the supplemental budgets of 25 of 31 barangays of Dagupan after a lengthy debate on the requested P400,000 budget of Bonuan Gueset, higher by P200,000 than others.

Almost all barangays proposed a uniform P200,000 supplemental budget and a few others P230,000, a situation that alarmed members of the minority bloc.

City Budget Officer Luz de Guzman explained that the source of funding for the barangay supplemental budgets came from the financial grants given by the city government during the past city administration and these are incorporated in barangay appropriation ordinances which in turn are attached to the annual investment programs approved by  their respective development councils.

Before Majority Floor leader Michael Fernandez could sponsor the passage of the ordinance, members of the minority sought clarifications why Bonuan Gueset, whose barangay chairman Noel Bumanglag is the brother-in-law of former Mayor Belen Fernandez, proposed a higher supplemental budget than the rest.

Councilor Librada Reyna Macalanda compared Bonuan Gueset’s P400,000 supplemental budget to Poblacion Oeste’s P230,000 and others only P200,000 while Councilor Cisco Flores said the unequal budgets are not in accord with the Mayor Brian Lim’s pronouncement that all the barangays should receive equal treatment.

Bonuan Gueset Treasurer Seigfredo Ramos who was made to explain the discrepancy, said P200,000 is for barangay projects while P200,000 is for culture and heritage program, adding that his barangay has a 25,000 population compared to others’ 1,000 residents.

When Councilor Teresa Coquia clarified that the cultural and heritage fund actually refers to costs of hiring orchestras for barangay fiestas, Councilor Celia Lim urged Bonuan Gueset to use its fund instead on basic services.

The minority eventually relented and the supplemental budgets of Poblacion Oeste, Carael, Mamalingling Bolosan, Lasip Chico, Lasip Grande, Pugaro Suit, Salapingao, Bonuan Boquig,  Malued, Tebeng, Bacayao Sur, Barangay II and III, Tambac, Barangay IV, Baangay 1  Mayombo, Herero-Perez, Mangin, Pogo Grande, Bonuan Gueset, Bacayao Norte, Lucao, Lomboiy and Salisay were approved.

The supplemental budgets of Bonuan Binloc, Calmay, Caranglaan, Pogo Chico, and Tapuac. are still under review by the budget office. (Leonardo Micua)     2020 BARANGAY, SK ELECTIONS

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