LINGAYEN–The health sector has been given the biggest chunk in the 2011 provincial budget of P1.8 billion.

Provincial Budget Officer Hilaria Claveria said at least 40 percent, or P647.4 million, is allotted for salaries, benefits or personal services of the health employees while 8 per cent, or P280.6 million, is allotted for the operating expenses of hospitals.

P40 million has been appropriated to pay for premiums of indigent families sponsored by the provincial government for health insurance coverage.

Further, several infrastructure projects were lined up for the provincial government-run hospitals under the budget’s development fund.

Sixth District Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr. said putting in all these funds to the health sector is in line with the vision of Governor Amado Espino Jr.  to enable  the people of Pangasinan, especially the indigents,  to avail of quality  health services in the public hospitals.

The P1.8 billion provincial budget of 2011, seven per cent higher than the 2010 budget’s P1.7 billion, was passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in its regular session last December 3 on motion of Board Member and Majority Floor Leader Von Mark Mendoza.

Marilou Otanes, officer-in-charge at the Office of the Provincial Treasurer, said the budget will be funded largely by the province’s P1.6 billion Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

The rest of the budget includes: General Services, 28 percent; economic services, 40; and social services, 32.

General services cover offices under the executive and legislative bodies; economic services deal with development projects of the province; and social services include education and other community services.—LM

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