THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Pangasinan unanimously approved the province’s P5.729 billion annual budget for 2024.

This budget represents an increase of P400 million to the 2023 budget’s P5.3 billion.

Vice Governor Mark Lambino, said the increased budget is attributed to a six percent rise in the contribution from the National Tax Allocation (NTA) and higher locally generated income.

During the budget preparation process, amendments were introduced, including minor adjustments in infrastructure proposals, realignments, and modifications to social services. These changes were thoroughly discussed and reflected in committee-level presentations.

Lambino emphasized that only about 33 percent of the budget will be allocated to provincial government workers, well below the mandated 55-45 ratio salary cap.

Despite the significant budget increase, the approval process was relatively smooth and swift. The entire budget process began in July, and the final budget was submitted to the SP plenary on October 12, just three days before the deadline.

Asked about the budget hearing’s swift approval, Lambino said the entire budget process actually started as early as July 15.

“Actually, it took three months for the Finance Committee to submit to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan the final budget…they submitted the (final) budget on October 12 for the final version or three days before the deadline,” he said.

“Surprisingly, the hearing was longer for (provincial government-owned) hospitals,” he added.

Lambino noted that most of the questions during the committee hearings focused on changes in the hospitals, the services they provide, infrastructure, patient care, and budget utilization. The hospitals underwent a reorganization last year, transferring overall supervision from the Provincial Health Office to the newly created Hospital Management Services Office.

This budget’s locally sourced income is approximately P730 million, derived from taxes, service fees, and business income. The bulk of the budget still comes from the national government through the NTA and the share from the national wealth. (Eva Visperas)

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