CITY officials are exploring options to maximize utilization of the newly approved 2023 budget with only less than three months before the end of the fiscal year.

Mayor Belen Fernandez said the city administration had long prepared for the implementation of plans and programs in anticipation of the budget’s passage since January. However, she said she knows many will not be completed in time because of time constraints and the ban on releasing funds for new projects during the campaign period for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

To address this concern, City Legal Officer recommends the immediate ‘Obligation of Funds’ for programs and projects to ensure they can still be implemented until 2024; otherwise, unspent funds will be returned to the city coffers.

Valle said exceptions can be made for urgent matters, such as purchasing life-saving medicines and many projects can still be resumed and completed.

Meanwhile, financial consultant Luz De Guzman listed additional procedures needed for the budget transition that includes adjustment of appropriations for each office and item in the reenacted budget to align with the 2023 approved budget.

De Guzman said the task of transition is a challenging task, requiring meticulous adjustments and Mayor Fernandez already directed Human Resources Officer Lana Balolong to prepare the necessary documents for the payment of salary differentials and employee benefits after the election period.

Mayor Fernandez is set also to issue Allotment Release Orders (ARO) for items in the approved budget that were not covered in the reenacted budget.

The city officials are working diligently making up for lost time to effect a seamless transition and ensure the efficient utilization of the approved budget. (Leonardo Micua)

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