BOHOL will work on an annual budget of P4.8 billion next year. This, after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved, on third and final reading, Appropriation Ordinance No. 2025-035, approving and authorizing the Annual Budget of the Provincial Government of Bohol for the Year 2026 in the amount of P4,859,033,514.63.
Board Member Romulo Cepedoza, chairman of the Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriations, sponsored the measure.
Acknowledging the Local Finance Committee, members of the Management Executive Board, colleagues in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and Gov. Aris Aumentado, Cepedoza said the budget process was tedious, meticulous, and complex.
“From the very start, we made it clear that we at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan are serious, conscientious and even meticulous when it comes to the critical exercise involved in budget hearing,” Cepedoza stated.
This, he said, was to ensure that funds that come from the people, and are due them, will not be wasted, misused or mishandled and to make sure that shares, revenues and allocations are wisely and judiciously appropriated.
Next year’s budget marks an 8.7% increase from this year’s budget, attributed to and confined within the increase of the province’s resources, with the increase of the province’s share from the National Tax Allotment (NTA) and the projected revenues from locally-generated sources.
It provides greater appropriation for the General Public Services. For this Sector, a total of P1.891 billion is allocated, which accounts for 39%.
Social Services follows with P1.622 billion, sharing 33% of the local expenditure program. Meanwhile, a total of P1.018 billion is provided for Economic Services, at 21%.
For disaster risk reduction and management, which covers for the DRRM Fund and operation of the PDRRM Office, a total of P329.913 million is allocated, which constitutes 7% of the total budget.
The budget is in full support of the updated Strategic Governance Road Map and Change Agenda which encompasses major domains including Environmental Protection and Resilience, Climate-Smart Agriculture and Fisheries, Sustainable Tourism, Cultural Heritage, Social Equity and Human Development, as well as support domains such as Sub-Provincial Governance, Citizen Engagement and Service and Organizational Development.
WATER TESTING COST
In the same session, presided over by Senior Board Member Tita Baja, the SP pushed to amend current water testing rates at the Provincial Health Office.
Board Member Nathaniel Binlod reported discussions at a Committee on Ways and Means meeting.
He recommended the passage of a proposed measure that increases the cost of water testing for Level I bacteriology examination, which includes total coliform and thermotolerant(fecal) coliforms, Level I with Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC), as well as for Level II, Level III, water refilling stations, filtered water, ice cubes, water dispensers, swimming pools, bulk water, and other drinking water sources.
The committee likewise requested the Local Finance Committee to revisit the proposal to establish a physical and chemical water testing laboratory and to evaluate the feasibility of adding two testing laboratories in strategic locations such as Carmen and Talibon to decentralize testing capacity from Tagbilaran City.
Moreover, a request will also be sought from the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP-Bohol) to pass their respective legislative measures requiring municipal regulation of water refilling stations to curb unfair trade practices and safeguard service quality.
HALL OF JUSTICE PROJECT
Meanwhile, the Joint Committees on Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and Public Works, Highways & Related Infrastructure interposed “No Objection” to the Hall of Justice Project, provided all other requirements, especially on environmental sustainability, conservation and protection, are met.
Board Member Jamie Aumentado Villamor explained that the committee’s authority is limited to enforcing legally mandated requirements, although independent third-party studies are encouraged.
She affirmed the committee’s support for the project, but called for inter-agency collaboration with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and other related agencies to thoroughly review and look into requirements that ensure environmental soundness and sustainability of the project.
The committee’s recommendation stemmed from discussions during a meeting where concerns were raised by Tagbilaran Baywatch through Atty. Gertrude Biliran along with the response of P-Square Associates, representing the project proponent side.
NBI SATELLITE OFFICE IN JAGNA
The SP also approved the recommendation of the Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety to favorably endorse to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) the formal request of the Municipality of Jagna for the establishment of an NBI Satellite Office in that town.
The proposed NBI satellite office is expected to facilitate clearance processing and investigative services.
According to Board Member Dionisio Joseph Balite, who was the session’s floor leader, the expansion aims to improve access to NBI services for residents in the eastern part of the province.
BOHOLANO PRIDE
The SP also resolved to recognize Ma. Emely Balunan who captured the gold medal in the 800-meter run with a finishing time of 2:19.08 during the 14th ASEAN School Games held in Brunei Darussalam.
Board Member Lawrence Ancla moved to honor Balunan as an outstanding representative of Bohol and of the country in the international stage.
In addition, Ancla acknowledged Herben Rhoy Ranay, member of the Provincial Youth Development Council of Bohol, for being elected as President and Presiding Officer of the 13th National Youth Parliament, one of the highest and most respected youth leadership positions in the country. (PR-RTB)
