The Iloilo City Government has secured a bigger budget allocation for next year.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved the city government’s 2025 budget of P4.2 billion, higher by 14.83 percent compared to 2024’s P3.6 billion.
Of the amount, P4.13 billion is intended for the executive budget and P81.95 million for the special account of the Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO).
Councilor Rex Marcus Sarabia, Committee on Appropriations chairperson, attributed the hike to the “sharp increase in the National Tax Allotment (NTA).”
“The increase in the NTA has come in a timely manner considering that there is now a reduced expectation of increase from local sources, especially due to the significant reduction in the real property taxes,” his report stated.
The NTA is expected to go up from P1.45 billion this year to P1.71 billion in 2025.
The biggest portion or 48 percent of next year’s budget will go to general services intended for planning, financial administrative, legal, and legislative services; 25 percent to social services; 15 percent to economic services; and 12 percent to other remaining services.
The “landmark decision,” according to City Mayor Jerry Treñas, “reflects the dedication and collaboration of our City Council and all stakeholders in prioritizing the needs of our beloved Ilonggos.”
“With this early approval, we can now proceed with early procurement processes, ensuring that projects and programs slated for 2025 can commence on time and deliver timely services to the public,” he said in a statement.
This proactive approach “allows us to avoid delays, enhance efficiency and maximize the impact of government spending for the benefit of our constituents,” the mayor added.IMT
