CAGAYAN de Oro City officials defended the approval of the P9 billion budget by the City Council late last month, assuring the public that the figure is aligned with the city’s priorities and robust projected income.
The over P9 billion budget is primarily backed by an estimated P8.29 billion in projected general fund revenues and national allocations, complemented by P1.26 billion from local economic enterprises.
Officials vouch for rigor, commitment
“The P9 billion budget is a testament to our commitment to delivering quality services and infrastructure to our citizens,” said Sheila Lumbatan, Chief of Staff for the City Mayor’s Office.
Lumbatan pointed out that the city government, led by Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy, ensured that every peso is allocated efficiently and effectively.
She added that the budget approval process was “rigorous and transparent,” taking into account the city’s development priorities.
Vice Mayor Jocelyn ‘Bebot’ Rodriguez, who leads the City Council, emphasized that the budget’s overarching goal is to ensure public resources are managed effectively to provide proactive and efficient services, especially during times of need.
City officials expressed pride in the city’s financial management systems, which enable them to track implementation and control spending. Rodriguez affirmed that Kagay-anons can trust that their taxes are being used for the greater good.
Key factors, development agenda
The budget’s framework is grounded in responsible governance, economic growth, and social equity, aligning with the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160), which empowers local government units to generate revenue and implement budgets aligned with development priorities.
Key factors considered during the approval process included:
Projected Income: Ensuring the budget aligns with estimated revenue from taxes, fees, and national tax allotment.
Alignment with Priorities: Spending must be consistent with the city’s development goals.
Performance Review: Evaluating agency operating performance to ensure cost efficiency.
Accountability: Subjecting the budget to the four phases of the budget process: preparation, legislation, execution, and accountability.
Mayor Uy, in his budget message, emphasized the budget’s focus on everyday necessities.
“Our goal is to make the budget work for people’s everyday needs — infrastructure, health, and social protection remain our anchors. We are investing where impact is most immediate,” Uy’s budget message reads.
Janboy Actub, the city mayor’s spokesperson, noted that expenditure is disaggregated under the RISE (Responsive, Innovative, Sustainable, Empowered) development agenda of Mayor Uy, anchored on his mantra, “Ang Gobyerno Duol Sa Katawhan ug ang Katawhan Duol Sa Gobyerno.”
Transparency, future outlook
Addressing public concerns about the budget’s size, city officials assured the public of strict transparency and accountability.
“The city must maintain management information systems that provide both performance and financial data to monitor budget implementation and control spending,” Actub said.
He added that the proposed budget is “built within a framework that guides planning, programming, management, and reporting of public finances.”
The record budget reflects Cagayan de Oro’s growth potential and development needs. Key projects include improving roads, bridges, public transportation, and enhancing healthcare, education, and social welfare programs.
“The city officials are committed to ensuring that public resources are used efficiently and effectively to provide benefits to the people of Cagayan de Oro,” Actub said.
The P9 billion budget is viewed as a commitment to progress and fiscal responsibility, poised to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents.
