THE 20TH City Council passed the P433-million Supplemental Budget 3 for 2024 on final reading on Thursday, Dec. 11.
The SB3, amounting to P433,928,192.87, comprises the General Fund Proper, Development Fund, and Economic Enterprises.
Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, committee chair on finance, ways and means, and appropriations, said the fund is sourced from the surplus of the CY 2023 operation and reversion of appropriations.
For the allocations, the development fund receives the largest share amounting to P357,075,711.87, representing 82.3% of the total appropriations.
Of this amount, P105,993,360 as requested by the City Mayor’s Office/City Administrator’s Office is intended for the Davao Interim Bus Service (DIBS).
The DIBS is an initiative program of the city aimed to augment the existing public transport in the city during peak hours, to address transport issues including the frequency of stranded passengers.
Of the total budget, P100 million will be utilized to purchase 10 standard buses, each with a capacity of 93 passengers -31 seated and 62 standing. These buses are also designed to be accessible to persons with disabilities.
Most of the amount under the Development Fund is intended for infrastructure projects such as reconstruction or renovation of buildings and other structures, road networks, water supply systems, power supply systems, flood control systems, and other land improvements to be implemented across all three congressional districts.
The second largest is for the General Fund Proper, with a total of P 76,852,481.00 or 17.7% of the total budget.
The City Mayor’s Office receives the largest share from the general fund proper, with P57.5 million, as it covers budgets for its two sub-offices, and program.
Councilor Louie John Bonguyan, committee vice-chair, in the committee report, said the Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents (DCTRCD) requests an augmentation in the amount of P3.5 million for the purchase of motor vehicles.
Dr. Michelle Buscato-Schlosser, DCTRCD OIC that the procurement of additional vehicles is intended for the transportation of patients and the procurement of necessary supplies for the rehabilitation center.
The center currently owns vehicles, however, are deemed insufficient to meet the daily demands of its operations, considering the volume of patient transportation and logistics required.
The purchase of motor vehicles and various equipment was not covered in the annual budget or previous supplemental budget allocations.
Under the general fund proper, P150,000 is allocated for the Public Safety and Security Office, Sangguniang Panglungsod (P8,240,581.00); City Admin (P6.6 million); City Social Welfare and Development Office (P753,400); City Cooperative and Development Office (P8.5 million); and City Engineer’s Office (P3.6 million).
File Photo by Bing Gonzales
