The Oriental Negros Sangguniang Panlalawigan is set to deliberate on the P750 million budget for 2006 proposed by Gov. George Arnaiz, which is 8.6 percent higher than that of this year.

In his explanatory note for the budget proposal, Arnaiz said the appropriations are in line with the priority thrusts of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo such as education, jobs, clean water, power and electrification, credit, and low-priced medicines.

He said the budget will center on the Gender and Development program of the province pursuant to Republic Act 7192.

Arnaiz said funds are provided to meet the needs of the elderly and the disabled, with provisions to facilitate and enhance their welfare.

The 2006 budget proposal seeks to continue the programs and the delivery of basic services to meet the Millenium Development Goals of poverty reduction, nutrition and basic education services, maternal and child care, and safe drinking water, the governor said.

Programs and projects identified by the 2005-2007 provincial Executive-Legislative Agenda are included in the budget, he added.

The ELA was crafted by members of the executive and legislative departments, with the private sector.

Arnaiz said he is optimistic that the provincial legislators will approve the proposed budget which includes revenue sources like the Internal Revenue Allotment for 2005 totaling P617 million, royalty tax from the Philippine National Oil Corporation pegged at P20 million, and the P1.2 million transport tax.

He said he had told the Provincial Board that the direction of his administration's development is anchored "on the common vision where the people is God-centered and empowered, respecting the integrity of the creation, and are committed to achieve economic sufficiency and prosperity."

Arnaiz assured, though, that his administration will continue to adopt prudent fiscal management and implement austerity measures in implementing the budget.*RG

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