City Council OKs PHP201-M supplemental budget

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City Council, in its regular session on Wednesday, approved Supplemental Budget 3 amounting to PHP 201,441,015.69.

City Budget Officer Viminale Capulso said the bulk of the appropriation, PHP 126.23 million, will go to the city’s general fund, while PHP 6.67 million is earmarked for local economic enterprises.

Capulso said a significant portion of the general fund will cover personnel services, including monetization requests of qualified employees, terminal leave benefits of retirees and additional positions under the Office of the City Accountant.

For maintenance and other operating expenses, around PHP 31.27 million is allotted for various programs and projects of the city government.

Capulso said another PHP 20.2 million was set aside for festivals and holidays, particularly the city government’s initial subsidy to the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. for the 2026 Dinagyang Festival.

Under capital outlay, the city allocated PHP 4.57 million for the purchase of a lot in Barangay Tabucan, Mandurriao.

He said the remaining funds will support land banking initiatives under the Office of the City Mayor and the acquisition of various equipment for several offices.

The budget also supports infrastructure projects, including rehabilitation works along the city’s esplanades and walkways, the rehabilitation of Iznart Street, the completion of a multipurpose building in Barangay Benedicto, Jaro, and improvements to the gym of Molo Boulevard, among others.

Additional funding was also earmarked for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Jaro Big Market, Mandurriao Public Market and Iloilo Terminal Market.

For local economic enterprises, Capulso said the allocation covers monetization requests, added funding for market operations, increased electricity costs and the establishment of office space at the new Iloilo Terminal Market.