The  proposed budgets for 2016  of regional line agencies and state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Western Visayas were  presented for review  to the Congressional Representatives of Region VI, the Regional Development Committee (RDC) VI  Advisory Committee  last May 19  at the Batasang Pambansa, Constitution Hills, Quezon City. The meeting also tackled the priority thrusts and priorities of the DOH  and the improvements being initiated by DBM in the budgeting process.

 Undersecretary Luz M. Cantor of the DBM, one of the resource speakers,  discussed  the approved 2015 budget for Western  Visayas as indicated  under the General Appropriations Act.  In her presentation, she emphasized the important role of the RDC in budgeting to achieve transparency and good governance as well as  achieve  the goals enunciated under the  Regional Development Plan. Meanwhile, Regional Director Ro-Ann A. Bacal of the NEDA Regional Office (NRO) VI discussed the 2016 budget review process conducted by the RDC VI Executive Committee on  March 26 and 27. According to RD Bacal, total proposed budget is  at PhP119.3 billion, with PhP112.8 billion allotted for 23 regional agencies and PhP6.5 billion for  11 SUCs.

Undersecretary Luz M. Cantor of the DBM, one of the resource speakers,  discussed  the approved 2015 budget for Western  Visayas as indicated  under the General Appropriations Act.  In her presentation, she emphasized the important role of the RDC in budgeting to achieve transparency and good governance as well as  achieve  the goals enunciated under the  Regional Development Plan.

For 2015, of  the  PhP2.606 trillion approved budget,  PhP86.3 billion is allocated for Western Visayas.  The key public investments in the region include: (a) strategic infrastructure projects; (b) agriculture support; (c) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps; and (d) education and health needs.  For 2016, all proposed programs, projects and activities (PPAs)  should anchor on the 2016 Budget Priorities Framework which calls for, among others, two-tier budgeting and performance-based budgeting. The DBM is also looking at the absorptive capacities and actual performances of  agencies and SUCs in implementing PPAs as basis for budget approval.

Meanwhile, Architect Ariel D. Magbanua of the DOH  discussed the main thrusts and priorities of DOH especially the 2015-2016 “Kalusugan Pangkalahatan” Road Map which includes various PPAs  for financial risk protection, attainment of Health-Related MDGs and access to quality health services.  On the other hand, Regional Director Marlyn W. Convocar of the DOH VI  presented the programs and projects of the department focusing on the 2015 Health Enhancement Program for Western Visayas.

The Advisory Committee Meeting was presided over by the RDC VI Chairperson, Governor Alfredo E. Marañon, Jr.  of Negros Occidental and attended by 11 (out of 18) members of the House of Representatives from Region VI, the RDC VI Executive Committee members, Party list Representatives Sharon S. Garin (AAMBIS-OWA), Pablo R. Nava (APPEND), and Joseph Stephen S. Paduano (ABANG Lingkod).