SOUTH COTABATO – Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has officially signed Resolution No. 792 s. 2024, enacting Appropriation Ordinance No. 2024-08, which details the Annual Budget for the Province of South Cotabato for the calendar year 2025.
With 11 members of the 14th Sangguniang Panlalawigan present and four on official business, the resolution was approved during the third and final reading on December 16, 2024.
The province’s Annual Budget for 2025 amounts to PHP 3.4 million, reflecting a slight increase compared to the 2024 budget of PHP 3.02 million. This financial plan underscores the province’s commitment to prioritizing essential services and strategic development initiatives.
A significant portion of the budget, 38.7%, is allocated for General Public Services. Social Services will receive 20% of the total funds, while 23.3% is earmarked for various other services, including the Local Development Fund, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Fund, debt services, and aid to barangays. Additionally, over 8% of the budget will support the province’s economic enterprise services and operations.
The allocation aligns with Governor Tamayo’s governance platform, “Tama at Maayos Na Serbisyo” (“Right and Proper Service”), which emphasizes investments in five key areas: health care services and facilities, infrastructure, agriculture, education, and the economy.
“This budget is a testament to our administration’s dedication to providing efficient and effective services while fostering sustainable development across all sectors,” Governor Tamayo stated during the signing ceremony.
Local government officials and stakeholders have expressed optimism about the budget’s potential impact. “The allocation reflects our collective priorities and ensures that resources are channeled towards programs that directly benefit our constituents,” remarked Vice Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr.
As South Cotabato prepares to implement its 2025 budget, the provincial government remains steadfast in its mission to deliver inclusive growth and development, ensuring that every peso is spent wisely for the betterment of its people.