Cebu City Mayor Advocates for P981.9-Million Supplemental Budget to Tackle Pressing Urban Challenges
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has publicly defended the proposed P981.9-million Supplemental Budget (SB) 1 for the city, emphasizing its critical role in addressing urgent operational needs. The budget, which has been under careful review for the past month, is designed to ensure the continuity of essential services as the summer season approaches.
Key Priorities and Justifications
According to Mayor Archival, the supplemental funds are strategically allocated to cover several high-priority areas. Waste management tops the list, aimed at improving garbage collection and disposal systems to maintain urban cleanliness. Additionally, fuel assistance is included to support city operations and transportation services, while water supply initiatives are prioritized to mitigate potential shortages during the upcoming dry months. The budget also encompasses payments to contractors for ongoing projects, ensuring timely completion and service delivery.
Archival stressed the importance of this budget, stating, "These funds are vital to guarantee that city services remain uninterrupted and efficient, especially as we face seasonal challenges." He highlighted that the proposal underwent thorough discussions with department heads, the Cebu City Development Council (CCDC), and the executive branch before being submitted to the City Council for approval.
Controversy and Procedural Adherence
The mayor's defense comes amid concerns raised by Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who expressed apprehension over the lack of detailed explanations for certain budget items and the limited time provided for councilors to review the proposal. Osmeña even attempted to suspend the budget hearing, but the committee proceedings continued uninterrupted.
In response, Archival acknowledged the vice mayor's sentiments but emphasized adherence to established processes. "I respect the vice mayor's perspective, but we must follow the proper procedures to ensure transparency and accountability in budget allocation," he remarked. The mayor further clarified that some funds have been reallocated from projects under the Local Development Fund (LDF) due to price adjustments, optimizing resource use without compromising city needs.
This supplemental budget aims to bolster Cebu City's resilience against immediate environmental and logistical pressures, reflecting a proactive approach to urban governance. As discussions progress, stakeholders await further deliberations to finalize the allocation and implementation plans.
