SP approves P11.2-B CDO 2024 executive budget

THE 20th City Council, in its regular session Monday, unanimously approved the 2024 annual budgets of the general fund (P10,036,440,971) and the special account: Local Economic Enterprises/Utilities (P1,163,559,029).

In his letter to the City Council, City Mayor Rolando A. Uy said the proposed budget aims to attain goals and objectives anchored on the RISE development and governance agenda of R-egional Leadership, Metropolitanization, and Connectivity; I-nstitutional Development and Participatory Governance; S-afety, Security and Social Development; and E-conomic Recovery.

He also said that the budget remains dedicated to fostering inclusive growth, with a primary focus on accelerating investments in public infrastructure, enhancing anti-poverty programs, and promoting community-based and grassroots-level delivery of public services.

KEY PRIORITIES

Considering the several challenges faced by the City Hall over the years, the budget prioritizes establishing a one-stop-shop for government services, both local and national, by establishing the Cagayan de Oro Government Center.

The construction of a new City Hall is seen as an essential part of the city's commitment to enhancing the effectiveness and functionality of local government. Mayor Uy further demonstrated that this project is an investment in the prosperity and well-being of the people as well as a major step toward making the city accessible, efficient, and forward-thinking.

Furthermore, the budget highlights initiatives targeted at lifting people out of poverty through various skill training and livelihood programs that allow people to learn technical knowledge and enhance their skills in a number of specialties.

The budget likewise continues to support the marginalized sectors of the community by improving the preparedness of the city’s health system needed to address health crisis, particularly, disease outbreaks. Hence, funds are allocated for the city’s universal health care and other response and recovery program, funds for the City Hospital Annexes in Lumbia and Tablon, and other health facilities.

Mayor Uy further said the city is investing in scholarship programs which now allow medical and law courses; market-driven NCII skills training; and the establishment of the Local City College to cater students in outlying areas.

With the due approval of the budget, the present administration envisions Cagayan de Oro City as a Highly Urbanized City (HUC) and will evolve into becoming the fourth metropolitan center in the Philippines, the City Mayor further pointed out.