THE DAVAO City council approved this week the P1.474 billion supplemental budget proposed for various projects, including waste management and transport terminals for the high priority bus system (HPBS). This amount will augment the P8.8 billion annual budget approved for this year. City Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang, chair of the committee on appropriation, said the local government currently has a P2 billion available fund source from the budget surplus, appropriation revision, and loan proceeds. The solid waste management program will get P160 million while the HPBS has been allocated P100 million for the construction of two terminals, one each in the northern and southern parts of the city. The tourism sector is getting P70 million for promotional activities. City Tourism Operations Officer Regina Rosa D. Tecson earlier said the city government is in need of funds for immediate marketing initiatives, although what the industry requires for the long-term is a “comprehensive framework” that will become a “bible… in crafting its programs.” About P31.75 million of the supplemental budget will be spent for the annual bonuses of the city’s 2,585 regular employees. “Qualified employees will get as much as 60% bonus… depending on their performance,” said Mr. Dayanghirang, noting that the national government has allowed local government units to provide performance-based bonuses. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

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