The Pasig City Council has approved the local government’s P17.2 billion budget for 2024, making it the largest budget allocated in the city’s history.
Ordinance No. 140, Series of 2023, authored by Councilor Maro Martires and co-sponsored by the entire council, passed its third and final reading on Nov. 14.
"This is not just a financial plan. It is the embodiment of hopes, dreams, and aspirations of every Pasigueño. And this fund lies the potential for transformational change, a testament to our collective commitment to elevating the quality of life in our beloved city," said Martires.
He noted that they will focus on sectors that are "vital to the city's growth" including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
For instance, according to Councilor Eric Gonzales, included in the 2024 budget are P1.8 billion allocated to the City Health Department (CHD), nearly P1.3 billion to the Pasig City General Hospital (PCGH), and almost P1 billion to the Pasig City Children's Hospital (PCCH). In total, P4.76 billion was appropriated for the healthcare sector.
"This year we vow to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Every peso will be a stepping stone towards progress, every decision made with utmost integrity. Our commitment to fiscal responsibility is unwavering, and we will ensure that every investment is judicious, yielding tangible benefits for all Pasigueños," Martires added.
Vice Mayor Robert "Dodot" Jaworski Jr. remarked that good governance initiatives are thriving in the city since Mayor Vico Sotto assumed office in 2019.
"Tuloy-tuloy ang tiwala at confidence ng iba't ibang sektor lalo na ng business sector sa ating lungsod (The trust and confidence of various sectors, especially our business sector in the city, continues)," said Jaworski.
During the special City Council session, Councilor Mark Gil Delos Santos said that the council has thoroughly reviewed and analyzed the budget through its strenuous committee hearings and deliberations.
All councilors shared their collective hope that projects and promises to provide the primary needs of citizens will be fulfilled and implemented.
Councilor Kiko Rustia added that, with a bigger budget, the local government may be able to help significantly resolve the environmental problems, especially in terms of waste management in the city.
Councilor Corazon Raymundo said she was delighted by the funds appropriated to the education sector, but stressed that there needs to be a heightened push to fund the city's Gender and Development (GAD) segment to mainstream GAD in local governance.