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SAN FERNANDO CITY: For a first-time chief executive
of the province, Gov. Eddie Panlilio could not be faulted for not
having big dreams. He now ambitions to reach the targeted P1.2
billion in government revenues in his first year, and he believes it
could be done.
He announced this much at the
start of budgetary preparations for the fiscal year 2008.
“We need to begin the process
of rebuilding our province by raising the much needed financial
resources to fund our development projects and programs,” Panlilio
said.
National Economic Development
Authority (NEDA) records showed that Pampanga now has one of the
worst revenue generating records among the provinces in Central
Luzon.
It is heavily dependent on the
Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) from the National Government, with
a dependency rate of 89 percent.
“We want Pampanga to be less
dependent on the IRA and be able to generate its own funds for its
people” Panlilio added.
Panlilio’s administration
recently reported that quarry revenues have increased to 1,000
percent compared last year. Collections from quarrying operations
presently average at more than P1 million daily compared to an
average of P100,000 per day in the previous administration.
Likewise, the governor aims to
increase the Real Property Taxes (RPT) collection through the
computerization of tax administration and other systems improvements
in the province.
He also mentioned increasing the
income generating capacity of other properties of the province such
as the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex and Convention Center and the
Benigno Aquino Hall.
Besides raising funds through
operations made more efficient, the Panlilio administration will
also try to tap the full potential of external sources of funds such
as individuals and groups who wish to donate resources for specific
development projects of the government.
Private individuals and groups
have signified intentions to donate cash, equipment, and other
resources for priority projects such as the rehabilitation of
district and provincial hospitals and schools throughout the
province.
“We must fully harness
the goodwill and support of our generous kababayans both within and
outside of Pampanga who want to help in our rebuilding process,”
Panlilio said.
The governor has also instructed
his staff to study the possibility of tapping international grant
agencies such as the World Bank, ADB, and the UNDP for funding
specific development projects.
-- Joey Aguilar
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