P77-M earmarked for South Cotabato economic projects

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec. 5 (PNA) – The provincial government of South Cotabato has set aside P77 million for the implementation of various infrastructure and economic development projects in the province next year.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said the allocation is part of the P137-million investment program of the local government for 2009. The amount was endorsed recently by the Provincial Development Council (PDC).

The PDC, the province's highest development policy-making body, is composed of Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, city and municipal mayors, and accredited sectoral representatives of the civil society or non-government organizations.

Fuentes, who chairs the PDC, said the proposed investment program for 2009 is considered as a major leap from last year's allocation of about P98 million.

"We're now benefiting from the sound, efficient and prudent fiscal management of the province's financial resources," she said.

Under the approved 2009 annual investment program, the infrastructure development component has received the biggest allocation at P67.785 million.

The human development coponent received P46.887 million, followed by economic development with P9.468 million; environment development, P7.474 million; and development administration, P4.384 million.

The infrastructure development component, which was cited by the PDC as a complement to the province's economic initiatives, covers the repair and maintenance of provincial roads and bridges, and implementation of infrastructure support for effective delivery of basic services.