TAGUM CITY –– The provincial government of Davao del Norte has sounded off the different departments and offices to brace for the impact of budget cuts in there respective offices as the provincial coffers will be affected by the decrease in terms of shares from the national tax allocation (NTA).
Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib told the provincial officials that the budget cut represents 14.7% drop in the budget of the province in 2023, amounting to P500 million.
During the Capitol Convocation Program on Monday , Jubahib explained that the drop is caused by the significant decrease in LGU share of the NTA, formerly called the internal revenue allotment (IRA), which is based on the preceding three-year rule, following low government revenues due to the onset of the pandemic in 2020.
TO cushion the impact, Jubahib told the officials to hep him by collecting right taxes and go slow in their expenses.
“The local government units and the provincial treasurer’s office must collect what is due to the government, the economic enterprises must pish for collection,” he emphasized.
The governor earlier directed provincial offices to strictly observe austerity measures that include the reduction on the consumption of fuel, electricity and other utilities.
The governor, however, remained bullish the province will still be able to fulfill its mandate in delivering basic services and pursuing socio-economic growth.
“Yet, the real challenge for us is how much more we can do with whatever resources available for us. We must rise to the occasion by pursuing a functional budget that truly works in serving the best interest of our people and in building back better,” he stressed.
