P2B Allocated for Negros Occ. LGUs Under BBM Program

Local government units across Negros Occidental are set to receive over P2 billion in financial support under the national government’s Bawat Bayan Makikinabang (BBM) program, Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson said Monday.

The total allocation stands at P2,044,800,338, to be disbursed directly through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to the provincial government, including Bacolod City, and 31 other towns and municipalities in the province.

Under the program, the provincial government will get ₱342 million, while the balance will be distributed among component cities and municipalities, the governor said

Lacson added that each LGU’s share has already been communicated to their respective mayors.

Funds will be split equally between two priority areas: 50 percent will go to rice assistance programs for residents, and the remaining half will finance local infrastructure initiatives including road improvements, water supply systems, and multi-purpose buildings.

A special briefing on the program was held Saturday in Bacolod City, hosted by Representative Javier Miguel Benitez (3rd district) at the home of his father Bacolod City Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.

In attendance aside from Lacson were municipal and city mayors in the province, and former Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone – who was tasked by the Office of the President to explain the BBM program mechanics to local officials.

Lacson said that the “program is for all.”

“We just have to upload. To have to let them know that we will take part of this BBM program,” he pointed out.

Pressed why the province was chosen first to be visited by Evardone, Lacson said, that Negros Occidental was chosen as the first stop because of the strong unity among our leaders – there is no division between the governorsoffice, congress representatives, and local chief executives.”

He added that allocation amounts are fixed, and LGUs are now being guided on how to submit their formal requests to access the funds.

Local officials will have authority over implementing projects within the two designated categories, Lacson said.* (EYA)