Mabalacat City has a P1.3-billion budget for 2017.
The budget for the next fisc year has been approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in a special session scheduled before Christmas.
According to Vice Mayor Christian Halili, the budget – descibed as “pro-people”, highlights appropriations on education, health, and peace and order particularly on anti-drugs campaign.
Three percent of the total budget is aimed at eradicating illegal drugs.
Halili also noted that the city’s budget increased from P1.047 in 2016 to P1.3 billion next year, citing that the city is “becoming more progressive and focused on the needs of the people and development of the city.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales said the budget is also aimed at delivering basic and social services such as education, health care, environmental protection, infrastructure development, illegal drug eradication, peace and order, business development, job generation, youth and sports development, and livelihood programs.
Aside from the budget, the city council also approved urgent resolutions and ordinances during the special session.