Rama to include brgy’s needs in ‘13 budget

DRAINAGE projects, road improvements and education top the wish list of Cebu City’s 80 barangays for inclusion in the 2013 budget.

Mayor Michael Rama said he would present to the City Council a “barangay oriented” budget that would address the barangays’ needs.

“A political deception.  That has been his line all along,” Rep. Tomas Osmena of Cebu City’s south district said in response to Rama’s promises to the barangays.

Osmena said asking for the barangay wish list is one thing.  But balancing these needs with what the city would be capable of raising would be something else.

“It’s all metaphysics.  You cannot cut a tree where there is no tree to cut.  How can you cut funds when there is no funds to cut?,” he said.

Rama called for a consultation with barangay officials last Thursday.  Almost all, if not all, of the 80 barangays were represented during the

gathering.

Those present were asked what their respective barangays needed.

At the end of the two-hour consultation, the top five needs of the 80 barangays were

identified.

North district barangay officials listed down road and traffic improvement, education, drainage projects, health services and employment as among their top needs.

Those from the south listed down road projects, lighting, drainage improvement, peace and order, and employment.

“Wala ko nakakita ug flyover sa ilang lista.  Sa akong nakita road widening is what is more needed,” he said.

Rama said he would try to accommodate the barangays priority project requests in the 2013 budget. /Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac