It is my privilege and duty as the Local Chief Executive of the Local Government Unit of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga to submit to the Sangguniang Panlungsod the LGU Annual Executive Budget for the fiscal year 2008 amounting to PhP559,524,543.23 and an appropriation of PhP9,477,869.52 for the Economic Enterprise.

The year 2007 has been a milestone of achievements in great heights for the Fernandinos. The Public Governance System we have adopted and embraced to effect significant changes in the traditional viewpoint in governance continues to play a major role. We have set up systems that would deter graft and corruption. We have developed employees that are dedicated and committed for our motto “Magsilbi Tamu” to become a catchphrase and the envy of neighboring LGUs. The true beneficiaries of these hardships are the marginalized Fernandinos who have longed for these changes through efficient, timely and effective  service by  the local  government.  We can say that our

dreams are now coming to a fore. It is no doubt that these efforts have not come unnoticed, thus, the recognition we recently received as a PGS-proficient City.

Our task is nowhere near to conclusion. The road ahead is arduous as we will meet impediments even from among us. For not all of us would welcome these vital changes we have sought to realize. But I honestly believe that in the end, the true meaning of public service shall inspire even the cynics among us all for a better San Fernando.

In the 5th Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council Conference, we drew our Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) based on the five performance area, namely Social Service, Economic Development, Environmental Management, Administration and Governance as defined in the 2nd level scorecards.

For the year 2008, the City shall focus its efforts on further strengthening and enhancing its programs. The Social Service Performance Area thrust is in improving and enhancing the delivery of basic social services which include the maintenance and improvement of barangay-based infrastructures, development of the health program, provision of basic social welfare services that would help uplift the conditions of the disadvantaged Fernandinos, provision of legal services and the City’s campaign against drug abuse. A total annual budget of PhP142,496,334.48 or 25.46 % of the total budget of the City is appropriated toward this end.            

The Economic Development Performance Area is geared in improving the over-all economic condition of the City by increasing and enhancing its atmosphere for investment, strengthening capacity to provide employment services to the Fernandinos, development of traditional trades, modernization of income generating projects of the City, increasing food production and improvement of the City’s facilities for better service. An annual budget of PhP115,946,334.98 or 20.64% of the total budget is appropriated for this performance area.

For the Environmental Management Performance Area, the City shall continue to conserve and preserve its water resource, pursue its solid waste management program and adopt measures that would ensure the City’s air and water quality.

The Governance Performance Area shall focus on the institutionalization of mechanisms for people’s further participation in governance through the Public Governance System, the activation of all people’s councils mandated by the Local Government Code, ensuring transparency in governance and the alignment of the executive and legislative agenda.           

The Administration Performance Area thrust focuses on the installation of systems through the institutionalization of the PGS, establishment and maintenance of sound personnel programs, ISO alignment on processes, increased level of collection efficiency and income through General Revision of Real Property Tax assessment and classification, as well as the Local Revenue Code.       

The budget for the Environmental Management, Governance and Administration Performance Areas are indicated in the General Services with a total of PhP319,340,651.44 or 61.03% of the total annual budget of the City.

In effect, the proposed 2008 Annual Executive Budget would further enhance the condition of our fellow Fernandinos. We are convinced that we will continue to work hand in hand since we are one in the belief that true governance touches the lives of the marginalized and provides them opportunities for a better life.

Let us continue to be an inspiration and an instrument of change and to make a difference.      

Magsilbi Tamu!

SUMMARY || APPROVED BUDGET