TRAILBLAZER IN DEVELOPMENT
Benguet Province:
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet
Effective governance and prioritizing the welfare of the people are some of the hallmark of the present administration. Under the leadership of Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas, good working relationship with the members of the Sangguiniang Panlalawigan, and proper coordination to the different departments paved the way in
the delivery of services. And speedy implementation of various government initiatives, undertakings, and projects
responsive to demands of the people of this province.
Thus, provincial government has received awards for its achievements such as Top 2 in the Year-on Year Growth Rate for the FY 2020-2021 (Local Sourced Revenue) and the 2022 GAWAD KALASAG SEAL. In addressing the needs, for the first five months this year (May 31), the Province collected a total of P752.756 million in revenues, according to Imelda Macane, Provincial Treasury Office head. The figure represent its share from the National Tax
Allocation (NTA), professional tax -income tax, real property tax, transfer tax and fees collected from the sand and
gravel business operators.
In 2023, the Province’ total revenue collection posted at P1.683 billion reflected from its General Fund (GF), it include its NTA share. For this year, the Province has a total budget of P2.259, 741.204-Billion a slight increase
compared to P2, 065, 115.442-B in 2023. To sustain development efforts, Gov. Diclas, HEALTHIER Benguet agenda
was establsihed which targets development across Health, Education, Agriculture, Livelihood, Tourism and
Culture, Human Resource, Infrastructure, Environment, and Responsive Governance.
Based on the obtained datas from the provincial information office, topping the lists of actions: HEALTH annual subsidy of P90, 000, 000.00 to the Benguet General Hospital; and the renovation of the health facility worth P6
million to accommodate the expansion of the dialysis center of the province. The Health Promotion Unit in the Provincial Health Office was created to support the operationalization of health promotion policies, programs, and activities in the province wide health system of Benguet
EDUCATION
Benguet Provincial Government allocated P72.215 (2022) from the General Fund to extend support to basic education in the province, it covered the honorarium of volunteer teachers and Learning Support Aides, and
infrastructure projects in identified schools in the province, both in elementary and secondary levels. Some 13 scholars were accepted through the Study Now, pay Later program of the Provincial Governor’s Office.
AGRICULTURE
In the same year, some P55.705 million worth of farm inputs were distributed to the different municipalities, and to
include financial assistance, irrigation systems, agricultural machinery, equipment, and facilities.
ENVIRONMENT
The Provincial Government through the Environment and Natural Resources Office conducted various activities to promote environmental awareness and sustainability in the community. The Provincial Government extended its services to different municipalities in the preparation and finalization of their Forest Resource Management Plan.
At least 14 Communal Forests and 7 CHARMP sites were also monitored to ensure that the provisions in the Forest
Resource Management Plans were being observed and implemented. The PLGU also partnered with concerned local
government units to conduct reforestation activities in 15 sites covering a total of 2.0232 hectares.
Primo Agatep/ABN
