Governor Attorney Jose V. Gambito has issued executive order no. 62 on mandating all provincial government departments to adopt stringent austerity measures. This initiative aims to curb unnecessary expenditures and enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of government programs and projects.
Governor Gambito emphasized the necessity for each department to scrutinize their spending and eliminate costs that do not directly support the provincial government’s objectives and mission. “We must ensure that our financial resources are managed wisely and directed towards initiatives that truly benefit our community,” he said.
The executive order calls for postponing non-essential activities like private sector trainings, workshops, seminars, and conferences, especially if they cost the government money. Additionally, cultural and social events, including conventions, symposiums, and orientations that aren’t critical to government operations, should be minimized.
“Expenditures that do not contribute to our core mission or can be deferred without compromising the quality of our services should be avoided,” Governor Gambito asserted.
Provincial government employees have also been instructed to adopt cost-saving practices in their daily operations. This includes the judicious use of office supplies, electricity, and other utilities, as well as other routine operating expenses.
To ensure the effective implementation of these austerity measures, Governor Gambito has mandated that all departments conduct regular monitoring and prepare detailed austerity programs. These programs must be submitted to the Office of the Governor for review and approval.
Earlier, during the 3rd Quarter Management Committee (ManCom) meeting, Governor Gambito also instructed various provincial government offices to defer projects and programs funded for this year that they are unable to implement. Instead, the funds should be redirected towards programs that directly benefit the citizens. The total amount for these deferred projects is nearly 20 million pesos.
Among the projects to be discontinued are the construction of the NVDRRM Command and Control Center, which had an allocated budget of 13 million pesos, the enhancement of the field monitoring system of the Nueva Vizcaya Climate Change Center with a budget of over 1 million pesos, and the construction of a dog pound, which had a budget of 700,000 pesos. Governor Gambito assured that these projects could still be funded in the next fiscal year.
“This initiative is not merely about reducing costs; it is about instilling a culture of efficiency, accountability, and responsible governance,” Governor Gambito concluded. /rmi
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