With no new taxes
The Provincial government of Negros Oriental has been given the green light by national financial institutions to sustain loan payments for its major infrastructure projects, including the Negros Oriental Medical City and the New Government Center.
In a statement released Thursday, the Provincial government said the Department of Finance, through the Bureau of Local Government Finance, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, through the Monetary Board, have issued certifications that the Province has the financial capability to pay for these projects without imposing additional taxes, or compromising public services.
One of the key projects of Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria, the Negros Oriental Medical City, aims to bridge the gap in public healthcare capacity.
Current hospital bed-to-population ratio in the Province falls short of both the recommendations of the Department of Health and World Health Organization. The Province’s only major public hospital, the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital has been struggling to accommodate patients, forcing many to seek treatment in its overcrowded hallways or even outdoors during peak illnesses such as dengue outbreaks.
The new 400-bed Medical City is expected to be fully operational by 2033, providing modern healthcare services to the Province’s growing population, especially benefiting underprivileged communities that cannot afford private hospital care.
Aside from healthcare improvements, the New Government Center aims to address the deteriorating conditions of the current Provincial Capitol. Reports of leaking roofs, rodent infestation, and cramped workspaces have long been a concern for government employees, and residents seeking public services.
While previous efforts to rehabilitate the facility were stalled, the Sagarbarria administration has now secured funding for a modern, efficient government center that ensures a safe and professional environment for public transactions.
The Provincial government’s loans went through rigorous scrutiny before being approved by the Land Bank of the Philippines, the Development Bank of the Philippines, and national financial regulators.
As required by law, the BLGF issued a Certification of Net Debt Service Ceiling, and Borrowing Capacity to ensure the Province does not exceed its financial capability.
The certification, issued on May 23 last year, affirms that the Province’s fiscal health is sound, and that loan payments will not affect other essential services, such as healthcare, emergency response, infrastructure, and government salaries.
Despite certifications from national financial institutions, the administration has been the subject of what it describes as a disinformation campaign led by political rivals seeking to regain power.
“The people of Negros Oriental do not have short memories,” Governor Sagarbarria said. “While deceit was used in past elections, the truth prevailed. We trust that the honest people of this Province will see through these tactics once again.” (PR)
