IRA is no longer erratic . . .

To fast track the implementation of R.A. 9358, the P46.4 B supplemental budget (to take effect 15 days after publication), the DBM has recently released the final computation of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of LGUs. The final figure adjusts the share of LGUs based on the P166.466 B total IRA.

The final computation sent to us via email shows the share of LGUs (including barangays) in Region VI amounting to P14.373 B, the third highest among the regions nationwide. Here's a synopsis of the computation: Negros Occ. has joined the billionaire's row and the only one in the region with a share of P1.057 B, at second place is Iloilo province with P805.849 M followed by Capiz, P431.309 M; Antique - P371.811 M; Aklan - P337.673 M; and Guimaras - P183.174 M. Among cities, Bacolod has the biggest share with P426.723 M. Kabankalan moves to second place at P386.638 M dislodging Iloilo which slid to third with a share of P359.427 M.

For municipalities, Cauayan in southern Negros tops the list with a share of P88.051 M followed by its northern counterpart, Calatrava at P 74.702 M and Hinigaran also in Negros Occ. at third spot formP59.351 M. Among 42 municipalities in Ioilo, Lambunao is on top with P56.029 M while Oton, the most populous town at second place with P51.720 M. In Aklan, the Ati-atihan country, the capital town of Kalibo has the biggest share with P49.378 M; Ibajay is far second at P39.901 M. In the Binirayan province of Antique, Sibalom (where one can find "rafflesia", the world's biggest flower) - ranks number one with P47.708 M; its neighbor, San Remigio is at second place with P43.026 M and San Jose, the capital town is surprisingly at third place at P40.146 M.

Moving on to Capiz, the sea food capital of the Philippines (guess what, I'm also doubling as a tourist promoter), Tapaz, a sometimes hard-to-reach town is numero uno with a share of P58.362 M and at far second is its neighbor, Jamindan with P47.538 M. In the oil-spilled province of Guimaras, Buenavista is on top among five municipalities with a share of P40.533 M, while the second biggest share goes to Jordan, the capital town for P33.668 M.

I won't dwell on the barangays as there are about 4,046 of them. The details of the computation will soon be posted at the regional office web site: www.dbmro6.org.

I almost forgot, with the passage of RA 9358, LGUs are assured of their final shares regardless of whether or not there is an approved GAA. Section 4 of the said law provides that the IRA is now treated as automatic appropriation. I'll discuss this on my subsequent post.