Gov't releases P1.42-B for Camp Aguinaldo improvement

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released on Monday P1.42 billion for the renovation and improvement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.

A big chunk of the budget or P1.14 billion will be used for architectural and engineering upgrades. The remainder of the fund will be used for the construction of a combined arms readiness training center (P282 million) and for training and doctrine projects (P594,000).
Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said in a statement that the fund would help prepare the country’s soldiers for armed conflict situations.

“The improvement of our military camps will ensure better support to our soldiers in the field, whose performance and well-being are naturally affected by the quality of facilities in their respective camps,” Abad said, adding that the budget release is a concrete resolution of the Aquino administration during the Peace Month.

The House of Representatives, meanwhile, approved on Monday P74.1 billion proposed budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for 2013.

The proposed budget is a 21 percent jump from the department’s P64.1 billion budget this year.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said in a statement that the DA will use the budget to prioritize productivity and income projects for farmers and fishermen and make basic goods more affordable.

Alcala said he is hoping that they will be able to convince the Senate to approve the budget when it is send to the floor for deliberations next month.

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Camille Diola | The Philippine Star | September 17, 2012 | Article Link