Several indigenous peoples mandatory representatives (IPMRs) from barangays in Puerto Princesa are requesting an additional ₱200,000 in funding from the city government, according to a resolution they submitted to the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Monday.
The resolution was signed by IPMRs from different barangays in the city seeking additional financial support.
Councilor Modesto “Jonjie” Rodriguez II, chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, said the first committee meeting on the request has been set today, March 6.
During the meeting, the IPMRs will be asked to explain the purpose of the additional funding and how they plan to use it.
“Taun-taon, may nakalaang ₱3 milyon para sa kanila. Baka ang purpose ng paghingi ng ₱200,000 ay sakop na ng pondong iyon,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez explained that the city government already allocates ₱3 million annually for IPMRs. Because of this, the council wants to determine whether the requested ₱200,000 is already covered by the existing allocation.
He added that the ₱3 million fund is not fully used every year.
Rodriguez also noted that some barangays in the Northwest district receive additional shares from the revenue of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. These include New Panggangan, Marufinas, Cabayugan, and Tagabinet, each of which receives ₱1 million.
The IPMRs who signed the resolution are expected to attend the committee meeting to clarify their request. If the expenses they intend to fund are already covered by the annual allocation, they will instead be guided to coordinate with the office of their representative in the council, Ex-officio Member Dionisio Saavedra.
