CAMOTES ISLAND, Cebu, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board has earmarked at least P100 million for the construction of a new seaport, airport, and a major reclamation area in various towns around the province as part of the 2011 supplemental budget.

The fund allotment will be used to bankroll the Cordova Reclamation Project in Cordova town, the roll-on roll-off port in Daanbantayan, and the new airport in Camotes Island, which are all seen to boost economic activities and tourism in those areas.

Said P100 million fund is part of the approved P208.2 million supplemental budget intended to finance various projects and programs of the Office of the Governor and Vice Governor as well as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

During its regular session last Monday, the Cebu provincial board (PB) members approved the budget that was earlier submitted and certified by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia as urgent last May 20, 2011. The PB, however, failed to immediately tackle the supplemental budget because it was included in the calendar during their May 23 session and the Board did not hold a session on May 30.

The approval of the supplemental budget technically transfers appropriations for the Legislative Assistance Fund (LAF) of the members of the board from the provincial government’s executive department to the legislative.

Now that the supplemental budget has been approved, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale will also be given authority to appoint employees of the PB, an authority previously taken by Garcia from Magpale’s late predecessor, Gregorio Sanchez, Jr.

Magpale obtained some P26 million for her LAF and P7.2 million for general administration and support services while 14 PB members will divide among themselves a LAF totaling P46.6 million and P22.8 million for their general administration and support service program.