(PNA Bacolod file photo) BACOLOD CITY - The Negros Occidental provincial government will prioritize spending only for flagship projects and essentials next year with the expected loss of PHP700 million in its national tax allotment (NTA) share in 2023. The lower 2023 NTA can be attributed to reduced tax collection in 2020 when the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic hit the country. Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said on Wednesday the province will have to reduce its maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) at 30 percent across-the-board for next year's annual provincial budget. "The biggest adjustment is we have to reduce MOOE to cover the at least PHP700 million loss in the NTA. All the offices got their share of the burden to reduce the MOOE," he added. Diaz said despite this, the province will push for the funding of the flagship projects announced by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson during his inauguration for his second term, including those in food security, environment, and bulk water supply. "For the next three years or earlier, we hope to finish all these," he said. "We will just spend on the essentials. Those that not a priority will have to take a backseat". Diaz said that the salary increase and benefits of the Capitol employees will not be affected by the budget cut. Lacson had earlier said next year's lower budget would also mean adjustments in the financial assistance being granted by the province to the various sectors. He added that the province will be able to earn local revenues through its various economic enterprises such as the Food Terminal Market of Negros Occidental here, which already awarded contracts to lessees last month. The provincial government also owns other economic enterprise facilities, including the Negros Residences hostel, Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary, and Negros First Cyber Centre. (PNA) }