The Davao City First District budget has remained unavailable since 2022, according to Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, raising concerns over delayed infrastructure projects and limited access to government-funded services.

Davao City’s First District has remained without a national budget allocation since 2022, according to Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, raising concerns over delayed infrastructure projects and limited access to government-funded services in one of the city’s key districts. The lawmaker said the prolonged absence of funding has affected development priorities, despite repeated efforts to secure allocations through the national budget process.

Speaking during a recent public engagement, Duterte said his office has consistently submitted proposals for district projects but these have not materialized into actual budget releases. He explained that while some lawmakers receive allocations for local initiatives under the General Appropriations Act, his district has not benefited from similar funding for several years. The situation, he noted, has made it difficult to implement large-scale programs that would otherwise support basic services and economic growth.

Duterte clarified that the lack of a district budget does not mean his office has stopped working. He said his team continues to coordinate with national government agencies to ensure that Davao City First District residents still gain access to services through agency-led programs. However, he acknowledged that relying solely on national agencies limits flexibility, especially for urgent local needs that typically require district-level funding.

The representative also addressed questions about political factors possibly influencing budget allocations. Without naming specific individuals or institutions, Duterte said budget decisions are influenced by congressional dynamics and priorities set during deliberations. He emphasized that budget discussions are often complex and involve negotiations that go beyond individual lawmakers.

Despite the funding challenges, Duterte maintained that his office remains focused on legislative work and constituent assistance. He cited laws and policy measures he has supported in Congress, particularly those related to public safety, social services, and local governance. He stressed that representation is not measured solely by the amount of funding received but also by the ability to advocate for constituents at the national level.

Residents and local leaders have expressed concern over the absence of district-funded projects, especially those related to infrastructure improvement, health facilities, and livelihood support. Some community members said district allocations play a critical role in addressing localized concerns that may not be immediately covered by national programs.

Duterte said he remains hopeful that future budget cycles will allow his district to regain access to funding. He added that his office will continue to submit proposals and engage in discussions during budget deliberations to ensure that the needs of Davao City First District are heard. For now, he urged constituents to remain patient and assured them that his commitment to public service remains unchanged despite the budget constraints.