Surangel Whipps Jr.
KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. has submitted a $3.4 million supplemental budget proposal to the National Congress or Olbiil era Kelulau for its consideration. The proposal allocates $3.4 million and appropriates $2.7 million.
In his transmittal letter, Whipps said the bill addresses a significant shortfall in the nation’s healthcare system. Nearly half of the proposed budget, or $1.58 million, is designated for the Ministry of Health and Human Services, primarily to hire new nurses. “Without a budget authorization, we cannot hire anyone, and that is what this supplemental budget aims to resolve,” Whipps said.
“Without proper healthcare, people may move away in search of better options, which not only reduces our population base but also impacts our workforce, overall productivity, and social structure,” he added.
The bill would also allot $600,000 to cover 75% of the interest and 100% of the penalties accrued from commercial loans issued by the National Development Bank of Palau that were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Additional agencies funded by the proposal include the Bureau of Land and Survey, the Palau Housing Authority, the Financial Institutions Commission, the Office of Special Prosecutor and marine transport costs for the Southwest Islands.
