Manila, March 19 -- The city government of Legazpi has allocated PHP35 million for social development programs across 70 barangays.

In an interview on Wednesday, Mayor Alfredo Garbin said the PHP500,000 allocation per barangay aims to support various community initiatives.

"This is the first time in Legazpi City that we had a bottoms-up approach. The priority projects of the barangays are being honored by the city government," Garbin said.

The budget is sourced from the 20 percent development fund of the city and approved by the city council last week.

"All the 70 barangays, regardless of political affiliation, will receive PHP500,000 each. The barangays identified their priority projects and the city will implement the project. The b...