Cebu City, Philippines — Governor Pamela Baricuatro has announced that healthcare will be the top priority in the Provincial Government’s 2026 budget, fulfilling her campaign promise to overhaul Cebu’s ailing healthcare system.
“Nag-submit na ang mga department heads og budget proposals. As I’ve said, health will be the biggest inclusion sa budget nato in 2026,” Gov. Baricuatro told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday, August 27.
The governor confirmed that budget deliberations will begin by the second week of September, starting with proposed allocations for Capitol-run hospitals and healthcare services.
Ending Mismanagement and Overpromises
Governor Baricuatro criticized the previous administration for its practice of inflating budget figures for media visibility, which she said undermined proper resource management.
“We have to live within our means. We cannot go beyond what we’re earning. The previous administration kept making promises, distributing here and there, pero wala may budget, bloated kaayo,” she said.
The governor provided a ballpark estimate of ₱10 to ₱11 billion for the province’s 2026 budget, which she assured will reflect actual revenue collections rather than speculative projections.
Key Budget Priorities
While healthcare is the top priority, the governor highlighted education, food security, and infrastructure as other crucial areas of focus for the 2026 budget.
Additionally, the budget will include provisions for debt servicing to address unpaid obligations left by the previous administration. “Our budget will also include provision for debt service program kay daghan pa kaayo tag payables,” she explained.
Optimistic Economic Outlook
Looking forward, Gov. Baricuatro projected a conservative 10% economic growth for Cebu in 2026, citing the return of investors and the implementation of policies that improve the ease of doing business in the province.
“Ten percent growth is a very conservative estimate. It could be more, considering the influx of businesses coming into the province now. The investment atmosphere is more conducive than before,” she said.
The governor also highlighted the return of businesses in manufacturing, water expansion, and solar energy, signaling a revitalized investment corridor in Cebu.
Hospitals Over “Hapitanan” Projects
Governor Baricuatro questioned the priorities of the previous administration regarding the construction of at least 10 “Hapitanan sa Sugbo”, a project modeled after the Department of Tourism’s Tourist Rest Area initiative.
Over the weekend, she visited the Hapitanan in Balamban and expressed concern over the province spending ₱6 million on a facility that has yet to attract tourists.
“I don’t understand why the province would want to operate something like this, especially when some ‘Hapitanans’ are located in areas far from tourist destinations, like the one in Pinamungajan,” she said.
She also cited Hapitanans in the Camotes Islands—in Pilar, Poro, and Tudela—as examples where the expected tourism impact has not materialized.
For the governor, healthcare remains the real priority.
“Para nako, unahon nato ang atong mga ospital. Wala gani klarong tambal sa Tudela, Pilar, ug Poro, unya gihimoan na nuon og Hapitanan. Mas kinahanglanon sa mga tawo ang ospital kay naa silay health problems,” she emphasized.
With 10 similar structures proposed, the total projected cost could reach ₱60 million. While the governor confirmed that the administration will continue with Hapitanans that already have budget allocations, no new funds will be set aside for projects without existing budgets.
Focus on Sustainable Healthcare Reform
Governor Baricuatro’s approach highlights a shift from showy projects to essential services, ensuring that taxpayer money is used effectively for the benefit of Cebuanos. The largest share of the 2026 budget going to healthcare will fund:
- Hospitals and medical facilities across the province.
- Medical equipment and supplies to address shortages.
- Health personnel recruitment and training to improve service delivery.
- Public health programs, including preventive care and emergency response initiatives.
Her administration is committed to creating a resilient healthcare system capable of addressing both urban and rural needs across Cebu.
Conclusion
As Cebu gears up for the 2026 budget, Governor Pamela Baricuatro is steering the provincial government toward responsible fiscal management and impactful public service. With healthcare at the forefront, residents can look forward to better hospitals, accessible medical services, and a government committed to real priorities over empty projects.
The province’s focus on education, food security, infrastructure, and debt management ensures that Cebu not only addresses its immediate health challenges but also builds a sustainable, growth-oriented future for all Cebuanos.
