Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has proposed an 11.9-billion-peso budget for 2026, a figure she says reflects the province’s actual revenue capacity and underscores her commitment to realistic budgeting.
This is less than half of this year’s P25 billion approved budget, which Gov. Baricuatro had described it as bloated to look impressive despite the Capitol’s inability to meet its revenue targets.
The 2026 budget ordinance is scheduled for deliberation and approval by the Cebu Provincial Board.
Of the proposed amount, P1.3 billion is allocated for hospital upgrades, while P1.45 billion is set aside for infrastructure projects.
“More or less, even ang atong distribution ani sa budget sa infrastructure and healthcare because we don’t want to focus wholly on infrastructure unya ang atong mga ospital gubot kaayo,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
Part of the budget will also fund the Provincial Disaster Management Program, including the construction of relief warehouses in Carcar City and Danao City. Gov. Baricuatro said these sites were chosen for their accessibility to provincial hospitals and strategic positions as hubs in both northern and southern Cebu.
The governor further announced plans to strengthen the Provincial Nutrition Council, with priority given to addressing malnutrition in municipalities with the highest rates.
“We will work closely with the National Nutrition Council and follow their guidance for programs. Within my first 100 days, we will launch three mobile kitchens to help address hunger and food security,” Gov. Baricuatro said. | 𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶
