Cebu Province Proposes P11.9 Billion Budget for 2026, Marked by Revenue Realism

The Cebu Provincial Government has put forward an annual budget proposal of P11.9 billion for 2026, a figure Governor Pamela Baricuatro describes as "realistic" and aligned with the province's actual revenue capabilities. This proposal represents a 52.4 percent reduction compared to the P25 billion budget set for 2025.

Governor Baricuatro criticized the previous budget as "bloated," suggesting that despite its size, it did not reflect the province’s ability to generate revenue effectively. She emphasized the importance of a more pragmatic budgeting approach.

The proposed budget allocates P1.3 billion for hospital improvements alongside P1.45 billion dedicated to infrastructure development. Baricuatro stressed the need to balance funding between healthcare and infrastructure to ensure that the province’s overburdened medical facilities receive adequate support.

"Our budget distribution for infrastructure and healthcare is roughly equal, since we do not want to focus solely on infrastructure while our hospitals remain in poor condition," she explained.

Additional funds will facilitate the construction of relief warehouses for the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Carcar and Danao cities. Furthermore, the Provincial Nutrition Council will receive significant funding aimed at reducing malnutrition rates in the most affected municipalities.

The proposed budget will undergo review and approval by the Cebu Provincial Board in the coming sessions.