Cebu is moving early to secure national funding for 2027, as the Provincial Development Council (PDC) formally endorsed P107 billion worth of priority programs and projects for submission to the regional level.
The endorsement signals the provincial government’s push to align Cebu’s priorities with national government agencies (NGAs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and state universities and colleges (SUCs) operating across the province.
During its full council meeting on Friday, February 13, the PDC approved the consolidated programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) submitted by its five sectoral committees.
The gathering, held at a hotel in Cebu, was attended by key provincial officials, mayors, and civil society representatives.
The endorsed proposals will now be transmitted to the Regional Development Council (RDC)-7 for consideration in drafting the 2027 National Expenditure Program.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro, who chairs both the PDC and RDC-7, highlighted the importance of collaborative development.
“‘Ato ang Sugbo’ does not mean ownership but also a recognition that the Provincial Government cannot do it alone,” she said. “Your presence contributes to making Cebu better. And I appreciate everyone for sharing your time and ideas.”
Infrastructure projects commanded the largest portion of the proposed budget, totaling P71.74 billion, reflecting Cebu’s continued need for roads, irrigation systems, and agricultural support facilities.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) accounted for the bulk of this at P63.54 billion, followed by the National Irrigation Administration (P3.79 billion) and the Department of Agriculture (P4.3 billion).
Transportation initiatives were also included, with P20.48 million earmarked for the Department of Transportation and the province’s “Tabang PamByahe Project.”
In addition, the council approved a separate P100 million allocation requested by the Danao City Government for infrastructure projects in barangays Guinacot and Suba.
The social sector ranked second in funding priority at P31.26 billion.
Education-related programs led this category, with P17.67 billion proposed for the Department of Education.
Health and welfare programs followed, with P5.62 billion for the Department of Health and P6.1 billion for the Department of Social Welfare and Development–7.
Cebu Normal University was allocated P1.17 billion, alongside funds for agencies such as the Land Transportation Office–7, Philippine Science High School, and other regional offices.
Economic initiatives were allocated P507 million, distributed among the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Coconut Authority, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Department of Tourism.
Environmental and water security projects were grouped under P589 million, covering the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, and Environmental Management Bureau.
The PDC also backed the proposed Metro Cebu Sewerage Master Plan and a European Union-supported water security grant.
Governance and digitalization efforts were included under P2.8 billion, primarily for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The council also adopted its 2025–2028 Manual of Operations and created a technical working group to institutionalize a People’s Council in Cebu.
Vice Governor Glenn Anthony O. Soco, provincial board members, local chief executives, and partner civil society organizations attended the quarterly meeting, signaling broad support for the funding slate.
For urgent DPWH and DENR projects, the PDC Executive Committee will convene separately to fast-track endorsements prior to submission to national agencies. (SBA)
Photo from Cebu Province
