The P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 took center stage in Cebu as government officials gathered for the “Usapang Budget Natin” forum, an initiative aimed at promoting transparency and strengthening public understanding of how state funds are allocated.
The forum, held on February 20, highlighted how the proposed spending plan will impact Cebu and the wider Visayas, particularly in key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihood programs.
Organized by the Office of the Executive Secretary, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Presidential Communications Office through the Philippine Information Agency, the event served as a platform for dialogue between national government officials and stakeholders from local communities.
Officials explained how the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act supports essential programs and services, while also responding to questions and feedback from participants.
The budget priorities, outlined in line with the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., focus on strengthening education systems, expanding healthcare services, generating livelihood opportunities, and accelerating infrastructure development.
Local leaders, including Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, attended the forum alongside representatives from the private sector, business groups, and civil society organizations.
Cebu City hosted the final leg of the Visayas advocacy rollout, following similar engagements in South Cotabato and La Union.
During his presentation, Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo stressed the importance of making the national budget accessible and understandable to ordinary citizens.
“Ito ay paanyaya na unawain ang budget, kilatisin ang budget, at magtanong tungkol sa budget. Hindi lamang ito para sa gobyerno, ito ay budget para sa bayan at mamamayan,” Toledo said.
He added that the 2026 National Budget, as directed by the President, should be viewed not merely as a collection of figures but as an investment in the Filipino people.
Education remains the top priority, with P1.34 trillion allocated — the largest education budget in the country’s history and equivalent to 4.36 percent of gross domestic product, meeting the UNESCO Education 2030 benchmark for the first time.
Department of Education Undersecretary Edson Byron Sy said Central Visayas will receive P51.45 billion to support programs including school facilities, feeding initiatives, learning materials, digitalization, personnel requirements, curriculum development, and disaster preparedness.
For infrastructure, the Department of Public Works and Highways has been allotted P530.9 billion.
Undersecretary Ador Canlas said 20.14 percent, or P96.17 billion, of capital outlay will go to the Visayas, with Central Visayas receiving P28.90 billion for roads, bridges, and related projects.
The Department of Trade and Industry secured a P9.8-billion budget for programs covering exports, investments, MSME support, industry development, and consumer protection.
Of this, P608.6 million is allocated to the Visayas, with Central Visayas receiving the largest share at P242.9 million, followed by Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, and the Negros Island Region.
Other major allocations include P448.1 billion for the Department of Health, P297.1 billion for the Department of Agriculture, and P270.2 billion for the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
These budget highlights were presented by DOH Undersecretary Albert Francis Domingo, DA Undersecretary Nora Oliveros, and Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Marlo Iringan.
Under the DILG briefing, P1.19 trillion has been allocated for the National Tax Allotment for local government units nationwide, covering provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays, while P57.87 billion is earmarked for the Local Government Support Fund.
Toledo described the proposed 2026 national budget as “disciplined and responsible,” noting that it carries the lowest level of unprogrammed appropriations since 2019, with only three items included. (VCL)
Photo by PIA 7
