Cebu Province is planning to significantly increase funding for water security, food production and disaster preparedness in 2027 as officials prepare for worsening climate-related challenges, including the effects of El Niño.
The Cebu Provincial Development Council (PDC) approved a proposed P15.309-billion Annual Investment Program (AIP) for 2027 during its third-quarter meeting Monday, Oct. 5.
The proposed investment program is higher than the province’s P11.9-billion AIP for 2026, reflecting increased allocations for development and climate-related programs.
Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Executive Assistant V Elizar Sabinay Jr. said the spending priorities were designed to make Cebu more prepared for disasters and other disruptions.
“The theme man jud of budget next year is really building a future ready zone,” Sabinay said.
Water security is among the province’s major priorities, with combined allocations from the Development Fund and Regular Fund for water programs expected to reach about P300 million.
This is significantly higher than the roughly P36 million allocated for water programs in the previous year.
“We want to focus on water, noting the Super El Niño,” Sabinay said.
The province plans to strengthen its capacity to respond to water shortages, including deploying water tankers across districts and islands. Officials also intend to increase the number of tankers in succeeding years as funding allows.
The water strategy will also cover agriculture through the planned establishment of water catchment or storage facilities for accredited farmers. The facilities are intended to provide farms with alternative water sources during periods of inadequate rainfall.
Food security is another major component of the proposed AIP, with P414.824 million earmarked for the Food Security Program, including the Food Always In The Home (FAITH) program.
The allocation is being proposed amid concerns that prolonged heat and water shortages could affect agricultural and fisheries production.
Sabinay said the provincial government is also considering measures to help farmers maintain production despite extreme heat and inadequate water.
The province plans to provide crop insurance to accredited farmers to help cushion losses caused by calamities. It is also looking at interventions for fisherfolk who may be affected by changes in sea conditions.
Beyond climate and food programs, the proposed AIP includes about P3 billion under the Development Fund for infrastructure and other development initiatives.
The largest Development Fund allocation, P772.626 million, is intended for the construction and improvement of hospitals and health facilities, including medical and operational supplies and equipment.
Another P400 million is proposed for road and bridge construction, improvement and repairs, including street lighting.
The Water Supply System Development Program is allocated P303 million.
Other proposed allocations include P300 million for assistance to local government units and institutions for capital expenditure or development projects; P268 million for power generation and electrification; P150 million for solid waste management and environmental programs; and P127.5 million for drainage, slope protection, seawalls and flood control.
The province expects to generate about P13.6 billion in revenue in 2027. It also projects about P1 billion in additional income from provincial hospitals through the PhilHealth YAKAP program, bringing projected total revenue to around P14.6 billion.
The PDC-approved AIP will next be forwarded to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for review and legislative action.
The province is expected to submit the program to the provincial board by Oct. 16.
Sabinay said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan may still adjust project allocations during the legislative review, although major changes to the PDC-approved investment program are not expected.
Photo courtesy of Pam Baricuatro/Facebook
Comments