The Cebu provincial government is proposing to quadruple its water development funding and increase agriculture and food security spending by 142% in 2027 as it prepares for possible dry spells and the looming El Niño.
The proposed P14.6-billion budget, submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Thursday, Oct. 15, is 22.7% higher than the province’s P11.9-billion spending plan for 2026.
Water development funding would rise to P100 million from P25 million this year, while the allocation for agriculture and food security would increase to P354.824 million.
The proposed increases aim to strengthen the province’s capacity to address water supply concerns and support farmers and fisherfolk who could face additional pressure from prolonged dry conditions.
Healthcare remains the administration’s largest spending priority, with P5.865 billion earmarked for hospital improvements, medical equipment, medicines, supplies, personnel and public health services. The allocation accounts for about 40.2% of the proposed budget.
In her budget message, Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the spending plan prioritizes essential services and prepares the province to respond to emerging challenges.
“For Cebuano families, this means investing in what matters most to their everyday lives: healthcare they can access, support for those who produce our food, safer roads and bridges, and communities better prepared for disasters,” the message read.
“These additional resources will help us respond to the growing needs of our communities,” it added.
The provincial government plans to strengthen hospital capacity, with the administration aiming to bring most, if not all, provincial hospitals to Level II status.
The proposed investments are expected to improve facilities and expand the services hospitals can provide, potentially reducing the need for patients to travel elsewhere for treatment.
The governor’s message also identified hospital revenues as a source of support for continued improvements, while stressing that generating income must not take precedence over patient care.
“Their increasing income helps sustain their operations and fund further improvements, but our measure of success remains the quality and accessibility of the care they provide,” the message stated.
The proposed P354.824-million agriculture and food security budget represents a 142% increase from this year’s allocation. The funds would support supplies, equipment and facilities intended to help farmers and fisherfolk improve production and protect their livelihoods.
The P100-million water development allocation, meanwhile, is expected to support efforts to address supply concerns, particularly if prolonged dry conditions affect communities across the province.
For infrastructure, the province is proposing P220 million for roads, bridges, repairs and street lighting. Another P25 million would fund drainage systems, slope protection, seawalls and flood control projects.
The proposed budget also includes P400 million under the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund for preparedness and response activities.
The allocation would cover training, equipment and coordination with component local government units to strengthen the province’s readiness for emergencies.
“We must be ready to act quickly when emergencies happen, while investing in measures that reduce danger before disaster strikes,” Baricuatro’s budget message read.
According to Public Information Office head Ainjeliz dela Torre-Orong, the proposed budget increase is expected to be supported mainly by a higher National Tax Allotment and projected income from provincial hospitals.
The provincial government said it prepared the spending plan based on projected revenues and identified priorities. It also said the proposed budget remains below allocations in previous years, which it said had reached nearly twice the current year’s budget.
The proposal followed consultations with government agencies, civil society organizations and members of the SP. It will undergo legislative scrutiny, during which provincial lawmakers may recommend changes before final approval.
Section 318 of Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code, requires local government units to submit their annual executive budgets to their respective local legislative bodies by Oct. 16 each year.
“This is the purpose of our budget: to care for our people today and prepare Cebu for the years ahead,” the governor’s message concluded.
Photo courtesy of Capitol PIO
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