Bacolod endorses PHP 4.75B budget for 2026, Negros Occ. PHP 7.6B

1 of 2

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has officially endorsed the proposed Local Expenditure Program (LEP) for Fiscal Year 2026 to City Budget Officer Imelda Williams on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, amounting to PHP 4.75 billion.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, on the other hand, submitted a projected budget of PHP 7.6 billion for the provincial government for 2026.

The endorsement of Bacolod City’s LEP signals the start of the budget review and consolidation by the City Budget Office, according to Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Jose Marty Go on Wednesday.

He added that it will finalize the city’s expenditure plan in line with Bacolod’s development priorities and fiscal policies.

Following the mayor’s endorsement, Go formally transmitted the same document to the Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretariat for legislative action and review.

Mayor Gasataya emphasized that the proposed LEP underscores the city government’s commitment to inclusive growth, efficient service delivery, and fiscal responsibility—ensuring that every peso is directed toward programs and projects that benefit Bacolodnons the most.

“Our goal is to make sure that every peso spent is felt by the people through improved public services, infrastructure, education, health, and social programs,” Gasataya said.

The proposed PHP 4.75 billion city budget for 2026 represents a 7.96% increase—or about PHP 350 million—compared to last year’s appropriation, reflecting gains in both local and external revenue sources.

The Social Services Sector will receive the largest allocation at PHP 2.29 billion (48%) of the total budget, highlighting the administration’s focus on improving quality of life and addressing the needs of the underprivileged and vulnerable sectors.

This includes funding for health, education, social welfare, and housing and urban development—areas that directly impact the city’s 747,000 residents.

The General Public Services Sector follows with PHP 1.19 billion (25%), covering essential operating expenses and services rendered to the public, including scholarship programs.

The Economic Services Sector is allotted PHP 1.13 billion (24%), reflecting increased funding for infrastructure, transportation, flood control, trade and industry, power, energy, and tourism.

These initiatives are expected to enhance urban mobility, disaster resilience, and economic activity across Bacolod.

Meanwhile, PHP 114.77 million (3%) is earmarked for Other Services, covering implementation, enforcement, and evaluation of various city government projects.

“It is our mission to ensure that the legacy we have started endures—a lasting testament to what Bacolod City is capable of,” the mayor said in his budget message to the city council.

“The governance we are building—with the heart and cooperation of the Bacolodnon people—will make us truly stronger together,” he emphasized.

Once reviewed and approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the LEP will form the basis of Bacolod City’s Annual Budget for 2026.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has submitted its proposed PHP 7.6 billion budget for 2026, a PHP 1.16 billion or 17.98% increase over the previous year’s PHP 6.457 billion allocation.

The budget proposal was formally transmitted by the Office of the Governor to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso on Tuesday.

Alonso said the province’s National Tax Allotment (NTA) has risen to PHP 6.65 billion, significantly boosting the provincial government’s fiscal capacity for 2026.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Budget and Finance, chaired by Board Member Marxlen Dela Cruz (1st District), will review and deliberate on the proposed provincial budget in the coming days.