GSO, CSWDO are top gainers in city’s 2026 proposed budget

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The General Services Office (GSO) is set to receive the highest allocation in the proposed 2026 budget of the Iloilo City government, while the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) recorded the largest year-on-year increase.

The GSO proposed a budget of PHP 520.54 million for 2026, up by more than PHP 24 million from its PHP 496.73 million allocation in 2025.

The office, headed by Engr. Neil G. Ravena, oversees government properties and facilities, vehicle deployment, supplies and equipment inspection, and the overall operational needs of the city government.

It also leads initiatives in waste management, public facility maintenance, and environmental sustainability to ensure efficient and sustainable city services.

Other major offices with sizable proposed budgets include the City Engineer’s Office with PHP 456.3 million, the City Health Office (CHO) with PHP 372.9 million, the CSWDO with PHP 199.77 million, and the City Treasurer’s Office with PHP 131.37 million.

The CSWDO posted the largest increase, rising by PHP 59.8 million from its PHP 139.93 million budget in 2025.

The CHO followed with a PHP 10.7-million hike, while the City Local Housing Office and the City Accountant’s Office each proposed increases of around PHP 7 million.

The City Architect’s Office registered a PHP 4.7-million increase.

Fifteen offices proposed higher budgets for 2026, while 12 requested lower allocations.

Among those with the smallest proposed budgets are the City Architect’s Office with PHP 8.56 million, the Local Economic Enterprise Office with PHP 9.52 million, and the City Internal Audit Service with PHP 10.8 million.

Notable budget cuts include a PHP 243.65-million reduction for the City Engineer’s Office, PHP 21.08 million for the Data Assessment and System Management Office, and PHP 15.3 million for the Public Order and Safety Management Office.

The City Council’s Committee on Appropriations is scheduled to begin deliberations on the proposed 2026 budget from November 17 to 24.