BACOLOD City Mayor Greg Gasataya endorses the proposed P4.75-billion Local Expenditure Program (LEP) for 2026 to City Budget Officer Imelda Williams. (Bacolod City Communications Office)
Bacolod City is eyeing a P4.75-billion budget in 2026, a 7.96 percent increase or P350 million more than this year’s P4.4-billion appropriation.
The proposed budget reflects growth in both local and external revenue streams.
The Social Services Sector will receive P2.29 billion or 48 percent of the total budget. This allocation underscores the city’s commitment to uplifting the quality of life, especially for marginalized and vulnerable residents.
Funding will go towards health, education, social welfare, and housing and urban development, directly benefiting the 747,000 residents of this city.
The General Public Services Sector will get P1.19 billion or 25 percent of the budget, supporting essential government operations and public services, including scholarship programs.
The Economic Services will have P1.13 billion or 24 percent, reflecting increased investments in infrastructure, transportation, flood control, trade and industry, energy, and tourism. The amount will boost economic activity, improve urban mobility, and strengthen disaster resilience.
An additional P114.77 million or three percent will go to Other Services, covering implementation, enforcement, and evaluation of various city government initiatives.
Mayor Greg Gasataya formally endorsed the proposed Local Expenditure Program (LEP) for 2026 to City Budget Officer Imelda Williams who had initiated the budget review and consolidation process.
The LEP will be finalized by the City Budget Office, aligned with the city’s development goals and fiscal strategies.
Gasataya emphasized that the proposed budget reflects the city’s dedication to inclusive growth, efficient service delivery, and fiscal discipline.
“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,” he stated.
Following the mayor’s endorsement, Secretary to the Mayor lawyer Jose Marty Go transmitted the LEP to the City Council Secretariat for legislative action and review.
Once approved, the LEP will serve as the foundation for Bacolod City’s official Annual Budget for next year.