BACOLOD City Council.
BACOLOD CITY – The city council has unanimously approved the P4.750-billion budget for 2026.
In a media interview, Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, chairman of the Committee on Appropriations and Finance, said the budget was swiftly approved as there were few questions raised during deliberations.
Sayson said the largest allocation for next year’s budget will go to the City Mayor’s Office, the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), and the City Health Office (CHO).
“We had a meeting with Mayor Greg Gasataya, and since there were no issues raised, and considering the series of activities this month, the budget was approved,” Sayson said.
He described the 2026 budget as responsive, noting that it covers nearly all sectors.
Sayson added that the budget will take effect upon its posting on New Year’s Day.
The budget is a 7.96 percent increase, or P350 million more than this year’s P4.4-billion appropriation, reflecting growth in both local and external revenue sources.
The Social Services Sector received the largest share at P2.29 billion, or 48 percent of the total budget, highlighting the city’s commitment to improving the quality of life of marginalized and vulnerable residents.
The General Public Services Sector was allotted P1.19 billion, or 25 percent of the budget, to fund essential government operations and public services, including scholarship programs.
The Economic Services Sector will receive P1.13 billion, or 24 percent, to support infrastructure, transportation, flood control, trade and industry, energy, and tourism projects aimed at boosting economic growth, improving mobility, and strengthening disaster resilience.
An additional P114.77 million, or three percent of the budget, was allocated to Other Services for the implementation, enforcement, and evaluation of various city government initiatives.