Negros Occidental is seeking nearly P1 billion more in public spending next year, with the provincial government proposing a P8.519-billion budget for 2027, up P900.09 million from this year’s allocation.
The proposed budget represents an 11.81% increase from the P7.6 billion approved for 2026, with the additional funding attributed to a higher National Tax Allotment (NTA) and improved local revenue collection, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson submitted the proposed annual budget to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through officer-in-charge Budget Officer Gemma Flores on Tuesday for deliberation.
The proposed appropriation includes P8.203 billion for the General Fund Proper and P315.55 million for the Economic Enterprise Development Department, a special account under the General Fund.
The provincial government intends to use the funds to sustain essential public services and finance programs in agriculture and food security, infrastructure, economic growth, trade, investment and employment.
Other priorities include public health, environmental management, tourism, education, culture, sports, information and communications technology, good governance and human development.
In his message accompanying the proposal, Lacson said the spending plan is guided by the provincial government’s seven-point development agenda and its commitment to responsible governance and prudent use of public resources.
He stressed the importance of setting clear priorities and managing available funds carefully amid growing government responsibilities and the continuing needs of Negrenses.
The proposed budget will be deliberated by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan before it can be approved.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.