BACOLOD City – About 48 percent of the city’s proposed P4.75-billion annual budget for 2026 is earmarked for the social services sector, according to the proposed Local Expenditure Program (LEP) for the next fiscal year.
Mayor Greg Gasataya endorsed the proposed LEP to City Budget Officer Imelda Williams on October 14, marking a key step in the city’s annual budget preparation process.
Documents show that the social services sector will receive the largest allocation of P2.29 billion, highlighting the administration’s focus on improving residents’ quality of life and addressing the needs of the underprivileged and vulnerable sectors. This funding covers 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 an allocation of P1.19 billion (25%), which will cover essential operating expenses and services provided to the public, including scholarship programs. Meanwhile, the economic services sector is allotted P1.13 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 the city.
The remaining P114.77 million (3%) is designated for other services, covering the implementation, enforcement, and evaluation of various city government projects.
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 P4.75-billion city budget for 2026 represents a 7.96 percent increase, or about P350 million, compared to last year’s appropriation, reflecting gains in both local and external revenue sources.
“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.
“As we continue our pursuit of good governance, we have seen your dedication to public service. The governance we are building — with the heart and cooperation of the Bacolodnon people — will make us truly stronger together,” he added.
Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s (SP) committee on appropriations and finance, said the SP received the LEP on October 15. During the regular session, he will propose an ordinance for the LEP. Once approved on first reading, budget hearings with various offices and departments will be conducted.
The councilor targets final approval of the proposed ordinance on or before December 15./PN
