ILOILO – The Provincial Development Council (PDC) of Iloilo has approved a ₱30.1-billion Annual Investment Program (AIP) for 2026, with the bulk of the funding directed toward social services and economic development initiatives, including the full rollout of the ₱20-per-kilo rice subsidy.
The approved AIP, spearheaded by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., allocates ₱13.9 billion for the Social Services Sector — nearly half of the total investment plan — underscoring the province’s continuing emphasis on public health, education, and social welfare.
Other sectoral allocations include ₱7.1 billion for Economic Services, ₱6.3 billion for Other Services, and ₱2.7 billion for General Public Services.
These figures represent Iloilo’s fiscal blueprint for 2026, identifying priority programs and the financial strategies required to meet its long-term development goals.
Notably, the AIP incorporates funding for the full implementation of the province’s flagship SiPAG at Tyaga for MorProgres Iloilo program, which includes a highly anticipated subsidy for rice priced at ₱20 per kilo.
Also discussed during the council’s en banc session was the Department of Agriculture’s proposed farm bridges project, which aims to improve rural connectivity in key areas including Barangay Camandag in Leon, Barangay Gemumua Agahon in Passi City, Barangay Abaca in San Enrique, and Barangay Nueva Invencion in Barotac Viejo.
Updates on other major initiatives were presented, including the Purok Resilience Program and the construction of a new Provincial Government Center in Santa Barbara.
The meeting brought together district representatives, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, local chief executives, provincial department heads, and stakeholders from civil society and non-government organizations, affirming a broad consensus behind the province’s investment priorities for the coming year./PN
