• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Occidental unanimously approved the P7.6 billion budget for the fiscal year 2026 on its second and third reading.
The approved budget represents a 17.98 percent increase, or approximately P1.1 billion, compared to the previous year. This rise is primarily attributed to higher National Tax Allotment (NTA) allocations and improved local revenue generation.
According to the budget distribution, P7.32 billion will be allocated to the General Fund, while P294.6 million is designated for the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD).
In light of the successive weather disturbances that battered the province in 2024 and 2025, including the recent onslaught of Typhoon Tino, provincial officials are prioritizing post-disaster recovery efforts.
The budget also allocates funds for the upgrading of provincial hospitals and other health facilities, which are considered vital components of Negros Occidental’s development strategy.
Additional highlights include the continued rollout of infrastructure projects under the Abanse Negrense development agenda and sustained support for pandemic recovery programs.
The budget approval was presided by Vice Governor Joeben Alonso, following a motion by Board Member Marxlen de la Cruz, chairman of the Committee on Finance and Budget.*
