• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental provincial government is proposing an eight percent increase in its 2027 budget, with the spending plan now under final review ahead of its submission to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan next week.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said on Thursday, Oct. 8 that Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is expected to formally submit the proposed budget once the details are finalized.
He added that the increase is being driven by higher National Tax Allotment shares and improved locally generated revenues.
Diaz, however, did not divulge the proposed budget for next year.
The province’s 2026 budget stood at P7.618 billion, up by 17.98 percent, or about P1.16 billion, from the P6.457 billion budget in 2025.
The higher 2027 allocation comes as the provincial government seeks to complete more projects and programs during Lacson’s final term as governor.
Diaz said Lacson has emphasized the need to “finish strong” by completing ongoing initiatives before his term ends. | GPB
