• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod approved on first reading Oct. 15 the proposed P4.75-billion budget of the city government for 2026, with Р2.5 billion, or 54 percent, sourced from the National Tax Allotment (NTA) share and the remaining Р2.17 billion from local sources.
The proposed general fund budget for FY 2026 reflects an increase of 7.96 percent, or P350 million, from the 2025 appropriation of P4.4 billion, with hikes in both local and external sources.
“This is solid proof that the financial recovery of the highly-urbanized city and the country from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be steady and sustainable,” Mayor Greg Gasataya said in his budget message, adding that Bacolod’s budget is stepping even closer to a five-billion-mark”.
He noted an increase of P16 million in local sources, and attributed this to the enhanced and aggressive tax campaign, which resulted in higher real property and business taxes collections. “We are also reaping the benefits of our thriving local industries, new business players and investors, and stronger tourism and culture-related initiatives.”
Gasataya also reported increased collections of national taxes, including the NTA, shares from value-added tax, activities within ecozones, and the use of national wealth. “In fact, there is a noted increase of P334,114,792, or 15 percent, from the NTA alone.”
Almost half of the proposed budget, or P2.29 billion, is earmarked for the Social Services sector, including education and manpower development, health services, housing and community projects, and social welfare.
“This underscores our dedication to improving the quality of life of our constituents and addressing the urgent needs of the underprivileged and vulnerable sectors of society,” Gasataya said, adding that key areas to be focused on are health, education, social welfare, and housing and urban development, or services that directly affect the daily lives of every Bacolodnon.”
The General Public Services sector is allocated P1.19 billion, or 25 percent of the budget pie. “This sector encompasses the day-to-day expenditures necessary for the continuous operation of our local government,” with the largest expenditure for the salaries and wages of regular, casual, and contractual employees of the city.
The Economic Services sector gets P1.13 billion, or 24 percent of the total annual budget. The allocation will be for communication and transportation facilities, agriculture and natural resources, flood control, trade and industry, power and energy, and tourism.
The remaining P114 million, or three percent of next year’s budget, is allotted for the implementation, enforcement, and evaluation of city government projects, Gasataya said.
“The 2026 budget shall serve as our roadmap, a clear guide to where the City is headed…and a collective plan for continued progress and advancement of the welfare of Bacolodnons,” Gasataya stressed.
He said in a city press release that the proposed budget “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 added. | CGC
