Cebu's P107-billion PAPs proposal approved

Local

CEBU Province moved closer to finalizing P107 billion in programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) for 2027.

This after the Cebu Provincial Development Council (PDC) approved the proposals for endorsement to the Regional Development Council-Central Visayas (RDC-7).

Gov Pamela Baricuatro, PDC chairperson, said sectoral committees are consolidating PAPs submitted by National Government Agencies, Government-owned and Controlled Corporations, and State Universities and Colleges in the province.

She cited collaboration under her “Ato ang Sugbo” initiative.

The Economic Development Committee proposed PAPs totaling P507 million, including P209.39 million from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, P40.78 million from the Philippine Coconut Authority, P207.87 million from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and P48.97 million from the Department of Tourism.

The Social Development Committee submitted PAPs amounting to P31.26 billion, covering projects from the Department of Social Welfare and Development–7 (P6.1 billion), the National Police Commission (P18.5 million), Commission on Higher Education–7 (P49.2 million), Cebu Normal University (P1.17 billion), Department of Health (P5.62 billion), and Department of Education (P17.67 billion).

The committee also included projects from the Land Transportation Office–7 (P423 million), National Commission on Senior Citizens–7 (P22.8 million), National Food Authority (P26.85 million), Philippine Science High School (P92.5 million), Philippine Statistics Authority–7 (P24.67 million), and the Commission on Population and Development–7 (P62.56 million).

The Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee recommended PAPs totaling P71.74 billion, including allocations for the Department of Transportation and the provincial government’s “Tabang PamByahe Project” (P20.48 million), the National Irrigation Administration (P3.79 billion), the Department of Public Works and Highways (P63.54 billion), and the Department of Agriculture (P4.3 billion).

The council also approved Danao City’s P100-million infrastructure projects for Barangays Guinacot and Suba.

The Environmental Management Committee submitted PAPs totaling P589 million, including proposals from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau (P15.93 million), the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (P376.1 million), and the Environmental Management Bureau (P196.9 million).

The committee also sought approval for the Metro Cebu Sewerage Master Plan and the European Union-funded “Global Gateway Early-Stage Investment Mechanism,” which focuses on water security.

The Development Administration Committee proposed PAPs amounting to P2.8 billion from the Department of Trade and Industry (P2.63 billion) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (P164.36 million).

It also sought approval for the PDC Manual of Operations for 2025–2028 and the creation of a technical working group to support the institutionalization of a People’s Council in Cebu.

Baricuatro cited the sectoral committees for aligning PAPs with provincial priorities.

Vice Gov. Glenn Anthony Soco, provincial board members, mayors, and civil society organizations attended the meeting.

The council will endorse the approved PAPs to RDC 7, which Baricuatro also chairs.

During RDC consultations on February 9, the Mandaue City Government proposed a P3-billion budget covering at least 15 projects for 2027.

City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. said the proposal aims to align city projects with the national government’s development agenda.

Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano led the city delegation, joined by Representative Emmarie “Lollypop” Ouano-Dizon.

Proposed projects include completing the Mandaue City Hospital, improving drainage in Barangay Banilad, and upgrading roads and drainage systems in the North Reclamation Area commercial district.

After evaluation, authorities will submit Mandaue’s projects for inclusion in the National Expenditure Program, the executive branch’s proposed budget to Congress.(MyTVCebu)