Archival proposes P15-billion budget for 2027

Local

FLOOD control, garbage management, and public healthcare are among the top priorities in Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr.’s proposed P15-billion budget for 2027.

The proposal outlines how the city government intends to fund essential services, infrastructure, and social programs in the coming year.

In a letter dated Oct. 7, Archival submitted the proposed annual budget to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for review and approval, identifying healthcare, housing, education, transportation, climate resilience, food security and digital governance as key spending areas.

The mayor said the spending plan was aligned with the city’s Annual Investment Program and reflected his administration’s commitment to building a city that is “smart, sustainable, and inclusive.”

Among the proposed appropriations, garbage collection and disposal services would receive P838.72 million, while the Department of Social Welfare and Services is allocated P940.28 million.

The city also plans to set aside P750 million for its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund to support disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.

Of the proposed P838.72 million for garbage collection and disposal, P747.35 million would cover maintenance and other operating expenses, while P91.37 million would go to personnel services.

Separate allocations include P64.53 million for street cleaning and P30.44 million for street lighting. The Department of Public Services also has a proposed P11.85 million for its artesian well system.

The Department of Social Welfare and Services’ proposed P940.28-million budget includes P824.95 million for maintenance and other operating expenses and P36.5 million for capital outlay.

The budget also includes P750.89 million in financial assistance to city barangays and P120 million in subsidies for the Sangguniang Kabataan.

Disaster preparedness and flood mitigation are also central to the administration’s spending plan. The proposed P750-million Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund includes P437.5 million for maintenance and other operating expenses and P312.5 million for capital outlay.

Separately, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has a proposed allocation of P154.11 million.

In his budget message, Archival identified flood and erosion control infrastructure, improved stormwater and wastewater management, river declogging and desilting, and upgraded waterway maintenance equipment as measures to strengthen the city’s capacity to manage flooding. The administration also plans to establish strategically located evacuation centers as part of its climate-resilience efforts.

Healthcare is another priority, with the completion and upgrading of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) among the key undertakings identified in the proposal.

Archival also cited plans to establish dialysis and rehabilitation services, strengthen PhilHealth YAKAP Gamot registration, expand mental health services and improve healthcare management.

The City Health Department’s field program is proposed to receive P637.64 million, apart from P57.34 million for general administration. Another P112 million is earmarked for barangay health programs.

For housing, the city intends to acquire land for socialized housing and pursue the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, alongside affordable rental housing initiatives. The proposed budget also identifies maternal nutrition and other education and nutrition interventions for families and communities as priorities.

The City Nutrition Office has a proposed allocation of P47.22 million.

To address traffic congestion, the administration plans to transition government vehicles to electric and hybrid units, introduce GPS-based fleet management and implement targeted decongestion measures along N. Bacalso Avenue.

The city also intends to upgrade its traffic closed-circuit television system and digitalize the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office command center.

The reopening and enhancement of the Cebu City Resource Management and Development Center are likewise intended to improve emergency response, public safety and government service delivery.

For food security, the administration proposes affordable rice programs, community rice outlets, demonstration farms, farm-to-market roads and mobile storage facilities to support local agricultural producers.

Another planned initiative is the construction and operation of Balay Silangan, a facility intended to support the recovery and reintegration of individuals who have surrendered or voluntarily submitted to rehabilitation from illegal drug use.

Archival said the proposed budget recognizes that public resources are limited while residents’ needs continue to grow.

He said the administration would prioritize programs that deliver clear public value and long-term benefits. The proposed annual budget remains subject to review and approval by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.(TGP)