The Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously approved the ₱4.75 billion Bacolod City government budget for 2026 on Thursday.
Its priorities will be health and social services, Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, SP Committee on Finance chairperson, said.
The 2026 budget is a 7.96 percent (₱350 million) increase over the 2025 budget, driven by gains in both local and external revenue sources.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya earlier said the 2026 budget underscores the city government’s commitment to inclusive growth, efficient service delivery, and fiscal responsibility.
“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 said.
The Social Services Sector will receive the largest allocation at ₱2.29 billion (48 percent) of the total budget.
This includes funding for health, education, social welfare, and housing and urban development — areas that directly impact the city’s 747,000 residents, the mayor said.
The General Public Services Sector follows with an allocation of ₱1.19 billion (25 percent), covering essential operating expenses and services rendered to the public, including scholarship programs.
The Economic Services Sector is allotted ₱1.13 billion (24 percent), reflecting increased funding for infrastructure, transportation, flood control, trade and industry, power, energy, and tourism.
Meanwhile, ₱114.77 million (3 percent) is earmarked for Other Services, covering the implementation, enforcement, and evaluation of various city government projects.*