Negros Occidental eyes P8.5B spending for 2027

BACOLOD CITY — The Negros Occidental provincial government is eyeing P8.52 billion in spending for next year, an increase of P900.09 million, or 11.81 percent, from the 2026 level, based on the proposed budget submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The spending hike aims to strengthen the delivery of essential public services and to advance priority programs in health, agriculture, infrastructure, economic development, education, and human development under its Abanse Negrense Priority Development Agenda,  the provincial government announced on Tuesday.

Gov. Eugenio Jose  Lacson, through OIC Budget Officer Gemma Flores, submitted the proposed 2027 budget to the provincial legislature.

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In his budget message,  Lacson said the proposed budget reflects the provincial government’s commitment to good, responsible governance, guided by its seven-point development agenda, Abanse Negrense, and the prudent use of public resources.

The proposed appropriation includes P8.203 billion for the General Fund and P315.55 million for the Economic Enterprise Development Department, bringing the total proposed budget to P8.519 billion.

Lacson emphasized the need to set clear priorities and carefully manage available resources amid growing government responsibilities and the continuing needs of Negrenses.

The proposed 2027 budget will support programs and services under the province’s seven-point development agenda, covering agriculture and food security; infrastructure development; economic growth, trade, investment and employment; public health; environmental management and tourism; education, culture, sports and information and communications technology; and good governance and human development, he said./coa