For 2028 projects: Central Visayas agencies, institutions push P100 billion funding

CEBU, Philippines — Government agencies and institutions in Central Visayas are seeking more than ?100 billion in national funding for their proposed programs and projects in 2028, with infrastructure development accounting for the bulk of the allocations endorsed by the Cebu Provincial Development Council (PDC) committees.

The proposed funding requirements were presented during the joint meetings of the PDC's five committees on November 4 and 5, 2026, as part of the early preparation of agency budget proposals for fiscal year 2028.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) accounted for the largest share, with a proposed budget of ?71.635 billion for its programs, activities, and projects (PAPs).

Other major funding requests included ?13.484 billion from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) and ?10.213 billion from the Department of Health (DOH-7).

The proposed allocations were endorsed by the respective committees for consideration by the PDC full council, which is scheduled to meet on November 16 before the proposals are forwarded to the Regional Development Council (RDC-7).

Infrastructure takes bigger share

During the November 5 meeting, the Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee (IDC) endorsed the proposed PAPs of DPWH-7, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA-7) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO-7).

Aside from the ?71.635-billion allocation sought by DPWH-7, NIA-7 proposed ?3.503 billion, while LTO-7 requested ?405 million for its programs and projects.

The committee also endorsed the Department of Tourism (DOT-7) Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP), which has a proposed allocation of ?460 million for 2028.

The IDC also conditionally recommended the proposed construction of an airstrip access road in Camotes Island for inclusion in DPWH's PAPs.

However, the proposed road project remains subject to compliance with the committee's instructions before it can be recommended for endorsement by the full council.

Health and education

The Social Development Committee (SDC), which also convened on November 5, endorsed the proposed PAPs of eight government agencies and institutions.

The DSWD-7 submitted the biggest proposal under the committee at ?13.484 billion, followed by the DOH-7 with ?10.213 billion.

Among the educational institutions, Cebu Technological University (CTU) proposed ?780 million, while Cebu Normal University (CNU) sought ?449.5 million for its programs and projects.

The Department of Education-Cebu Province proposed ?99.895 million, while the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-7 requested ?51.187 million.

Other proposals endorsed by the SDC included ?397.553 million from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7 and ?100 million from the National Commission of Senior Citizens-7.

The committee also endorsed the proposed creation and operationalization of a Mental Health Center in Cebu province.

Agriculture, environment and tourism

The Economic Development Committee, meanwhile, endorsed the PAPs of six agencies during its November 4 meeting, with the Department of Agriculture (DA-7) accounting for the largest proposal at ?3.323 billion.

The DOT-7 submitted a proposed budget of ?245.593 million, while the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA-7) sought ?32.314 million and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Cebu Province proposed ?37.885 million.

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA-7) requested ?45.626 million, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) proposed ?37.320 million.

Apart from its regular PAPs, the committee also endorsed for PDC approval and endorsement the DOT-7's Tourism Road Infrastructure Program, which carries a separate proposed budget of ?2.27 billion.

The Environment and Natural Resources Development Committee also endorsed the proposals of three agencies on November 4, including ?404.152 million from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7), through the Cebu Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office.

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-7) sought ?495.696 million, while the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) proposed ?38.731 million for its programs and projects.

On the same day, the Development Administration Committee endorsed the PAPs of three agencies tasked with public safety and administration.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-7) proposed ?165 million, while the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) sought ?87.217 million.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom)-7, meanwhile, submitted a proposed allocation of ?20.4 million.

Proposal still to be tackled on full council approval

The committee endorsements form part of the early preparation of agency budget proposals required under Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2026-01 issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev).

The circular establishes procedural guidelines for strengthening participatory governance and regional development council engagement in preparing agency budget proposals for fiscal year 2028, ahead of the issuance of the applicable National Budget Call.

It also seeks to establish a standardized process and timeline for identifying and prioritizing government programs and projects through regional development planning and stakeholder participation.

The Cebu Provincial Government, through its Provincial Planning and Development Office, organized the joint meetings of the PDC's five committees to comply with the guidelines.

All proposals endorsed by the committees will be presented during the PDC full council meeting on November 16, 2026, for consideration and possible endorsement to RDC-7.

The proposed programs and projects will then undergo the regional endorsement process before being forwarded to the national government for possible inclusion in the 2028 national budget.

The committee endorsements do not yet guarantee funding, as the proposals still have to pass through the succeeding review and approval processes. — (FREEMAN)