Cebu’s budget faces a reality check
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro’s proposed P10 to P11 billion budget for 2026 has raised eyebrows, especially since it slashes more than half of this year’s P25-billion allocation. Critics may view the move as a retreat from ambition, but the governor argues it is simply living within Cebu’s means. Provincial revenues average only P10 billion annually, yet past administrations approved “bloated” budgets that looked impressive on paper but strained the province’s finances.
The cut is undeniably huge—around 56 to 60 percent. It breaks from a pattern of ever-increasing budgets under former Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, during which annual appropriations ballooned from P18 billion in 2022 to P23 billion in 2024. Baricuatro calls this trend “wishful thinking,” and instead pushes for realism: balancing spending with actual income.
What does this mean for Cebuanos? Large-scale infrastructure projects may slow down, but hospitals, schools, and nutrition programs stand to gain more. With P1.3 billion earmarked for health-care upgrades and significant funds for disaster readiness and malnutrition reduction, the shift reflects a bet on people rather than prestige. Paying off debts also signals fiscal responsibility—a step toward restoring investor confidence.
Of course, a leaner budget carries risks. Can essential services truly keep up with Cebu’s growing population? And will trimmed infrastructure dampen economic momentum? The answers will depend on how effectively the funds are spent and whether revenues grow in the coming years.
Baricuatro’s proposal is not just about numbers—it’s about trust. Instead of presenting an impressive but unrealistic budget, her administration is offering Cebu a reality check. The challenge now is whether less spending can truly deliver more for the people. The question is: are we ready to trade big promises for sustainable progress?
Wena Mae Timtim,
kaitimtim14@gmail.com
