The Sangguniang Panlungsod passed the more than P4.5 billion 2026 general budget and P86.96 million budget for the local economic enterprises of Iloilo City during its regular session on Wednesday, Dec. 9.
In his committee report, Appropriations Committee chairperson Rex Marcus Sarabia said next year’s budget is 8.62 percent higher than this year’s budget.
Of the total estimated income, 55.13 percent is expected to be generated from local sources, while 44.87 percent is projected to come from external sources.
In a media interview, Sarabia said among the significant items in the budget are the P30 million allocation for the assistance to individuals in crisis situation, which increased from this year’s P12 million; medical assistance, which is a new item in the budget with P20 million; funeral aid, P8 million; and employment assistance, P30 million.
“I am impressed with the 2026 budget because the people can really feel the support of the city government. Almost P100 million was appropriated for services and assistance,” he said.
Also included in the budget is the salary increase and health insurance coverage for job orders.
Sarabia said they also secured around P40 million to P70 million for socialized housing.
He said there is a need to secure relocation sites for those affected by flood control projects.
“This is a serious step of the city government to complete flood control projects, whether being implemented by the Iloilo City government or the national government,” he said.
Of the total allocation, 29.98 percent was allocated for personal services; 39.32 percent for miscellaneous and other operating expenses; 10.31 percent for capital outlay; 3.24 percent for financial expenses; and special purpose appropriation with 17.15 percent.PNA
