Cebu Budget Forum Highlights Need for Transparency and Community Input in 2026 Spending
The 'Usapang Budget Natin' Forum, held at the Department of Education Ecotech Center in Sudlon, Cebu City on February 20, 2026, was far more than a routine public consultation—it served as a powerful declaration that budget transparency is inseparable from effective governance. National agency officials, local government leaders, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and other stakeholders from Region VII gathered to discuss how the 2026 national budget shapes community development priorities.
Emphasis on Participatory Governance and Clear Allocations
In his welcoming message, Cebu City Mayor Nestor D. Archival underscored the critical importance of participatory governance, especially in a rapidly urbanizing city like Cebu. His statement aligned with the message from Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro of Cebu Province, who stressed that clear fund allocation and diligent monitoring strengthen public trust and ensure provincial and municipal plans align with national priorities.
Insights into the 2026 General Appropriations Act
Acting Secretary Rolando U. Toledo of the Department of Budget and Management provided a comprehensive overview of the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), detailing spending processes and sectoral fund distribution. His presentation outlined a clear direction for accountability, explicitly showing where public funds are headed and their intended purposes. A key highlight of the forum was the active participation from SUCs and LGUs, reflecting broad engagement in budgetary matters.
Challenges Faced by State Universities and Colleges
Representing Cebu Technological University (CTU), Dr. Romeo C. Lipetin, Campus Director of the Barili Campus, raised significant concerns: the continuous rise in enrollment across all CTU campuses in Cebu; the necessity of DPWH projects for classrooms and administration buildings; and the stagnant P8,000 per student subsidy for free higher education, unchanged for nearly a decade. As student numbers increase and operational costs rise annually, SUCs struggle to meet performance targets and maintain quality due to limited allocations, highlighting urgent funding gaps.
