Cebu Province Secures P300 Million National Support Fund for Essential Programs
The Province of Cebu has officially received a substantial P300 million allocation in Local Government Support Funds (LGSF) from the national government, a significant financial injection aimed at bolstering local initiatives. This funding, disclosed on Monday, February 23, 2026, by Cebu Provincial Assistant Administrator Aldwin Empaces, was formally accepted by Governor Pamela Baricuatro at Malacañang under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos.
Dual Allocation for Food Security and Infrastructure
The funds are strategically divided into two equal parts, each serving critical community needs. P150 million is earmarked for a food security program, specifically the distribution of rice to impoverished families. It is estimated that approximately 30,000 poor families will benefit from this initiative, with each household receiving 10 kilograms of rice. This direct aid aims to alleviate hunger and support vulnerable populations across the province.
The remaining P150 million is dedicated to infrastructure projects, with a primary focus on enhancing farm-to-market road networks. This investment will support additional road concreting efforts, particularly in 4th to 6th class municipalities, to improve agricultural connectivity and economic mobility for rural communities.
Direct Implementation and Local Empowerment
According to Empaces, the funds will be directly downloaded to the provincial government, which will oversee implementation, bypassing intermediate agencies. He emphasized that this approach demonstrates the national government's trust in local government units (LGUs) and assigns them greater responsibility due to their effectiveness in addressing local issues.
When questioned about the importance of the LGSF, Empaces highlighted its role in empowering LGUs to execute priority projects directly. He explained that while LGUs are more knowledgeable about local problems, they often face constraints due to limited National Tax Allotment or provincial revenue. Direct support from the national level accelerates project implementation, avoiding delays associated with routing through regional line agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
This allocation not only provides immediate relief through rice distribution but also lays groundwork for long-term development via improved infrastructure, reinforcing Cebu's capacity to address both urgent and strategic needs independently.
