Mandaue eyes bigger budget for 2027

Local

A BIGGER budget is at the center of Mandaue City's plans for 2027, as the local government moves to finance long-awaited infrastructure projects while expanding investments in essential public services.

The city government is proposing to increase its annual budget to between P4.8 billion and P5 billion next year, up from the P4.5-billion allocation maintained in both 2025 and 2026.

Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the projected increase will be driven by higher collections from business taxes, real property taxes, and the city's share from the National Tax Allotment (NTA).

The proposed budget remains subject to approval following the city's 2027 Budget Forum, where departments presented their funding requirements and spending priorities.

Education and healthcare remain among the city's top priorities, with additional funding also earmarked for flood mitigation, public safety, and housing programs.

“As always… mao man gyud na ang atong mga priorities,” Ouano said.

Housing continues to be one of the city's biggest challenges as Mandaue attracts more workers while hundreds of displaced families still await permanent relocation.

The city is constructing Tipolo Residences Buildings 3 and 4 in Barangay Tipolo, although Ouano acknowledged the project will accommodate only a small portion of those needing permanent homes.

“Unfortunate lang kay 100 ra ang families masod and naay 700 families in total,” Ouano said.

About 700 families remain in need of permanent housing, with many temporarily staying at Pasilong sa Paradise, Paglaum Village, and Bayanihan Village in Barangay Guizo.

The city government is also continuing its free medicines program across all 27 barangays.

Meanwhile, the proposed Mandaue City Hospital and the dedicated Mandaue City College building have entered the bidding stage.

Ouano said the city is also preparing funds for equipment procurement and the hiring of additional personnel once both facilities become operational.

As of June, Ouano said Mandaue has nearly reached its revenue collection target for the year, expressing confidence that the city remains on track to meet its goal before December.

At the national level, the Marcos administration is proposing a P7.2-trillion budget for 2027, an increase of P407 billion or six percent from the P6.793-trillion budget for 2026.

Under National Budget Memorandum No. 158 issued by the Department of Budget and Management, the proposed spending plan will prioritize programs and projects aimed at expanding economic opportunities, strengthening public services, and accelerating infrastructure development.

The DBM also said agencies' budget proposals would be evaluated based on implementation readiness and absorptive capacity to ensure that government funds translate into tangible results.(MyTVCebu)