Visayas budget discussed in forum with top officials

On its final leg in the Visayas, the “Usapang Budget Natin” forum laid down its specific tickets for Cebu included in the P6.793-trillion National Budget for 2026 in an interactive forum aimed at promoting budget transparency and accountability yesterday, February 20, 2026.

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Budget and Management Secretary Rolando Toledo speaks before the Local leaders during the Usapang Budget Natin forum of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and other officials yesterday at the DepEd Ecotect Center in Barangay Lahug. JOY TORREJOS

The forum was led by the Office of the Executive Secretary, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Presidential Communications Office through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

It served as an open platform for dialogue between government officials and the public to explain how the 2026 National Budget funds essential programs and services affecting Filipinos.

In line with the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DBM outlined key priorities under the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which include strengthening education, healthcare, livelihood generation, and infrastructure development.

Officials from various national government agencies presented their respective programs, responded to public inquiries, and listened to feedback and concerns from participants.

Present during the forum were local leaders, including Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, as well as representatives from the private sector, business groups, and civil society organizations.

Cebu City marked the final leg of the Visayas-wide advocacy rollout, following similar presentations in South Cotabato and La Union.