Mandaue City Council approves P4.5B budget for 2026

The City Council has unanimously approved Mandaue City's P4.5-billion annual budget for 2026, maintaining the same level as this year to keep what officials describe as a "realistic and transparent" financial plan for the city.

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Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano earlier said the decision to retain the budget amount was deliberate, noting that programs and projects were aligned with what the city can realistically afford to implement.

Priority spending next year will continue to focus on education, health, and social services, particularly for senior citizens.

The budget was approved during the council's regular session on Monday, December 1, 2025.

In an interview yesterday, city administrator Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on Jr. welcomed the early approval, saying the city is pleased with the council's support.

“Usa siguro ang Mandaue nga nakapasar na sa iyang budget for next year,” Malig-on said.

This year’s deliberations were smoother compared to the scrutiny faced by the 2025 budget, which saw questions raised about several items --including the P16 million earmarked for Christmas activities and employee hams.