Erratic DOH vaccine supply forces Capitol to hike 2026 drug budget

As Cebu Province continues its 2026 budget deliberations, attention has shifted to the health sector amid concerns over inconsistent vaccine deliveries from the Department of Health (DOH)—a gap that has forced the Capitol to shoulder the rising cost of medicines and vaccines.

- Jonnavie Villa / FPL

Cebu officials, during a recent budget hearing, said the DOH’s erratic supply of vaccines has caused a sharp rise in local procurement, pushing the Provincial Health Office (PHO) to increase its drug and medicines allocation from P81 million in previous years to P319 million for 2026.

Budget Officer Danny Rodas told the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Budget and Appropriations that he was alarmed upon seeing PHO’s initial proposal balloon to P600 million for medicines.

“Sa among provincial health board meeting, akong gi-confront ang DOH; akong giingnan nga, ‘Unsa man, gibiyaan man mi ninyo oy,’” Rodas said.

PHO Officer-in-Charge Dr. Mary Ann Josephine Arsenal said the office’s total proposed 2026 budget stands at P1,221,217,107. Of this amount, P116.1 million is allotted for Personal Services, while P1.105 billion is set for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), which includes the sharply increased drugs and medicines allocation.