Budget for next year: Lapu-Lapu City seeking ?5.13 billion

CEBU, Philippines — The executive branch of the Lapu-Lapu City government under Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan has formally submitted its proposed ?5.13-billion annual budget for 2027 yesterday, October 16, 2026, to the City Council for approval, with higher allocations for social and economic services under its general fund.

The proposed budget totals ?5,130,727,497, up by ?409.78 million from the city’s ?4.72-billion annual budget for 2026.

“We will have a formal turnover today of our annual budget from the executive to the legislative branch,” said Mayor King-Chan yesterday morning, October 16. The turnover was led by King-Chan and Vice Mayor Celedonio “Celsi” Sitoy.

King-Chan assured that the city government had carefully studied its proposed 2027 budget. She said the budget would prioritize health and education while also allocating resources to prepare for the expected El Niño phenomenon.

According to the proposed 2027 budget breakdown obtained by The Freeman, ?4.66 billion is allocated to the general fund, ?437.34 million to the city hospital, and ?33.3 million to the city market and slaughterhouse.

The general fund alone is set to increase by ?404.7 million, from ?4.26 billion in 2026 to ?4.66 billion in 2027.

Based on the proposed general fund breakdown, economic services will receive ?675.53 million, up by ?249.57 million from ?425.96 million in 2026.

Social services will also see a substantial increase, from ?528.96 million to ?771.38 million, or an additional ?242.41 million.

In contrast, the allocation for general public services will decrease from ?2.02 billion to ?1.85 billion, a reduction of ?171.60 million.

The proposed allocation for development projects will increase by ?43.5 million, from ?404.76 million to ?448.26 million, while the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (DRRMF) will rise from ?212.77 million to ?233 million.

Health services will receive a proposed ?525.68 million, up from ?514.47 million, while education services will increase from ?98.93 million to ?108.32 million.

Meanwhile, aid to barangays will remain at ?51.1 million, unchanged from the 2026 allocation.

The proposed budget for the city hospital will increase by ?4.78 million, from ?432.57 million to ?437.34 million. The city market allocation will also rise slightly, from ?33 million to ?33.3 million.

The proposed budget is subject to review by the City Council before its approval and implementation for fiscal year 2027. (CEBU NEWS)