P1.52 billion supplemental budget pushed for council approval

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Development Council (CCDC) has endorsed the P1.52-billion Supplementary Annual Investment Program (SAIP) No. 2 for 2025, forwarding it for City Council deliberation and final approval.

The endorsement was made during CCDC’s fourth quarter full meeting at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, presided over by Mayor Nestor Archival as CCDC chairperson.

Barangay captains, civil society representatives, and city department officials joined the session, which realigned funds from continuing appropriations of the Local Development Fund to urgent priorities.

Mayor Archival, in a statement after the meeting, said the program reflects Cebu City’s drive to be “sustainable, smart, and inclusive” through strong coordination with barangays and partner agencies.

He noted that the allocations include funding for the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), socialized housing, and for barangays to support recovery and rehabilitation from calamities.

SAIP’s largest single allocation is P509 million for the CCMC, the completion of which has long been awaited by residents, and the new funding is expected to accelerate construction toward full operation.

On the other hand, most of the barangays in the City are expected to receive P8.5 million each---funds earmarked for recovery and rehabilitation works, strengthening local infrastructure across both districts.

A P200 million allocation has been set aside for lot acquisition to support socialized housing, divided equally between the north and south districts. The allocation underscores the city’s recognition of housing as a pressing need.

Beyond infrastructure, the SAIP also covers institutional obligations and social programs. These include the Service Recognition Incentive for city employees, settlement of accounts payable and compromise agreements, and expanded scholarship funding.

According to the City’s Public Information Office, about P1.3 billion of the approved SAIP will be sourced from the realignment of continuing appropriations under the Local Development Fund dating back to 2022 and earlier years.

The CCDC meeting also became a venue for pressing issues beyond the budget. Solid waste management dominated discussions, with members urging stronger segregation practices, reduced landfill dependence, and identification of alternative dumping sites.

Food supply was likewise raised as a priority. CCDC members pushed for faster action to strengthen the city’s partnership with Food Terminal Incorporated, so programs like Kadiwa ng Pangulo and the P20 rice incentive can be fully implemented.

By giving its go ahead, the CCDC has cleared the way for the City Council to decide on the program’s final approval. — /RAE (FREEMAN)