Cebu gets P300M aid

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro yesterday, traveled to Malacañang Palace to receive a ?300-million allocation for the province under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which will be used to finance rice assistance and priority infrastructure projects in the province.

Baricuatro received the Special Allotment Release Order to allow the immediate implementation of the identified programs.

Joining the governor in Manila were Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Maria Cynthia “Cindi” King Chan, Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas, and Naga City Mayor Valdemar “Val” Chiong.

Assistant provincial administrator Aldwin Empaces said the province originally proposed a ?750-million allocation but was approved for ?300 million, which will cover food support and development projects.

Of the amount, ?150 million has been earmarked for rice distribution targeting 30,000 families across 10 local government units, with each beneficiary receiving 10 kilograms of rice.

Another ?150 million will fund infrastructure projects, including road works and farm-to-market roads. Beneficiary areas for infrastructure assistance include the municipalities of Sogod, Tabuelan, and Tuburan.

Empaces said the LGSF is a new program introduced this year that directly supports local government units, particularly fourth- to sixth-class municipalities that are being assisted by the provincial government.

He noted that the fund is meant to empower LGUs to address urgent local needs and fast-track projects that are often delayed due to limited revenue or National Tax Allotment (NTA).

“This is new and this is important. Why? Since LGUs knows best, makahibawo unsay problem," said Empaces.

"Mostly naay plano ang LGU pero di ma fundan kay limited kaayo ang NTA or limited ang revenue generation so kani pud empowering local government unit gives premium to the fact LGU can fast track implementation,” he added.

Aside from the ?300 million for the province, additional support programs are expected to be downloaded separately, including funds for calamity response, healthcare facilities such as new infirmaries, and allocations provided directly to highly-urbanized cities and component cities.

The LGSF is part of the national government’s broader effort to strengthen local governance. During the program launch, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the initiative aims to accelerate the delivery of basic services at the grassroots level by empowering local chief executives who are at the frontline of addressing community concerns.

Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, the LGSF was increased to ?57.872 billion, the highest allocation for the program to date, reflecting the administration’s push to ensure that development resources reach local communities faster. — (FREEMAN)