Bureau requests timely submission of financial plan from Archival

Cebu City Adopts Practical Budgeting Approach for 2026, Prioritizing Critical Programs

Cebu City is gearing up for a more realistic budgeting approach for the year 2026, with the proposed budget expected to range between ₱9.5 billion and ₱11.5 billion. This shift in strategy is based on practical revenue projections, aiming to secure funding for vital city projects and programs.

Mayor Nestor Archival has instructed department heads to prepare their budget proposals in line with this practical revenue target. The Cebu City Council has urged the mayor to submit the proposed budget early, by October 1, 2025, to allow ample time for review and to ensure timely funding for critical programs, including the Sinulog Festival.

The Sinulog Festival, a significant cultural event in Cebu City, requires early and assured budget allocation for proactive planning of logistics, security, and traffic management. City Councilor Dave Tumulak, who authored a resolution on August 5, 2025, urging the early budget submission, emphasized the importance of budgeting for extensive operational needs to manage crowds and ensure public safety.

Preparations for the Sinulog Festival 2026 are already underway, with just over five months remaining. Tumulak submitted a series of resolutions outlining crucial steps and proposed key measures for the annual celebration. The resolutions include preparations for all Sinulog-related events and activities.

At the national level, the P6.793 trillion proposed budget for 2026 is under deliberation in Congress, with strong calls for transparency and fiscal discipline. The specific impact on Cebu City, including funding, depends on the local government's finalized budget proposals supported by practical revenue estimates.

The Local Finance Committee will review the 2026 budget in July and August, with department proposals expected in May and June. The budget call for 2026 is scheduled in April and May.

Last year, the Cebu City Council approved a budget of P14.6 billion for the 2025 annual budget in a special session on December 2, 2024. The budget included P2.5 billion for personal services, P10.7 billion for maintenance and other operating expenses, and P1.5 billion for capital outlay.

However, upon taking office, Mayor Archival reported a budget deficit of P6.843 billion. Tumulak acknowledged that recent local elections or other events might cause delays in budgetary preparation, but the timelines from the Department of the Interior and Local Government must be followed to ensure early budget approval. Early budget approval is essential for the timely release of funds and operational readiness.

In addition to the Sinulog Festival preparations, the resolutions also include the upcoming dry run of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit along Osmenña Boulevard. The traffic and parking management plan is an integral part of the resolutions, aiming to ensure smooth operations during the festivities.

With the early budget submission and proactive planning, Cebu City is poised to deliver a successful Sinulog Festival 2026 and other critical programs with the necessary resources and timely funding.

The practical budgeting approach for 2026 in Cebu City is aimed at securing funding for crucial city programs, including the Sinulog Festival, which is a significant cultural event.
City Councilor Dave Tumulak, in a resolution submitted on August 5, 2025, emphasized the importance of budgeting for extensive operational needs of the Sinulog Festival for proactive planning of logistics, security, and traffic management.
The 2026 budget for Cebu City is under review by the Local Finance Committee in July and August, with department proposals expected in May and June, to allow ample time for review and ensure timely funding for critical programs like the Sinulog Festival.
In Congress, discussions are ongoing regarding the P6.793 trillion proposed national budget for 2026, with funding for local governments, including Cebu City, dependent on the local government's finalized budget proposals supported by practical revenue estimates.