VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon – Valencia City has officially approved its ₱2,725,500,000.00 annual budget for Fiscal Year 2026, following the ceremonial signing led by Mayor Amie G. Galario on December 16, 2025

According to a Facebook post by the city government, the signing marked the final step in adopting a spending plan designed to sustain basic services while advancing the city’s long-term development goals.

Of the total budget, ₱2.64 billion is allocated to the General Fund, while ₱85.5 million is set aside for Economic Enterprise operations. Funding sources include the city’s National Tax Allotment (NTA) amounting to ₱2.13776 billion, locally generated taxes totaling ₱476.24 million, and ₱26 million from external sources such as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and shares from the national wealth.

The 2026 budget incorporates mandatory allocations required under existing laws. A 20-percent Local Development Fund (LDF), amounting to ₱427.55 million, will finance development-oriented programs, projects, and activities aligned with the city’s priority agenda. These include investments in infrastructure, health and social services, economic development initiatives, environmental management, and other projects identified in the Annual Investment Program (AIP) and consistent with the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP).

To enhance the city’s disaster resilience, ₱132 million—or five percent of the total budget—is earmarked for the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF), supporting preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. Another five percent, also totaling ₱132 million, is allocated for Gender and Development (GAD) programs.

An additional ₱46.5 million is allotted for Aid to Barangays, aimed at strengthening the capacity of barangays to deliver basic services, particularly for smaller communities with limited NTA shares and local revenues.

The budget likewise provides for Personnel Services, Capital Outlay, and Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses to ensure the efficient operation of city programs and services.

Mayor Galario was joined during the signing ceremony by City Vice Mayor Greizl Galario-Fernandez and Councilor Annalou Zambrano, chairperson of the Committee on Accounts and Appropriations, along with other council members who witnessed the event. Department heads who sit as members of the Local Finance Committee were also present, providing technical inputs to ensure that the budget remains balanced, sustainable, and responsive to the city’s priorities.

City Budget Officer Jinny Tiu said the Fiscal Year 2026 budget is balanced and underscores the continued delivery of basic services while sustaining investments for Valencia City’s long-term growth and resilience. She emphasized that the approved spending plan is geared toward improving the quality of life of Valencianos and fostering a smooth, peaceful, and vibrant community. (melbmadera)