DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Council, presided over by acting Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II, approved on the second reading the proposed P15.8-billion annual budget for 2026 during its regular session over the weekend.
Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chair of the Committee on Finance, Ways, and Means, presented the budget breakdown, noting that more than P13.6 billion will go to the General Fund Proper.
About P165 million is earmarked for Economic Enterprises, which include the operations of public markets, slaughterhouses, Sta. Ana Port, public cemeteries, the Davao City Recreation Center, and Magsaysay Park.
Over P2 billion will comprise the Development Fund to support infrastructure projects and social development programs across the city.
Dayanghirang said the proposed 2026 budget maintains long-running initiatives introduced under the Duterte administration and aligns with 12 priority areas centered on poverty alleviation, infrastructure, health, education, solid waste management, and human resource development.
Other key focus areas include agriculture and agribusiness, business and industry support, transportation and traffic management, peace and order, disaster risk reduction, good governance through innovation and ICT, and tourism promotion.
The councilor stated that the proposed budget represents a 10.76 percent increase, or P1.5 billion more, than the P14.3 billion budget approved for 2025.
Vice Mayor Duterte commended the council for its cooperation and reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to transparency and responsible governance.
“I welcome the passage of our city’s 2026 annual budget on second reading and thank my colleagues in the Sangguniang Panlungsod for their continued support and cooperation,” Duterte said.
He added that the 2026 budget “is more than just figures on paper” — it symbolizes the city’s collective pledge to uphold the Duterte legacy of good governance, transparency, and genuine public service.
As the measure moves toward its third and final reading next week before being transmitted to acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte for signing, Vice Mayor Duterte assured that the city remains focused on funding programs that directly benefit residents — particularly in healthcare, education, infrastructure, livelihood, and social protection.
Once approved, the 2026 budget will guide Davao City’s fiscal priorities for the coming year, sustaining programs aimed at inclusive and sustainable development.(By Ivy Tejano)
