By Hilda Austria
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Pangasinan provincial government is proposing a budget of at least PHP9.3 billion for 2027, up 10.18 percent from this year’s more than PHP8.3 billion.
“Well, definitely the chunk of the increase would come from the national tax allotment. So that is the biggest, but aside from that, we have increases in our local revenues,” Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III said in an interview on Monday.
Guico said quarry collections have increased since 2022, providing an additional revenue source.
The province is also seeking institutional recognition for Pangasinan Polytechnic College to enable it to recover tuition subsidies currently shouldered by the provincial government.
Healthcare programs will continue to receive the largest budget allocation, Guico said.
“In healthcare, there seems to be an awareness of the free hospitalization program of Pangasinan. So, in reality, we have improved our revenues for the hospital. But most importantly, we are able to offer free hospitalization to the residents,” he said.
The provincial government has also earmarked about PHP600 million for its 2027 calamity fund in preparation for the possible effects of a “very strong” El Niño.
“I already ordered the provincial DRRMO (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture as well because the most affected sector here is the agricultural sector,” Guico said.
He added that he had asked the provincial council to develop measures to help farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector cope with the potential effects.
Guico submitted the proposed budget to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its session on Monday.
The provincial board, headed by Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, will deliberate on the proposal before its approval. (PNA)
BUDGET SUBMISSION. Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III (6th from right) submits the province’s proposed 2027 annual budget to members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino (4th from left), at the capitok in Lingayen on Monday (Oct. 12, 2026). The provincial government is proposing a budget not less than PHP9.3 billion for 2027. (PNA photo by Liwayway
