PANGASINAN is poised to operate under its biggest budget yet after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the ₱8,379,222,529 annual budget for 2026 — an 18.01% jump from last year’s ₱7.1 billion allocation.

The announcement was posted on the provincial government’s official Facebook page, highlighting the historic milestone for the province.

Gov. Ramon Guico III, in his message before the Provincial Board during the November 26 budget hearing, said the unprecedented increase underscores Pangasinan’s strengthened fiscal standing and its growing ability to offer wider, more sustainable public services to its people.

He credited the budget surge largely to improved local revenue collections, heightened economic activity, and the more efficient management of quarry operations.

“The consistent growth of our budget from 2024 onwards results from transparent and responsible financial management. The key factor driving this massive growth is the income generated from our local provincial taxes,” Guico said.

Comparative data show the province’s National Tax Allocation rising from ₱5.89 billion in 2025 to ₱6.67 billion in 2026.

The newly approved budget covers the General Fund Appropriations — including the implementation of the Salary Standardization Law VI and medical allowances — along with MOOE, Capital Outlay, and Special Purpose Appropriations. It also includes funding for the expected conversion of 14 provincial hospitals and Pangasinan Polytechnic College into Local Economic Enterprises, though both hospitals and PPC will continue receiving government subsidies.

Under the 2026 Annual Investment Program, budget allocations stand at: ₱2,902,671,507 for General Public Services;  ₱3,941,917,878 for Social Services, and ₱1,533,587,101 for Economic Services.

With its largest budget on record, Pangasinan is set to fast-track infrastructure projects, expand economic enterprises, and upgrade health facilities — including the Umingan Supercommunity Hospital and Alcala Community Hospital — benefitting more than three million Pangasinenses.

“We are confident that these robust financial figures ensure the continuing efforts to finish our legacy projects. This budget, and all that it underwrites, would not have been achieved without the advocacy, unity, and action of all our stakeholders in Pangasinan,” the governor said. (Eva Visperas)