THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan has started deliberations on the proposed ₱8-billion annual budget for 2026 following its first reading during the latest regular session, Vice Governor Mark Lambino announced.

The budget proposal is now under review by the Committee on Appropriations and will undergo hearings within the next two weeks. Lambino said the board aims to approve the final version before the end of November to ensure early implementation next year.

He said the biggest portion will go to personal services, particularly government salaries, but emphasized that key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, economic development, and infrastructure will continue to receive substantial funding.

Among the priorities are hospital improvements, expansion of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), and sustained support for agriculture and livelihood programs. Lambino stressed that provincial hospitals will remain under government management, dismissing rumors of privatization.

“The goal is to improve funding mechanisms so we can provide better healthcare at no cost to our people,” he said.

The Vice Governor added that the 2026 budget includes funds for new PPC classrooms, while the construction of additional campuses will proceed gradually.

The proposed budget will be financed through the National Tax Allocation, locally generated income, and external sources such as grants, donations, and loans. Full deliberations are expected to conclude before year-end. (Eva Visperas)