LGU GenSan- City Budget Office

Look| The City Government of General Santos has adopted a Compressed Four-Day Work Week through an Executive Order, reflecting the city’s commitment to practical and sustainable governance.

Under the new arrangement, offices will operate Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, promoting energy conservation, fuel savings, and operational efficiency.

The initiative aims to reduce operational costs and daily travel while helping the city achieve its target of 10–20% reduction in fuel and energy consumption.

Despite the adjusted schedule, frontline, essential, and vital services will remain uninterrupted, ensuring continuous service to the people of General Santos City.(CPIO/JBA/RSC)

BASAHIN | Naglabas ng Executive Order ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ng General Santos na nag-a-adopt ng compressed four-day work week at energy conservation measures alinsunod sa Office of the President's Memorandum Circular No. 114 na may petsang Marso 6, 2026.

Sa ilalim nito, ipatutupad ang bagong iskedyul ng trabaho na 8:00 ng umaga hanggang 7:00 ng gabi mula Lunes hanggang Huwebes para sa mga tanggapan ng City Government. Pansamantala ring isinususpinde ang lahat ng umiiral na flexi-time arrangements batay sa rekomendasyon ng Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO).

Mananatiling tuloy-tuloy at hindi maaantala ang mga frontline, essential, at vital services ng lungsod upang matiyak na napaglilingkuran pa rin ang mga mamamayan.

Ang CMO AMPING Office ay magpapatuloy sa pagbibigay serbisyo mula Lunes hanggang Linggo, 8:00 ng umaga hanggang 5:00 ng hapon. (CPIO/MBDG)

Congratulations, Sir Christian Abarquez on your appointment as the New Assistant City Budget Officer!

LGU-GenSan Conveys 2026 Budget, Releases Aid to Barangays, and Seals Investment Pact with BOI

In a historic event that showcased fiscal transparency, grassroots empowerment, and strategic partnerships, Mayor Lorelie Geronimo-Pacquiao Lgp Cares through the initiative of City Budget Officer Melinda Baynosa Betaizar, hosted the groundbreaking event “Partners in Progress: Funding Growth, Delivering Support.” The activity spotlighted three key aspects: the unveiling of the city’s 2026 budget, the release of City Aid to Barangays, and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the LGU and the Board of Investments (BOI) for the promotion and facilitation of investments.

Rationale: A Commitment to Transparency and Collaboration

Setting the tone for the event, Budget Officer IV Nancy T. Burlaza emphasized that the activity went beyond a ceremonial exercise, underscoring the city's commitment to transparency and collaboration with various stakeholders. The unveiling of the 2026 Annual Budget, “ , marks the city’s strategic plan for growth, aligning its financial priorities with the community’s needs while ensuring transparency and inclusivity in decision-making. The release of City Aid to Barangays offers crucial support to local leaders, empowering them to implement vital programs aimed at improving peace, order, and health services for residents. Finally, the signing of the MOA with BOI marks the start of a promising partnership that will foster sustainable economic growth, attract investments, and generate job opportunities for the city's future.

Budget ng Heneral 2026: Ang Kwento ng Kwenta Takes Center Stage

The centerpiece of the event was the presentation of “Budget ng Heneral 2026: Ang Kwento ng Kwenta” by Alver Lamoste, providing a comprehensive overview of the city's planned expenditures and priorities for the year ahead. The presentation was more than a financial report; it was a celebration of the partnership between the local government and its stakeholders to ensure fiscal transparency and development. Lamoste emphasized that the city’s budget is more than just numbers on paper—it embodies compassion, commitment, and community development. He poignantly remarked that behind every “kwenta” is a “kwento” of service and community progress, and he hopes that each “kwento” will translate into tangible, meaningful change for the people of General Santos.

This narrative was further validated in a milestone moment when DBM-Region XII Regional Director Hon. Akmad J. Usman, CPA, CESO III, formally handed over the General Santos Annual Budget 2026 to Mayor Pacquiao and City Budget Officer Betaizar. This gesture confirmed that the budget had undergone thorough review by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and is now fully operative.

In his remarks, Director Usman congratulated the City Budget Office and the entire LGU for their exemplary effort in presenting and discussing the budget with stakeholders. He noted that the event set a new benchmark for the region, emphasizing that this is how budgeting should be done—transparent, inclusive, and grounded in genuine public service.

DILG’s Call to Local Leaders: Going Beyond the Slogan

In a further reinforcement of the event's theme, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XII Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE, EnP, MPACS, challenged local leaders to go beyond the slogan of “Ang Kwento ng Kwenta” and embrace it as a driving force for meaningful public service. She articulated that while a substantial budget is important, it means nothing without the stability and commitment to implement it effectively. Sero emphasized that the budget must translate into action that benefits the community and improves the lives of the people it serves.

City Aid Reaches Barangays: A Vital Step for Local Empowerment

In the most anticipated segment of the program, Betaizar joined Mayor Pacquiao, City Treasurer Zenaida G. Eturma, and Assistant City Treasurer Marites M. Sevilla in the distribution of City Aid to Barangays for 2026. The release of funds directly into the hands of barangay enables them to implement critical programs focusing on peace and order, health, and other community development efforts.

Mayor Pacquiao, in her inspirational address, rallied the people of General Santos behind the vision of the budget. She emphasized that “Ang Kwento ng Kwenta” funded programs that carry significant value and purpose, adding that the tangible stories of development, assistance, and progress are made possible because the numbers behind them are carefully planned and managed. Mayor Pacquiao also recognized the vital role that barangays play as the frontliners of public service, acknowledging their dedication and commitment. She extend her heartfelt thanks to the barangay captains and urged them to rise above criticism, stay true to their noble mission, and continue to deliver quality services to the communities they serve.

In response, Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) President Hon. Alberto D. Pacquiao, speaking on behalf of the city’s 26 barangay captains, committed to maintaining grassroots accountability, improving barangay services, and furthering collaboration with the local government to ensure progress at the community level.

BOI Partnership Sealed: A New Era for Investments in General Santos

Simultaneously, General Santos City formalized its strategic partnership with the Board of Investments (BOI) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) focused on the “Promotion and Facilitation of Investments and Investor Servicing.” BOI Executive Director Atty. Bobby G. Fondevilla presented the agency's services, while Chief Investments Specialist Mr. Lubin R. De Vera, Jr. provided valuable insights on the role of LGUs in investment generation, with a special emphasis on the landbanking strategy for the establishment of future economic zones.

This partnership marks the beginning of a new era for General Santos City as it positions itself for future economic growth, job creation, and development through the attraction of investors. The MOA is a key step in transforming the city into a competitive investment hub.

Held at Pandan Hall A of the Greenleaf Hotel, the event featured musical and dance performances from the LGU–General Santos Performing Arts Company. The activity was hosted by Johnrex B. Galdo, who guided the proceedings and ensured the smooth flow of the event.

Betaizar Attends Historic PPP Deal Sealed for Gensan Central Public Market Redevelopment

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A major step toward urban modernization was formalized on February 12, 2026, at the Grand Summit Hotel as city officials and private partners signed the contract for the redevelopment of the General Santos City , or “ ,” under a (PPP).

City Budget Officer Melinda Bertaizar was present at the milestone event, highlighting the City Budget Office’s vital role in safeguarding fiscal responsibility and ensuring the project’s long-term financial sustainability.

The contract signing was led by City Mayor Hon. Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao, in partnership with Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) headed by President Ma. Soccoro Isabelle V. Aragon-Gobio, with the PPP Center led by Executive Director Rizza Blanco-Latorre witnessing the undertaking.

Mayor Pacquiao underscored that the redevelopment marks a significant move toward modernizing the city’s public market while strengthening local livelihoods. She thanked RLC for its trust and stressed that protecting vendors’ interests and delivering tangible benefits to the people of General Santos City remain paramount.

The project signals a strong collaboration between government and private sector—aimed at transforming Palengke Heneral into a modern, efficient, and economically vibrant marketplace while upholding accountability and inclusive growth.

CBO Strengthens E-Procurement Capacity at RALBO XII-DBM XII Seminar

The ( ), led by City Budget Officer Melinda Betaizar, actively participated in the Regional Association of Local Budget Officers (RALBO) XII Seminar held from February 9 to 11, 2025 at the Greenleaf Hotel.

The three-day seminar, conducted in partnership with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) XII, focused on procurement by electronic means (e-procurement) and included the latest updates on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12009. The event gathered budget officers and finance personnel from various local government units (LGUs) across Region XII, providing an important platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building in modernized procurement processes.

CBO employees engaged in in depth sessions designed to enhance their understanding of digital procurement systems, compliance requirements, and best practices in public financial management. The participation reflects the office’s ongoing commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in local government budgeting and procurement.

City Budget Officer Betaizar Attends DILG “Usapang Budget Natin” Forum on 2026 GAA

KORONADAL CITY — City Budget Officer Melinda B. Betaizar represented LGU- General Santos City at the DILG “ ” Forum on the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) held on February 10, 2026 at the South Cotabato Cultural Center, Koronadal City.

The forum, organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) aims to increase public awareness and deepen understanding of the 2026 GAA and its role in advancing national development. With a proposed ₱6.793 trillion national budget, the activity emphasized transparency, public participation, and strengthened collaboration between national and local governments to ensure that every peso spent directly benefits communities.

Dubbed “2026 Budget ay Budget ng Bayan,” the forum underscored the importance of bringing government closer to the people and empowering citizens through knowledge, as a pathway toward inclusive and sustainable development. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to openly communicate the budget process and priority programs, reinforcing public trust and accountability in the use of public funds.

DBM Secretary Rolando U. Toledo provided an overview of the FY 2026 National Budget, highlighting the budget as a strategic instrument for development, anchored on the principles of Open Government and Civil Society Organization (CSO) participation. Secretary Toledo, who began his career as an accountant at the Department of Finance before leading the DBM, emphasized that a people-centered budget is achieved when citizens are engaged, informed, and able to feel the impact of government services.

Central to the discussions was the concept of “Budget Para sa Tao”—a budget that is not only discussed but truly felt by the people through accessible and responsive public services. The 2026 Budget was presented as a “Budget that Serves the People,” described as “salamin ng pangangailangan ng mamamayan” and a budget for life (budget pang-buhay).

Key allocations under the FY 2026 National Budget include:

Education – ₱1.34 trillion, covering school feeding programs, school expansion, and rehabilitation initiatives

Infrastructure – ₱530.9 billion to support connectivity and economic growth

Health – ₱438.1 billion, the largest allocation ever, aimed at expanding health benefits and services

Agriculture – ₱297.1 billion, including the ₱10 billion “Rice for All Program,” reinforcing the message that “kapag may pagkain sa mesa, may dignidad ang pamilya”

Social Services – ₱270.2 billion, with community-driven programs led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

National Tax Allotment (NTA) – ₱1.19 trillion

BARMM Annual Block Grant – ₱94 billion

Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) – ₱57.87 billion, ensuring that every municipality benefits, affirming that development should go down to communities, be closer, and be felt

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund – ₱39.822 billion, including ₱10.685 billion Quick Response Fund (QRF)

The forum also reiterated key principles of the FY 2026 Budget:
Every Filipino matters. Every town benefits. Public funds must be felt by the people. Emphasis was placed on the proper and ethical use of public funds, aligned with the Anti-Epal Law, to ensure that government resources serve public interest rather than personal recognition.

Betaizar expressed her gratitude to Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao for the opportunity to represent the city, reaffirming the local government’s commitment to aligning local budget priorities with national development goals, ensuring that national allocations translate into meaningful, community-level services. The forum strengthened coordination between national agencies and local governments, reinforcing the shared responsibility of making the Budget ng Bayan truly responsive, inclusive, and impactful for all Filipinos.

IN PHOTOS- CBO, Mayor’s Office Host Fellowship Night Honoring New DBM Secretary

The (CBO) led by City Budget Officer Melinda B. Betaizar, in collaboration with the City Mayor’s Office, successfully held a Fellowship Night in honor of the new Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary, Hon. Rolando U. Toledo, bringing together key local and regional officials in a meaningful gathering that underscored unity and shared commitment to good governance.

Honorable Toledo was formally introduced and warmly welcomed by DBM Region XII Regional Director Akmad Usman. Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao was represented during the event by her Executive Assistant, Lourdes Casabuena, who conveyed the city’s support and appreciation for the DBM leadership. The program was hosted by Johnrex Galdo, Executive Assistant of the City Mayor.

Adding color and vibrancy to the evening, the General Santos City Performing Arts Company (GSCPAC) captivated the audience with impressive performances from its choral, band, and dance divisions, highlighting local talent and enriching the celebratory atmosphere of the fellowship.

The Fellowship Night served not only as a formal welcome for Secretary Toledo but also as a platform to strengthen collaboration between national agencies and the local government, reaffirming a shared vision of transparent, accountable, and people-centered public financial management.

Valuable appreciation is also extended to the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO), led by Leonard Flores, and to the City Administrator’s Office led by Shandee Theresa Llido-Pestaños for their invaluable support and assistance which contributed to the smooth and successful conduct of the event.

City Budget Office Strengthens Fiscal Governance Through DBM XII- RALBO XII PFM Seminar

The City Budget Office (CBO), led by City Budget Officer Melinda Betaizar, actively participated in the Public Financial Management Competency Program (PFMCP) for Local Government Units – Phase II, spearheaded by the Regional Association of Local Budget Officers (RALBO) XII in partnership with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).XII, held from February 2 to 4, 2026 at Greenleaf Hotel.

The three-day capacity-building seminar focused on advancing LGU competencies in key areas of public financial management, including special local government unit funds, cash management, asset management, and the salient provisions of Republic Act No. 12009, which reinforces accountability and discipline in the use of public resources. These are attended by the various LGUs across Region XII.

Designed to deepen technical expertise and policy understanding among local budget and finance officials, the program aimed at improving fiscal sustainability, compliance, and service delivery at the local level. The discussions emphasized the strategic role of LGUs in ensuring that public funds are managed efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

The City Budget Office’s participation in the DBM XII–RALBO XII-led PFMCP reflects its sustained commitment to excellence in public financial management and its proactive role in supporting responsive, accountable, and development-oriented local governance.

⚠️ 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 & 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒 ⚠️
𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝗲-𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 (𝗘𝗕𝗢𝗦𝗦) 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

To ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the orderly conduct of EBOSS 2026 from January 5 to 20, 2026, the City Government of General Santos, through the Public Safety Office, will implement a Traffic Management Plan and designate specific Parking Areas for the duration of the event.

🅿️ 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬
• Designated parking areas will be assigned for EBOSS clients and stakeholders.
• LGU employees are strictly advised not to park in areas designated for EBOSS clients. Random inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance with the parking guidelines.
• Traffic personnel will be deployed to assist motorists and ensure proper traffic flow around the venue.

🚧 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧
• Motorists are advised to follow traffic signages and instructions from traffic enforcers.
• Temporary traffic adjustments may be implemented to ease congestion in the area.

We seek everyone’s cooperation to ensure a safe, orderly, and client-friendly EBOSS 2026.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

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PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICE
📍 2/F GenSan Training Center, Roxas Avenue, General Santos City
📞 (083) 877-2479 / 0908 875 6107
📧 [email protected]
🔗 bit.ly/PSO-PACD

LGU GenSan: TATAK Heneral
Serbisyong Totoo: Tatak Pacquiao
Lgp Cares

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, ka-Budget!

The , led by City Budget Officer Melinda B. Betaizar, wishes everyone a blessed and joyful Christmas. May the spirit of the season strengthen our shared commitment to serve with care and purpose for all Generals.

CBO, Partner Offices Sponsor Simbang Gabi for Parish Christmas Celebration 2025

The City Budget Office (CBO), led by City Budget Officer Melinda Betaizar, sponsored the Simbang Gabi celebration on December 17, 2025, 7:00-8:00 p.m. at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish, as part of the parish’s Christmas Celebration 2025.

Joining the CBO in this meaningful undertaking were the City Mayor’s Office, City Administrator’s Office, and the Human Resource Management and Development Office, in support of the special liturgical celebration held in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as the faithful joyfully await the birth of Jesus Christ.

The sponsoring offices extended cash and in-kind donations during the Simbang Gabi Mass, which will help sustain various parish programs and initiatives. These contributions are also intended to bring hope and joy to the parish’s indigent GKK families, particularly during the Christmas season.

Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Betaizar were the bread wine offerors.