Provincial Budget Office - Province of Iloio

𝗣𝗕𝗕𝗠 𝗣𝗨𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝟰𝟲.𝟮𝟮𝗕 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝟭,𝟳𝟰𝟯 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗥𝗔 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗪𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗧𝗛, 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate infrastructure development and sustain economic momentum, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Rolando “Rolly” U. Toledo has approved the release of P46.22 billion to fund 1,743 infrastructure projects nationwide.

The amount was released to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to support projects spanning 17 regions—advancing road connectivity, improving mobility, and unlocking economic opportunities across communities.

Among the major projects funded is the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, with an approved allocation of P288.371 million for FY 2026.

The release also covers critical initiatives under the DPWH’s Asset Preservation Program, including preventive maintenance of national roads, as well as the rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing road networks. It likewise supports the Network Development Program, which includes road widening and off-carriageway improvements, and the Bridge Program, which focuses on the rehabilitation, retrofitting, strengthening, and widening of permanent bridges.

DBM Secretary Rolly Toledo emphasized that the release reflects the Administration’s firm commitment to ensuring that vital infrastructure projects are implemented without delay—so their benefits are immediately felt by the public.

“Sa malinaw na utos ng Pangulo, tuloy-tuloy ang pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong magpapabilis ng biyahe, magpapalakas ng ekonomiya, at magdadala ng serbisyo sa mas maraming komunidad. Hindi puwedeng maantala ang mga proyektong direktang nakakatulong sa buhay ng tao,” Secretary Toledo said.

“Kapag kumpleto at maayos ang mga dokumento, hindi kami mag-aatubiling i-release ang pondo. Dahil bawat araw na naaantala ang proyekto, may kababayan tayong hindi pa nakakabenepisyo—at iyon ang ayaw nating mangyari,” he added.

According to DPWH, the projects funded under the release have undergone thorough evaluation and are aligned with the President’s priorities for infrastructure development and the advancement of socioeconomic growth.

The DBM approved the issuance of 158 Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) for the purpose on 15 April 2026.

𝗣𝗕𝗕𝗠 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗣𝟭𝟳.𝟮𝟳𝗕 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝟰,𝟵𝟲𝟬 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗠𝗦 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗪𝗜𝗗𝗘, 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗔𝗣𝗦

In a bold push to address classroom shortages and uplift the quality of basic education, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the release of Php 17.27 billion to accelerate the construction of classrooms nationwide.

Acting on this directive, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Rolando “Rolly” U. Toledo approved on 13 April 2026 the release of Php 17.27 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd).

The amount, released through a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO), will fund the construction of 4,960 classrooms nationwide, including the provision of essential school furniture and fixtures—bringing immediate relief to overcrowded schools and underserved communities.

Charged against the Php 85.40 billion Basic Education Facilities (BEF) Fund under the FY 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the release is a decisive step toward closing the country’s classroom gap and ensuring that every Filipino learner has access to a safe, conducive, and dignified learning environment.

DBM Secretary Rolly Toledo emphasized that the initiative is not merely about infrastructure, but about securing the future of the nation through education.

“Sa utos ng Pangulo, pinapabilis natin ang pagpapatayo ng mga silid-aralan dahil hindi dapat naghihintay ang pangarap ng kabataan. Hindi dapat nasisikip, napapabayaan, o napag-iiwanan ang kanilang pag-aaral,” Secretary Toledo said.

“Sa bawat silid-aralan na itinatayo natin, may batang nabibigyan ng mas maayos na kinabukasan. Hindi lang ito pader at bubong—ito ay pag-asa, pagkakataon, at unang hakbang tungo sa mas magandang buhay,” he added.

The release also reinforces the President’s Nationwide Classroom Building Program, which institutionalizes a landmark partnership between DepEd and local government units (LGUs) to accelerate the construction, rehabilitation, and repair of classrooms nationwide.

Through this whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, the Administration aims to ensure that no learner is left behind due to distance, poverty, and the lack of classrooms.

𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗦 𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡; 𝗗𝗕𝗠 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘

MANILA, Philippines — As Filipino families grapple with rising costs driven by global energy pressures, the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. is accelerating the delivery of ayuda (aid) and targeted support, anchored on a strengthened push for transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in public spending.

The move has drawn international recognition, with the Open Government Partnership (OGP) International citing the Philippines’ latest reform in its social media post as “a step forward in making open government standards a practice in the Philippines.”

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) emphasized that while assistance is being expanded to cushion the impact of the crisis, every peso must be spent with discipline, visibility, and clear accountability to the Filipino people.

In line with this, DBM issued Circular Letter No. 2026-6, institutionalizing the adoption of Open Government principles across all programs, activities, and projects. The directive mandates all national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and local government units (LGUs) to embed transparency, stakeholder participation, and accountability mechanisms in both design and implementation.

The Circular establishes clear, enforceable standards to ensure that public funds, especially those allocated for critical support such as ayuda, are properly managed, openly disclosed, and subject to public scrutiny.

Agencies are required to publish financial and physical accomplishments, establish accessible feedback and grievance mechanisms, and actively involve citizens and stakeholders in program planning and monitoring.

Further, agencies are directed to strengthen proactive disclosure of budgets, procurement, and service delivery performance, and to utilize digital platforms for real-time reporting and public access to information—ensuring that government action remains both responsive and credible during times of crisis.

DBM Secretary Rolando “Rolly” U. Toledo emphasized that the reform goes beyond compliance, underscoring the need to rebuild and sustain public trust at a critical time:

“Sa panahon ng krisis, hindi sapat na mabilis ang tulong. Dapat malinaw kung saan napupunta ang bawat piso, at maramdaman ng taumbayan na kasama sila sa proseso. Ang tunay na malasakit ay nasusukat hindi lamang sa laki ng ayuda, kundi sa pagiging bukas, tapat, at may pananagutan ng pamahalaan sa bawat desisyon at inilalabas nitong pondo,” Sec. Rolly Toledo said.

The Budget Chief also emphasized that the government’s response goes beyond immediate relief.

“Habang pinapalawak natin ang ayuda para maibsan ang epekto ng tumataas na gastos, sabay din nating pinapalakas ang tiwala ng publiko. Importante po ito dahil ang bawat pisong ginagastos ng gobyerno ay dapat may malinaw na resulta, may saysay, at may pananagutan,” Sec. Toledo said.

The national government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that crisis response and long-term governance reforms move in tandem, with the goal of delivering meaningful, felt impact while upholding the highest standards of transparency and integrity.

April 6 | 125th Semana sang Iloilo

The Office of the Provincial Budget Officer joined the foot parade at 6:30 AM in celebration of the 125th Semana sang Iloilo.
The office also facilitated the Holy Mass at 9:00 AM, with Rev. Fr. Mark Lester Bernasol Senina as the officiating priest.

A day filled with faith, unity, and meaningful participation in honoring Iloilo’s rich traditions. ✨

Today, we honor the courage and sacrifice of the brave Filipino heroes who fought for our freedom.

This Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), April 9, we remember the strength, patriotism, and resilience of those who stood for our nation during one of the most challenging moments in our history. Their bravery continues to inspire us to serve our country with integrity and unity.

Let us carry forward their legacy by valuing freedom, standing for what is right, and loving our country every day.