By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Guimaras provincial government has approved a PHP 1.12-billion budget for 2025, marking a return to a billion-peso allocation after two years.
Governor JC Rahman Nava signed the budget on Nov. 26 in a ceremonial event attended by Vice Governor John Edward Gando and members of the 10th Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
In an interview, Nava said the budget increase reflects the province’s recovery and growing needs.
“As the province continues to recover, our needs are gradually increasing, which is why next year’s budget saw an increase,” Nava said.
He noted that while a large portion of revenue comes from real property taxes, the province is exploring ways to boost local revenue sources for long-term sustainability.
The 2025 budget represents an 18.34% increase from this year’s PHP 945.57-million allocation. It will fund initiatives under the Kabataan FIRST agenda, which prioritizes youth development, education, and health services.
“This increase allows us to enhance our focus on tourism, trade, and employment while improving health services and aligning with the implementation of universal health care,” Nava said.
The budget allocates PHP 455.4 million for general services, PHP 218.16 million for the development fund, PHP 197.35 million for social services, and PHP 135.18 million for the economic sector.
Additional allocations include PHP 62 million for debt servicing, PHP 56.27 million for the calamity fund, and PHP 980,000 for barangay assistance.
Separately, a PHP 292.14-million budget has been approved for the operation of the Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital.
The Kabataan FIRST agenda, launched in 2023, stands for Focused Tourism, Trade, Investment, and Employment; Integrated Infrastructure; Responsive Health Care and Social Welfare Services; Sustainable Local Economy; and Trusted Fiscal and Bureaucratic Management.
The initiative aims to create opportunities for the youth and enhance public services through infrastructure projects, educational support, and hospital upgrades aligned with universal health care implementation.
