SP APPROVES P3.229 BILLION 2027 ANNUAL BUDGET FOR NORTHERN SAMAR DEVELOPMENT; BOARD MEMBER NADIA ONG OPTS NOT TO VOTE

by Miriam G.Desacada

Tacloban City–Eleven (11) out of 12 members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan present during the SP regular session on November 4, 2026, supported the approval of the Ordinance authorizing the Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Annual Budget of Northern Samar amounting to P3.229 billion.

In his statement, Board Member Neil Hernandez emphasized that his support means additional health services, roads in barangays, and assistance for the vulnerable sectors of the community.

“As a member of the SP, I proudly supported and voted for the approval of the Executive Annual Budget for FY 2027. Hindi lang ito numero. Ito ay gamot sa health center, kalsada sa barangay, tulong sa magsasaka at mangingisda, at pag-asa para sa kabataan. This is our promise to every Nortehanon,” said the veteran member of the Provincial Board.

The said budget for next year was computed from the projected income of the province from local and external sources, including the national tax allocation from the national government, and the province’s share in real property and other local taxes.

In the Budget presented by Board Member Don Abalon, Chair of the SP Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriations, 35% was allocated for special purpose appropriations (SPA) where 20% is for the economic development fund (EDF) that will fund essential development programs and projects in various municipalities in Northern Samar, 5% for local disaster risk reduction and management (LDRRM) fund and other special purposes appropriations.

Meanwhile, 36% is for personal services for the salaries of Provincial Government employees, 26% for maintenance and other operating expenses for daily operations and service delivery; and 3% capital outlay for important equipment, facilities and infrastructure in the province.

The veteran lawyer also stressed that the bulk of the fund is for social services where the majority is for health services that will support hospital upgrades and medical provisions, but also prioritized are initiatives under the health, capacity building and climate resilience, and opportunities development agenda of the administration of Governor Harris Ongchuan.

Before the approval, the said budget underwent a series of consultations, budget forum and technical budget hearings, participated in by civil society organizations, local finance committee, provincial officials, department and technical personnel, starting April this year 2026.

Meanwhile, Board Member Nadia Bianca Nicolette Ong did not vote in favor of the budget, and did not give an explanation for her vote. However, the main point raised by Board Member Nadia Ong was regarding the allocation for payment of the Province’s Loans in the 2027 budget.

Vice Governor Clarence Dato and Board Member Abalon clarified that in the 2027 fund, no debt servicing was allocated for new bank loans, but the funds allocated were for payment of loans of the Provincial Government since 2014-2015, 2016-2019 and in the following years.

The father of Board Member Nadia Ong, former Governor Jun Ong, served as Governor in 2013-2019, when these loans were downloaded to the Provincial Government.