The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato has approved the Climate Change Expenditure Tagged–Annual Investment Program (CCET-AIP) for Calendar Year 2026, amounting to ₱15.1 billion, which marks a more than 25% increase from the ₱12.04 billion budget in 2025.
Board Member Nilda B. Almencion, Committee Chairperson on Appropriations and Budget, disclosed that the approval of the AIP is a crucial step in the province’s annual budgeting process.
“We all know that we cannot have our annual budget unless our annual investment program is approved, because before the approval of the annual budget, the provincial government should have identified the priority programs and projects for 2026,” she said.
Almencion also highlighted the need to implement programs, projects, and activities aligned with the development goals of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr.
“Marami tayong priority programs for 2026. For example, the housing program na dapat mabigyan natin ng pansin, especially those constituents na temporarily wala silang shelters,” she noted.
The 2026 CCET-AIP was earlier adopted by the Provincial Development Council through PDC Resolution No. 2025-42.
After reviewing the proposal, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously approved the resolution.
The measure was carried on motion by Hon. Nilda B. Almencion, with full sponsorship from the members of the Body. Co-authors include Hon. Cecile E. Diel, Hon. Annabelle G. Pinggoy, Hon. Ervin B. Luntao, and Hon. Ross G. Rosal.
The increased allocation reflects South Cotabato’s strengthened commitment to climate resilience, sustainable development, and the integration of climate-responsive initiatives into its 2026 development agenda.
