MANILA, Nov. 19 -- The provincial government here will operate on a PHP6.88 billion budget in 2026 -- PHP5.53 billion for the General Fund and PHP1.35 billion for the Local Economic Enterprise.

The budget, approved on its final reading during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) on Tuesday afternoon, is higher than its current budget of PHP4.2 billion.

In a media interview on Wednesday, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said the budget would help realize development programs under the "MoRProGRes Iloilo," which pushes for quality health and social services, economic growth, food security, resilient infrastructure, and environmental protection.

He thanked Vice Governor Nathalie Ann Debuque for the early appr...