The Mandaue City Government is eyeing a bigger budget for 2027, with city officials proposing to increase the city’s annual allocation from the current ?4.5 billion to between ?4.8 billion and ?5 billion.
Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the city will continue to adopt what he described as a “more realistic” budget while increasing spending to address the growing needs of residents.
According to Ouano, Mandaue maintained the same ?4.5-billion budget in both 2025 and 2026. The proposed increase for next year is anchored on projected growth in collections from business taxes, real property taxes (RPT), and the National Tax Allocation (NTA).
“By next year mu-increase to ?4.8 up to ?5 billion,” said Ouano.
The mayor, however, clarified that the proposed budget is still subject to final approval following the city’s budget deliberations.
The city government recently held its 2027 Budget Forum to discuss proposed appropriations and funding priorities.
Among the city’s top priorities for next year are education and healthcare. The proposed budget will also provide funding for flood mitigation projects, public safety initiatives, and housing programs.
“As always… mao man gyud na ang atong mga priorities,” said Ouano.
Ouano said that aside from flooding and traffic congestion, one of Mandaue City’s biggest challenges remains providing adequate housing, particularly for families displaced by disasters such as fires.
He expressed hope that the city would eventually be able to address the housing shortage.
“Kapila ko gipangutana unsa kunoy nakit-an nako nga pinaka dakong challenge sa city, muingon gyud ko og permi na besides sa flooding and traffic, naa man gyud na di man na mawagtang, kini gyung housing,” said Ouano.
The mayor acknowledged that Mandaue continues to attract people because of employment opportunities, but the influx has also increased the demand for housing.
“So mao na ang atong challenge. Sa akong giingon dili man sad ta ganahan magpabalhin kung walay tay relocation,” said Ouano.
To help address the housing backlog, the city is constructing Tipolo Residences Buildings 3 and 4 in Barangay Tipolo.
However, Ouano admitted that the project will accommodate only a fraction of the families needing permanent homes. The new building can house only about 100 families, while around 700 families are still waiting for permanent relocation.
At present, these families are temporarily staying at Pasilong sa Paradise, Paglaum Village, and Bayanihan Village in Barangay Guizo.
“Challenging para nato sa city pero nangita ta og pamaagi ana,” said Ouano.
For the health sector, Ouano said the city’s free medicines program covering all 27 barangays will continue.
“Ato na siyang ipadayon,” said Ouano.
Meanwhile, the mayor said two of his major campaign commitments-the construction of a modern Mandaue City Hospital and a dedicated building for Mandaue City College-have already entered the bidding stage.
While awaiting the start of construction, the city government is preparing for the procurement of equipment and the hiring of additional personnel needed to operate the facilities once completed.
“Mao sad na ang atong pangandaman sad, kinahanglan ta og additional revenue,” said Ouano.
As of June, the city has nearly reached its revenue collection target for the year, according to the mayor.
“Hapit na pero layo-layo pa man sad ta sa December,” said Ouano, adding that the city’s revenue goal remains attainable because its target is realistic.