Pasay City: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) launched the 2026 national budget preparation process on Monday with the National Budget Call Forum held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. This event marks the official beginning of the preparation phase for the National Expenditure Program, which will outline the President's proposed budget for the upcoming year.
According to Philippines News Agency, the forum provides government agencies with vital guidelines, schedules, and technical instructions necessary for preparing their budget proposals. This process ensures that all required documentation is submitted promptly. In her opening remarks, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman urged departments and agencies to collaborate with their technical staff to prepare comprehensive budget proposals, particularly for tier 2 submissions.
Pangandaman emphasized the introduction of the Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB) approach for the 2026 budget. This strategy aims to streamline resource allocation across various departments by adopting a more integrated approach to ensure that government resources are allocated efficiently toward key programs and projects with clear and coordinated goals. "We are also relaunching our PCB program. It will now be a formal part of our budget process, unlike before when it was merely a wishlist," Pangandaman stated.
National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan underscored the significance of PCB in reducing inefficiencies in government spending. He mentioned that approximately 5,000 programs, activities, and projects are recorded annually in the NEDA Public Investment Program. The PCB approach seeks to address overlaps, duplication, or gaps, ensuring better alignment with the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan.
Last week, the DBM organized a separate forum focused on the implementation of the 2025 national budget, which was attended by Cabinet members and government officials. This session aimed to clarify budget processes and enhance transparency in government spending.
