The province of Davao Oriental has officially begun preparations for its 2026 budget following the approval of the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) by members of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) during a full council meeting held on May 21 at the Capitol Grand Conference Room.

The proposed AIP—now ready for endorsement to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan—is a comprehensive roadmap outlining priority Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) across sectors including the economy, infrastructure, social services, environmental protection, peace and order, macroeconomy, and institutional development. This plan will serve as the blueprint for next year’s provincial budget.

According to provincial officials, the AIP underwent a series of thorough workshops, consultations, and deliberations to ensure that the resulting budget is people-centered and effectively allocated to support development in towns, barangays, local agencies, and civil society organizations.

Key Priorities

• Agriculture and Tourism remain top priorities due to their vital role in the local economy.
• Infrastructure continues to be a major focus, with sustained investments in roads, bridges, and public facilities.
• Substantial funding is also allocated for education, healthcare, and social welfare, particularly for the poor and vulnerable sectors.
• Peace, order, and disaster risk reduction are receiving increased attention to strengthen community safety and resilience.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) presented the Provincial Fisheries Development Plan (PFDP) for 2025–2028. The plan addresses pressing issues in aquaculture, fishing, and post-harvest processing, and lays out production targets and financial requirements for sustainable fisheries growth.

Governor’s Message

Governor Niño Uy expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the PDC members for their unwavering support and active participation. He described public service as a lifelong privilege and expressed hope for a smooth and uninterrupted budget process that will allow faster delivery of services and benefits to the people of Davao Oriental.

It’s worth noting that the province has operated under a reenacted budget for the past two years. The approval of the AIP signals a fresh start and a strong commitment to inclusive and participatory development.

A Unified Front

The PDC is composed of all local chief executives in the province, national agency heads, provincial officials, and representatives from civil society. Their unified efforts highlight the spirit of cooperation fostered by the provincial government—paving the way for a more sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking Davao Oriental. By Nelton Abing | Photos by Joel Owano, Juluis Arellano