The 7th District of Cebu has been allocated the single largest portion of infrastructure funds for the entire Central Visayas region for the four-year period from 2023 to 2026. This significant financial advantage was revealed in budget documents from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) released recently.
Budget Breakdown Reveals Clear Leader
According to the documents, which were made public by Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Legarda Leviste, the 7th District, represented by Congressman Peter John D. Calderon, received a total allocation of P32.87 billion. This amount surpasses all other congressional districts in Central Visayas for the specified timeframe. The data, which can be verified with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, shows the district's funding lead is substantial.
The overall infrastructure budget for Central Visayas from fiscal years 2023 to 2026 stands at a massive P177.23 billion. Following the 7th District of Cebu, the 3rd District of Bohol comes in second with P19.84 billion, and Cebu's own 1st District places third with P16.38 billion.
Focus on the 2025 Fiscal Year
Zooming in on the current year, the DPWH has earmarked P58.43 billion for projects in Cebu and Bohol for 2025 alone. Once again, Cebu's 7th District claims the lion's share, receiving P11.63 billion. This is notably higher than the P8.41 billion allocated to Cebu's 1st District and significantly more than the allocations for other districts, which range from P2.39 billion to P3.31 billion.
The specific allocations for Cebu under the 2025 General Appropriations Act are as follows:
- 3rd District: P3.31 billion
- 2nd District: P2.97 billion
- 5th District: P2.93 billion
- 4th District: P2.82 billion
- 6th District: P2.39 billion
- Mandaue City: P3.14 billion
- Lapu-Lapu City: P2.50 billion
Clarifications on Fund Management
Representative Leviste provided crucial context for these figures. He clarified that these funds are designated for DPWH projects and are not given directly to individual lawmakers, even though the names of district representatives appear on the budget summaries. He further explained that a large portion of the DPWH budget is already "allocable" and can be recommended by representatives each year.
It was also noted that the amounts specified for the year 2026 are still subject to change pending the final approval of the General Appropriations Act. This means the current figures provide a snapshot of planned spending, which may be adjusted as the budget process concludes.
The substantial allocation to Cebu's 7th District underscores a major push for infrastructure development in that area, with potential long-term impacts on transportation, economic growth, and public services for its constituents.
