In a groundbreaking move toward government transparency, the Cebu Provincial Board is taking a significant digital leap by planning to live stream the entire 2026 budget deliberation process. This innovative approach marks a new era of public engagement in fiscal governance.
Digital Democracy in Action
During their recent regular session, Board Member John Paul "John-John" Dolino III announced the ambitious plan to broadcast budget discussions live to the public. The initiative aims to bring government proceedings directly into homes and mobile devices across Cebu province.
"This is about making governance accessible to every Cebuano," Dolino emphasized, highlighting the importance of public participation in understanding how taxpayer money will be allocated for the province's development projects and services.
Technical Preparations Underway
The Provincial Board is not leaving anything to chance. They've already initiated coordination with the Provincial Information Office to ensure the live streaming capability is fully operational before the 2026 budget discussions commence.
The technical setup will involve:
- Professional streaming equipment installation in the session hall
- Testing of audio-visual systems for optimal broadcast quality
- Coordination with internet service providers for stable connectivity
- Training of technical staff for seamless operation
A Legacy of Fiscal Responsibility
This transparency initiative builds upon previous efforts to make budget information accessible. Last year, the Provincial Board took the progressive step of posting the annual budget on their official website, allowing citizens to download and examine the financial blueprint that guides Cebu's development.
The live streaming plan represents the natural evolution of this transparency commitment, moving from static documents to dynamic, real-time access to government decision-making.
What This Means for Cebuanos
For the first time, ordinary citizens, students, journalists, and advocacy groups will be able to:
- Witness budget discussions as they happen
- Understand the rationale behind funding allocations
- Monitor how their representatives debate provincial priorities
- Engage with the process through informed discussions
This digital transparency initiative sets a new standard for local government units across the Philippines, demonstrating that technology can be a powerful tool for strengthening democracy and public trust in government institutions.
The Cebu Provincial Board's commitment to open governance through live streaming positions the province as a leader in digital democracy, ensuring that the people's money is discussed in full view of the people it serves.
