DBM directs regional councils to prioritize projects for 2028 budget cycle

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has instructed regional development councils (RDCs) to start a systematic review and prioritization of projects as part of preparations for the 2028 national budget. Together with the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), DBM released joint circulars that require agencies to set priorities by October 13 and to conduct regional stakeholder consultations by October 30.

Regional budget proposals must be drafted by November 13, after which RDCs will evaluate and endorse them, finishing their review by December 11. Endorsed proposals are to be sent to agency central offices by December 18 for consolidation. The process emphasizes factors such as implementation readiness, past appropriations, service gaps, and alignment with sectoral master plans, especially for infrastructure like flood control, airports, and ports. Final budget ceilings will be determined later, after agencies complete their internal consolidation before the national budget call deadline.