The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday launched the 2026 national budget preparation process with the National Budget Call Forum at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

The forum marks the official start of the preparation phase for the National Expenditure Program, which outlines the President’s proposed budget for next year.

“I hope you will, on your own departments and agencies, find time to sit down with your technical staff and make sure po na once you propose [your budgets], especially those in tier 2, make sure it has corresponding submissions and requirements,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in her opening remarks.

The forum provides agencies with guidelines, schedules, and technical instructions for preparing their budget proposals, ensuring all necessary documentation is submitted on time.

Pangandaman also highlighted the adoption of the Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB) approach for the 2026 budget, aiming to streamline resource allocation across departments.

The PCB encourages a more integrated approach, ensuring that government resources are directed toward key programs and projects with clear, 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,” she added.

National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan stressed the importance of the PCB in eliminating inefficiencies in government spending.

“About 5,000 programs, activities, and projects are registered each year in the NEDA Public Investment Program. The PCB approach seeks to mitigate overlaps, duplication, or gaps, ensuring better alignment with the Philippine Development Plan objectives,” Balisacan said.

Last week, the DBM hosted a separate forum on the implementation of the 2025 national budget, attended by Cabinet members and government officials.

The session is meant to clarify budget processes and increase transparency in government spending. (PNA)