LAOAG CITY – Ilocos Norte’s agricultural sector, along with health services and infrastructure development, continues to top Ilocos Norte’s priority agenda as far as the budget is concerned.

This came as the 13th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) unanimously approved the P2.9 billion budget of the provincial government for 2026 on Monday afternoon.

“The priorities have not changed. There were just some fine-tuning in the proposed budget to save on cost and make more room for investment,” Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc said in a media interview on Tuesday.

For 2026, the Provincial Treasury Office projected a total estimated revenue of P2.98 billion, up by 9 percent from this year’s P2.70 billion.

With the implementation of the revised provincial revenue code, the Provincial Local Finance Committee expects to collect about P94.6 million, or an increase of 4 percent, compared to this year’s P90.4 million.

There is also a projected increase in real property tax amounting to P7.5 million due to the growing number of renewable energy developers.

A 25 percent increase in non-tax revenue amounting to P41.4 million is also expected next year, attributed to increased regulatory fees from business establishments, as well as rentals of provincial government-owned properties.

Through more strategic collaborations and investments, Ilocos Norte’s provincial government is eyeing to reinforce key sectors that drive economic growth and sustainable innovation.

Among these is the continuing implementation of the Agri Ka Dito and Capitol Express programs to provide support services to farming and fishing communities and agribusiness owners to ensure food security, improve productivity, and foster innovation in crop production.

The 2026 budget also includes a P7.5 million allocation for a loan assistance program for micro, small, and medium enterprises.