At a press conference Tuesday, Gov. David Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola announced Tuesday that the FY 2026 revenue forecast had increased slightly to $158 million, up from a previous revision of $156.7 million. Finance Secretary Tracy Norita attributed the change to income taxes collected from construction workers.
Despite the modest increase, Apatang said austerity work hours for government employees would remain in effect, though holidays would now be paid. He emphasized that no agency would be exempt from cost-cutting measures, stating, “Everybody wants an exception… Everything is critical now.”
“We are looking at reducing whatever expenses that we need to—unnecessary expenses. Gas consumption, travel, everything that is not necessary, so we have to cut down,” Apatang added.
