 |
| (Image Source: Batangas Provincial Public Information Office) |
The Provincial Government of Batangas continues to strengthen the delivery of quality public services through extensive investments in health, education, environmental conservation, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, technology, and social services. These programs reflect the provincial government's goal of providing faster, more efficient, and more inclusive services for every Batangueño.
Enhanced Health Services In The Province
Over the past year, the Province of Batangas has promptly established two dialysis centers as part of an initiative to deploy a total of 100 dialysis machines across the province's various districts. In less than a year, the Provincial Capitol also immediately commenced the construction of two district hospitals. This is in addition to the ongoing rehabilitation of all district hospitals in Batangas. Based on the latest data, the total number of services provided by Batangas' provincial and district hospitals reached 411,741 — an increase over the 378,825 services recorded between July 2024 and June 2025. This represents an additional 32,900 services delivered within just one year.
Expanded Support For Education And Scholars
Under the province's expanded education program, approximately ₱400M (400 million pesos) has been allocated to support the aspirations of over 76,000 scholars — a significant increase from the 42,678 scholars supported during the previous administration. This initiative has been further strengthened through the Merit-Based Educational Grants Program with over 3,062 scholars receiving grants of ₱25,000 and ₱15,000 for School Year 2025–2026 compared to just 451 in School Year 2024–2025. To address the classroom shortage resulting from the province's growing student population, the construction of 25 new school buildings is underway alongside the renovation of 199 existing structures. A wide range of equipment has also been distributed to equip the education sector with modern technology. These include 1,208 laptops, 315 Smart TVs, 104 interactive projectors, 703 globe maps, 703 political maps, and 430 interactive and creative instructional materials.
Continued Environmental Stewardship
In 2009, during Santos-Recto’s maiden term as Governor, the Batangas Bantay Dagat Network was established as a measure to strengthen the protection of the province's marine resources. Since then, the Provincial Government has consistently supported the volunteers who safeguard Batangas' waters. Meanwhile, through a strengthened collaboration between the Provincial Government of Batangas, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and local government units, various social protection programs — such as Cash-For-Work and Cash-For-Training schemes — have been expanded. A total of ₱14.5M (14.5 million pesos) was awarded to over 1,300 partner-beneficiaries, alongside training in environmental protection, water conservation, and the enhancement of food security. Efforts to promote reforestation also continue, resulting in the restoration of 140.91 hectares of forest and mangrove areas.
Direct Support For Farmers And Fisherfolk
Upon assuming office, the current administration immediately faced challenges, particularly within the agricultural sector. Assistance amounting to over ₱9.8M (9.8 million pesos) was promptly extended to Batangueño fisherfolk affected by issues concerning Taal Lake. This was followed by three consecutive typhoons that severely impacted more than 25,000 fisherfolk who were provided with family food packs from the DSWD. Despite these challenges, the administration continued to implement programs and projects for agricultural workers, including allocations of over ₱11.9M (11.9 million pesos) for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, ₱5.9M (5.9 million pesos) for agricultural and fishery inputs, and ₱2.3M (2.3 million pesos) for the Farm Mechanization and Modernization Program. It is expected that this assistance will boost the production of local goods, thereby ensuring a reliable food supply.
Strengthened Infrastructure Projects
Infrastructure projects implemented under the H.E.A.R.T.S. Program over the past year amount to ₱3.095B (3.095 billion pesos). This includes ₱1.114B (1.114 billion pesos) for the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, ₱624.233M (624.233 million pesos) for 23 school buildings comprising 144 classrooms, ₱388.38M (388.38 million pesos) for government buildings, ₱50.5M (50.5 million pesos) for barangay roads, ₱24.882M (24.882 million pesos) for street lighting, ₱17.096M (17.096 million pesos) for water systems, ₱156.630M (156.630 million pesos) for multi-purpose facilities, and other vital infrastructure throughout the province. Another infrastructure-related initiative involved ensuring the proper implementation of projects from previous years. It will be recalled that the track and field oval at the Batangas Provincial Sports Complex was temporarily closed due to issues discovered regarding its construction following its rehabilitation. It is expected to open to the public soon so that Batangueños may once again utilize the facility.
Revitalizing The Tourism Industry
Through the province's tourism initiatives, Batangas has maintained its status as the top overnight tourist destination in the CALABARZON region. The "Batangas: All Here. So Near." campaign contributed significantly to the economic revival of many Batangueños as did the launch of a new summer campaign video highlighting that the heart of tourism lies in the industry's workforce. The rise in tourist arrivals and tourism establishments also created opportunities for exploitation within the sector. Thanks to the Provincial Government's swift action, millions of pesos were saved from being lost to widespread online booking scams, thereby protecting both resort owners and tourists visiting Batangas. After a nine-year hiatus, the Ala Eh! Festival made a spirited comeback in December 2025 to mark the 444th anniversary of the Province of Batangas. Known as the "Mother Of All Festivals" in Batangas, the celebration ushered in a new era of stronger unity among the province's 29 towns and 5 cities while showcasing its rich art, culture, and history. Furthermore, the promotion of local products was intensified, providing hundreds of small businesses from across the province with opportunities to generate additional income.
Enhanced Internet Connectivity For Remote Schools
As the modern era continues to evolve, strengthening internet connectivity has become a key initiative of the Provincial Government of Batangas. In partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), internet access has been provided to 95 public elementary schools located in the province's most remote and isolated areas including upland schools in the Municipality of Lobo and schools on the island municipality of Tingloy.
Strengthened Social Welfare And Economic Development Services
At the start of 2026, a 15.3% increase was recorded in the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, with funding rising to ₱145.92M (145.92 million pesos) from ₱126.55M (126.55 million pesos) in 2025. From July 2025 to June 2026, a total of ₱9.4M (9.4 million pesos) was allocated for medical and hospital assistance through the Batangas Medical Center — a milestone reached 69% faster compared to the previous year. Honoraria for volunteers and sectoral leaders also saw a 21.5% increase, rising from ₱13.6M (13.6 million pesos) in 2025 to ₱16.6M (16.6 million pesos). Meanwhile, Batangas is recognized for having the highest number of cooperatives awarded a Certificate of Compliance in the entire CALABARZON region. The province also boasts three "billionaire cooperatives" — cooperatives with assets exceeding one billion pesos — the highest number in Region IV-A. From July 2025 to June 2026, Cooperative Loan Assistance reached ₱17.5M (17.5 million pesos) while ₱2.05M (2.05 million pesos) was granted as Individual Livelihood Assistance. Regarding Barangay Community Development Projects, a total of ₱18.7M (18.7 million pesos) in funds was allocated for financial and material assistance from October 8, 2025 to June 11, 2026. Through these initiatives, barangays are better empowered to implement projects that address the actual needs of their communities, improve service delivery, and create safer, more resilient, and more prosperous localities. This is in addition to the Capitol's continued support in the areas of public employment, youth empowerment, and sports development.
Towards The Continuous Growth And Development Of Batangas
Driven by the mandate and trust renewed by the people of Batangas in Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, the provincial government remains committed to delivering essential services, programs, and projects directly to the citizenry. Through the "Capitol On Wheels" program, the province has successfully brought Capitol services — along with those of partner government agencies — closer to the people, ensuring faster delivery and immediate, tangible impact. To date, various services have been extended to the municipalities of San Juan, Mabini, Malvar, and Tingloy (an island municipality), as well as the City of Calaca. Meanwhile, the launch of the "Matatag Na Batangas Award For Visionary Leadership Towards Sustainable And Resilient (MBA-VSR) Local Government Units (LGUs)" aims to foster unity and collaboration between the provincial government and local government units. This initiative is modeled after the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) "Seal of Good Local Governance". It serves as a foundation for strengthening governance capacity across the province, reinforcing "frameworks of good governance through collaboration" and inspiring the delivery of effective public services. Out of a total of 34 municipalities and cities, the MBA-VSR team has already visited 21 localities to assess and validate best practices and other public service standards.
The continuing commitment to bring aid and support directly to the people — along with the proper use of public funds — remains a solemn pledge of the Capitol, and it will steadfastly fulfill its duty to ensure a stable, comfortable, and secure life for every Batangueño family.
