Throughout my decades in public service—as a mayor, expert resource, and advocate—I have seen firsthand how critical the national budget is to realizing the promises of governance. It is more than a set of numbers; it is the tangible expression of national priorities, institutional commitments, and the collective aspirations of the Filipino people.

Yet for many, the national budget remains an intimidating, technical domain—one reserved for experts and bureaucrats. That should not be the case. The power to understand, question, and shape the national budget belongs not only to finance technocrats, but most especially to legislators entrusted by the people.

This is why the Center for National Budget (CNB) was established: to help make the budget process understandable, accessible, and accountable. For more than 30 years, CNB has worked with national and local leaders, civil society, and sectoral advocates to advance what we call the National Budget System—a framework that integrates law, process, performance, and citizen empowerment.

I am proud to present this National Budget Primer as part of that continuing advocacy. This guide is grounded in both theory and experience. It offers a structured introduction to the budget cycle, its legal underpinnings, key documents, and policy instruments, all written with the needs of first-time lawmakers in mind.

I hope this primer helps you navigate your first budget season with confidence and clarity. More importantly, I hope it helps you see that budget work—however technical—is one of the most meaningful ways to serve your constituents and the country.

Let us work together to ensure that every peso in the national budget serves the people with transparency, equitability, and accountability.