By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Consistent with the government’s efforts to uplift Filipinos’ lives even in the face of calamities, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release P1.307 trillion from the fourth quarter budget to boost the economy and aid in accelerating the recovery and rehabilitation of areas affected by natural disasters.
Echoing Marcos’ directive, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman noted that a significant chunk of the budget will be allocated to social services, ensuring that all Filipinos will benefit from the responsible spending of government funds.
Pangandaman said in a statement, “Palagi po nating prayoridad ang social services sector na malaking tulong sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na para tugunan ‘yong pangunahing pangangailangan nila tulad ng pagkain, healthcare, pati edukasyon.
“That’s why I urge all departments and agencies—gamitin natin ang budget, gastusin nang tama at siguruhing makakarating sa ating mga kababayan.”
Among the priorities is the P2.74 billion allocated to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, inclusive of the Quick Response Fund replenishment and Emergency Cash Transfers in preparation for storms that may arrive before the year ends.
Other agencies that have received funds for their respective programs are as follows:
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps): P9.52 billion
- Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS): P7.03 billion
- Social pension benefits for impoverished senior citizens: P5.77 billion
- Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP): P4.83 billion
- Department of Agriculture (D.A.)
- National Rice Program (P7.33 billion)
- National Livestock Program (P2.47 billion)
- National Food Authority (NFA)
- Buffer stocking program and targeted rice distribution program (P2.29 billion)
- Department of Education (DepEd)
- Personnel Services (benefits and year-end bonuses): P153.71 billion
- Government assistance and subsidies (scholarships and learning programs): P32.79 billion
- Operation of schools: P23.62 billion
- Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
- Free Higher Education and Tertiary Education Subsidy in state universities and colleges (P31.78 billion)
- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
- Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program, Government Internship Program (GIP) and DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP): P4.89 billion
- Department of Health (DOH)
- Operation of regional hospitals (P9.96 billion)
- Operation of Metro Manila hospitals (P4.3 billion)
- Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially-Incapacitated Patients (P787.95 million)
- Cancer Assistance Fund (P179 million)
- Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
- OFW Hospital, Aksyon Fund, and National Reintegration Center for OFWs: P528.09 million
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
- Emergency Repatriation Program: P321 million
(with report from Denisse Osorio | PTV News)
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