Photo credt: DBM

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is keeping social services at the heart of the proposed P6.352 trillion national budget for fiscal year 2025. DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman highlighted that education remains a top priority, receiving a whopping P977.6 billion—equivalent to 15.4 percent of the National Expenditure Program (NEP).

Focusing on Education and Human Capital

Education continues to be front and center of the national budget as mandated by the Constitution. This sector, which includes the Department of Education (DepEd), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), has a total allocation of P977.6 billion—higher than its 2024 budget of P968.9 billion.

“Education will always be our priority. This increase will support key programs such as the DepEd’s MATATAG Agenda for Basic Education, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education, and the School-Based Feeding Program,” Pangandaman said.

More Ayuda for Vulnerable Sectors

Apart from education, the budget also sets aside P253.378 billion for various cash assistance programs (or “ayuda”) to support vulnerable sectors. This is in line with the government’s goals under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, aiming to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure economic stability for all Filipinos. Programs like Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, and the Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP) will receive continued support under this budget.

Although slightly lower than previous years' allocations, Pangandaman reassured that the ayuda will continue to address the needs of marginalized communities, providing them with financial assistance and helping safeguard their purchasing power.