Gov’t releases P1.3T to drive Q4 recovery

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release P1.307 trillion in programmed funds to help drive economic growth in the final quarter of 2025.

“Our programmed spending for the fourth quarter will boost yearend economic growth and positively impact our overall performance for the year,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

Pangandaman said a big portion of the funds will go to social services, reflecting the administration’s commitment to support the basic needs of Filipinos.

“Our priority is always the social services sector — it helps our countrymen meet their essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education,” she said. “That’s why I urge all departments and agencies to use the budget wisely and make sure it truly reaches our people.”

Where the funds will go

A total of P2.74 billion will go to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF), covering the replenishment of Quick Response Funds and Emergency Cash Transfers for areas hit by calamities.

For the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), more than P27 billion has been allocated for programs aimed at reducing poverty. Under the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), P9.52 billion will go to provide financial aid to qualified households.

Another P7.03 billion will fund the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, while P5.77 billion will go to social pensions for marginalized senior citizens. The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) will receive P4.83 billion to assist vulnerable workers and low-income earners.

Agriculture gets P12 billion

To ensure a stable food supply, the DBM has allocated P7.33 billion to the National Rice Program, P2.47 billion to the National Livestock Program, and P2.29 billion to the National Food Authority’s buffer stocking and rice distribution programs.

Education, labor get support

The Department of Education (DepEd) has set aside P203.82 billion, including P153.71 billion for teachers and staff benefits and bonuses, P23.62 billion for school operations, and P32.79 billion for scholarships and learning support.

State universities and colleges will also receive funding to continue the Free Higher Education and Tertiary Education Subsidy programs under Republic Act 10931.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has been allotted P4.89 billion to support TUPAD, government internship, and livelihood programs for displaced and disadvantaged workers.

Healthcare, OFWs also prioritized

Hospitals in Metro Manila are getting P4.3 billion, while those in the provinces will receive P9.96 billion for their operations. An additional P787.95 million is set aside for medical assistance to indigent patients, and P179 million will go to the Cancer Assistance Fund.

For overseas Filipino workers, the Department of Migrant Workers will get P528.09 million to support the OFW Hospital, the Aksyon Fund, and Reintegration Center. Of that, P321 million will fund the Emergency Repatriation Program under the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.