House Appropriations Committee chairperson, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co (File photo)
MANILA – A small committee tasked by the House of Representatives to introduce individual and institutional amendments to the proposed 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) has earmarked PHP292.23 billion to enhance social services, strengthen social safety nets, and ensure food security.
House Appropriations Committee chairperson, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, said the funding package within the PHP6.352 trillion 2025 national budget aims to address the pressing needs of vulnerable sectors, including financially challenged students, farmers, fisherfolk, soldiers, indigent families, and those who barely passed the poverty threshold.
"The additional funding is crucial for supporting those in need. We're providing assistance to struggling families, especially during these challenging times," Co said in a news release Tuesday.
The new funding is on top of the PHP591.8 billion already set aside by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for cash assistance to impoverished families.
Among the key enhancements in the 2025 GAB is the extra PHP39.8 billion for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) designed to offer immediate support to those facing financial hardships.
Due to the wide acceptance and public clamor for the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), the House allocated another PHP39.8 billion for cash assistance targeting those who earn PHP21,000 and below per month.
The amount is three times bigger than the actual 2024 allocation of PHP13 billion.
Co said AKAP is designed for the “near poor” or "lower middle class" segment of the population that includes minimum wage earners vulnerable to economic shocks – such as sudden death of the household head, sickness, loss of jobs, or runaway inflation – that can easily send them back to poverty.
The House also allocated PHP3.4 billion for the Sustainable Livelihood Program for low-income families.
"We believe that empowering individuals through livelihood programs will help break the cycle of poverty,” Co said.
Appropriations Committee senior vice chairperson, Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of proactive measures in the proposed budget.
She said the Department of Labor and Employment would receive an additional PHP20.28 billion for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and the Government Internship Program.
"We must have funds on standby to support those who have crossed the poverty threshold to prevent them from falling back into poverty due to economic challenges,” Quimbo said.
In support of education, the House panel allocated PHP30.01 billion more to provide scholarships for underprivileged students pursuing tertiary education.
This funding will be split evenly between the Commission on Higher Education’s Tertiary Education Subsidy and Tulong Dunong programs.
"Investing in education is investing in the future. Every child deserves the chance to learn and succeed,” Quimbo said.
Co said the Department of Education would benefit from an additional PHP7 billion for the construction of new school facilities and the repair of existing ones.
“This funding aims to address the pressing need for improved educational infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will gain PHP8.44 billion in additional funding to increase the subsistence allowances of military personnel.
Once approved, the daily subsistence of soldiers will increase to PHP250 or a 67 percent hike from previous levels.
The extra funding for enlisted men's daily subsistence was initiated by House Speaker Martin Romualdez in response to appeals by military personnel he regularly meets in the field.
The AFP will also get PHP3.2 billion more to complete the airport expansion on Pag-asa Island, along with a shelter port in Lawak, Palawan.
Co said these are in support of efforts to defend the West Philippine Sea against continuing Chinese intrusion.
"Investing in our military not only supports our soldiers but also strengthens our national security and sovereignty. This also underscores our commitment to protect our territorial integrity," Co added.
To enhance food security, the panel realigned PHP30 billion for the Department of Agriculture's Philippine Irrigation Network Piping System, solar-powered irrigation systems, and cold storage projects.
"Food security is a priority for our nation, and these investments will help ensure that our farmers can thrive," Co said.
Additionally, PHP44 billion has been added to the National Irrigation Administration's budget for establishing pump irrigation and solar-driven pump irrigation projects.
The Department of Health is set to receive an additional PHP56.87 billion, aimed at enhancing its Health Facility Enhancement Program, Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program, and improving specialty and legacy hospitals.
A PHP1 billion budget has been earmarked for upgrading the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital, a crucial facility in the country's health care system.
"Health care is a fundamental right, and we must ensure that all Filipinos have access to quality medical services,” Co said. (PNA)
