HOUSE lawmakers defended the proposed ₱43‑billion allocation for multipurpose buildings in the 2027 national budget on Monday, noting that the 4,000 facilities planned represent just 10 percent of the country’s more than 42,000 barangays.
Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Garcia, senior vice chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, emphasized the shortfall, stating: “We have around 4,000 buildings against 42,000 barangays — that is a mere 10 percent of the need nationwide.” He explained that these structures serve as evacuation centers, covered courts, meeting halls, and in farming communities, drying areas for palay, making them essential across both urban and rural areas.
Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Janice Degamo highlighted the stark gap in far‑flung communities, where schools are often the only public spaces available. “Sometimes one structure is used for everything because there is nothing else,” she said. Camarines Sur 4th District Rep. Arnie Fuentebella echoed the sentiment, describing the 4,000 facilities as clearly insufficient. “That is only 10 percent of all barangays in the Philippines,” he noted, adding that the projects were requested by local officials and communities that lack the means to build on their own.
The lawmakers’ statements come amid scrutiny over the substantial funding increase for the program. The budget proposal has passed the House and is now under Senate review, where it will be examined before bicameral conference deliberations. The representatives maintained that the allocation responds to genuine, widespread demand rather than excess, though the Senate is expected to assess the funding level and project distribution before the measure is finalized.
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