
A subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations has realigned P46 billion from the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) proposed budget for flood control projects in 2026 to two of the government’s social amelioration programs.
The move comes as part of a broader realignment of the DPWH’s proposed allocation for flood control projects in the proposed P6.7-trillion national budget for 2026.
The budget amendments review subcommittee approved the proposal put forth by House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan.
The approved realignment will allocate P32.6 billion to the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program and P14.82 billion to the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
This decision follows President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent announcement that there would be no new allocations for flood control projects in the coming year. The reallocation of funds reflects a shift in priorities towards social welfare programs, amidst ongoing economic challenges and the need to provide assistance to vulnerable populations.