PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday approved the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP) supporting the key pillars of the administration’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
Based on President Marcos’ directives and policy guidance, the government will prioritize food security, social protection, healthcare, housing, disaster resilience, infrastructure, digital connectivity, and energization.
“You see a really good thing,” President Marcos said in a Cabinet meeting at the Malacañan Palace where Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman presented the proposed national budget for 2025.
The proposed national budget for fiscal year (FY) 2025 was pegged at PhP6.352 trillion.
“Since I’ve seen it before on the macro level, I think the priorities in terms of our proposed appropriations, upon addressing it, weighted our priorities properly in terms of appropriations,” he added.
Under the approved NEP, the agencies getting the lion’s share of government appropriations include education (DepEd, SUCs, CHED, TESDA), public works (DPWH), health (includes PhilHealth), interior and local government (DILG), and defense (DND).
Also among the government top priorities are social welfare, (DSWD), agriculture (DA) and attached corporations; Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); Department of Transportation (DOTr), the judiciary, and justice.
In terms of expense class, getting the largest chunk are maintenance and other operating expenses followed by personnel services, capital outlays, and financial expenses.
Among the factors considered by the government in evaluating the fiscal year 2025 budget proposals were availability of fiscal space, implementation and readiness of Program/Activity/Projects (PAPs), agency’s absorptive capacity, alignment with Budget Priorities Framework and PDP 2023-2028.
The Public Investment Program (PIP), Three-Year Infrastructure Program (TRIP), Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP), and Program Convergence were also key factors.
The Pillar 1 of the PDP 2023-2028 involves the development and protection of the capabilities of individuals and families.
It also involves the promotion of human and social development, reducing vulnerabilities and protecting people’s purchasing power, as well as increasing their income-earning ability.
Under the plan’s Pillar 2, the government aims to transform production of the nation’s sectors to generate more quality jobs and competitive products. This includes modernizing agriculture and agri-business, revitalizing the industry, and reinvigorating services.
Pillar 3, on the other hand, focuses on creating an enabling bureaucratic environment. It involves practicing good governance and improving bureaucratic efficiency, ensuring macroeconomic stability and expanding inclusive and innovative finance, ensuring peace and security, and enhancing administration of justice.
Expanding and upgrading infrastructure, accelerating climate action and strengthening disaster resilience also fall under Pillar 3.
