THE government will continue carrying out interventions in next year’s budget to help temper the effects of inflation, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said on Thursday.
According to Pangandaman, a total of PhP253.3 billion has been allocated for cash assistance.
“Tuluy-tuloy din po. Magbibigay tayo sa National Expenditure Program 2025,” Pangandaman said in a press briefing in Malacañang.
Of this, PhP205.5 billion is allocated for the programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
These are the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) with PhP114.1 billion; Social Pension, PhP49.8 billion; Protective Services, PhP35.1 billion; Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), PhP4.4 billion; and the Walang Gutom: Food Stamp Program at PhP1.8 billion.
Pangandaman said there was an increase in budget allocation for social pension because of Republic Act No. 11982, or the Amendments to the Centenarian Act. The policy expands the Centenarian Law and grants benefits to octogenarians and nonagenarians.
She noted that families who graduated from the 4Ps are granted seed capital under the DSWD’s SLP.
“Iyong naka-graduate sa 4Ps, we continue to provide them cash assistance para makapagsimula po sila ng kanilang mga negosyo,” she said.
The Department of Health (DOH), particularly its Medical Assistance for Indigent Program (MAIP), also received funding of PhP26 billion to finance medical expenses incurred by indigent patients.
The DOH will also continue to roll out its Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) next year through a PhP1.25 billion allocation. The CAF aims to complement existing financial support mechanisms for cancer patients, persons living with cancer, and cancer survivors.
The Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) was allocated PhP14.1 billion.
For the transport sector, the Department of Transportation secured PhP2.5 billion for its fuel subsidy program.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) will also implement fuel assistance worth PhP100 million for farmers and fisherfolk.
