The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has earmarked over P200 billion in the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget next year for various social assistance and cash aid programs to help the poor and vulnerable sectors in the country.
“Under NEP (National Expenditure Program) 2025, a total of P253.3 billion is allocated for ‘ayuda,’” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said at a press conference in Malacañang on Thursday.
The Budget chief said bulk or P114.1 billion of the budget allocation for aid programs will be set aside for the flagship Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The proposed 4Ps budget for 2025 is 7.4% higher than the P106.3-billion allocated in this year’s national budget.
The DSWD will also receive another P49.8 billion for its Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program, under which indigent senior citizens receive a monthly allowance of P1,000.
Another P35.1 billion will be directed to Social Welfare Department for its Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances program.
The Sustainable Livelihood Program, also under the DSWD, will get P4.4 billion budget for next year. The program intends to support those who “graduated” from the 4Ps sustain their livelihoods.
The DSWD’s Food Stamp Program —a cash aid program aimed at supporting the nutritional needs of the poorest of the poor households through the use of electronic cash cards for their purchases— will receive a budget of P1.9 billion in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) will get a budget of P26 billion for its Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financial Incapacitated Patients program.
The Health Department will also get an allocation of P1.250 billion under next year’s expenditure program for its Cancer Assistance Fund.
The Department of Labor of Employment’s (DOLE) TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged Workers Program will, likewise, get P14.1 billion for next year.
Pangandaman said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will continue its fuel subsidy for the public transport next year with a budget of P2.5 billion.
The fuel subsidy program was aimed to ease the burden of public transport operators and drivers during times when petroleum prices rise exponentially.
Similarly, the Department of Agriculture’s fuel assistance program for farmers and fisherfolk will get a total budget allocation of P100 million —P50 million for farmers and another P50 million for fisherfolk. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
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