The Philippine House Committee on Appropriations Chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co called for increased funds within the social service sector for the 2025 version of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
On Wednesday, October 16, the Ako Bicol Party-list Representative said that the additional funding is crucial to ensure no one is left behind. The 2025 budget was adjusted to make it more “pro-poor” and address the needs of the vulnerable sectors.
“The additional funding is crucial for supporting those in need. We’re providing assistance to struggling families, especially during these challenging times,” Co said.
The identified vulnerable sectors include; farmers, fisherfolk, soldiers, indigent families, and those who barely passed the poverty threshold.
The approved Php 6.352 trillion national budget for 2025 added Php 292.23 billion worth of funding for its social services sector, including food security. Co believes that empowering individuals through livelihood programs will help break the cycle of poverty.
Meanwhile, two programs under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will also be getting an additional Php 20.28 billion.
The education sector will also be provided with additional funding for the repair and construction of new and existing facilities within schools.
Additionally, Php 30 billion will also be realigned to the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) projects.
The departments included in the 2025 national budget realignment aim to prioritize the needs of specific communities, ensuring that they will be included in the process of helping individuals thrive.
