In a bid to speed up assistance for millions of struggling households, the government has released over P43 billion to fund social protection programs aimed at easing the burden of rising living costs on vulnerable Filipinos.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the P43.18-billion allocation to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will support the continued rollout of financial aid, food assistance, and livelihood initiatives nationwide.
Acting DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo emphasized that the release reflects the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure faster and more efficient delivery of government services, particularly during periods of economic strain.
He stressed that the real value of the funding lies in how quickly it reaches beneficiaries, noting that delays in aid distribution can worsen the challenges faced by low-income families and senior citizens.
The bulk of the funds, which is about P36.867 billion, has been earmarked for protective services targeting individuals and families in crisis situations. Additional allocations include P3.450 billion for the Supplementary Feeding Program, P2.053 billion for social pensions of indigent senior citizens, and P810 million for the Sustainable Livelihood Program aimed at helping households build stable sources of income.
The DBM said the fund release complies with National Budget Circular No. 599, which requires agencies to submit special budget requests and secure approval from the Office of the President for new or expanded spending items under the 2026 national budget.
Officials said the move is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s social safety nets and ensure that government support reaches those who need it most, especially as economic pressures continue to affect basic goods and services.