The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released Php 43.18 billion to fund social protection programs for vulnerable Filipinos, following instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the allocation was meant to ensure the continued delivery of essential services, including cash assistance, food support, pensions, and livelihood programs.
She said the bulk of the funds, amounting to more than Php 36.8 billion, had been allocated for the Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances program, which assists those facing urgent needs.
More than Php 3.4 billion had also been set aside for the Supplementary Feeding Program, which provides meals to children enrolled in Child Development Centers and Supervised Neighborhood Play.
Castro added that Php 2 billion had been earmarked for the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, aimed at supporting elderly Filipinos without stable sources of income.
Meanwhile, the Sustainable Livelihood Program received Php 810 million to help beneficiaries establish income-generating activities.
The Palace official said the release of funds complied with Budget Circular No. 599, which governs new and increased allocations under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
She noted that agencies were required to submit special budget requests, obtain approval from the Office of the President, and align their performance targets with the administration’s directives before the funds could be disbursed.
