MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs has asked the Senate to consider an additional Php 512.5 million for cybersecurity, building improvements, employee health insurance and Asia-Pacific operations that were not included in its proposed 2027 budget.
During a Senate budget hearing Friday, DFA Policy Planning and Coordination Assistant Secretary Robespierre Bolivar said the agency is seeking Php 300 million for its building, Php 200 million to strengthen cybersecurity, Php 6.5 million for health insurance coverage of Foreign Service Institute personnel and Php 6 million in additional operating funds for the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs.
Bolivar said most of the items were included in the DFA’s original budget proposal but were not carried into the 2027 National Expenditure Program by the Department of Budget and Management.
The DFA plans to strengthen its Information and Communications Technology Office as more consular services shift online. The department also intends to expand cybersecurity training and promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence among personnel.
The agency launched its fully digital apostille service in March, while 77 foreign service posts are now issuing electronic visas. It is also preparing for the next-generation Philippine passport, tentatively targeted for rollout in June 2028.
The DFA’s overseas network is also expanding, with 105 Philippine embassies, missions and consulates general expected to be operating by 2027. A new consulate general in Miami, Florida is among the posts scheduled to open next year.
The Php 6.5-million request would provide health insurance for more than 100 Foreign Service Institute personnel, while the Php 6-million augmentation would support the office handling Philippine diplomatic relations across the Asia-Pacific.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the DFA’s proposed 2027 budget of about Php 35.17 billion is intended to support its growing responsibilities in national security, economic diplomacy, consular services and assistance to Filipinos overseas.