President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced that the PHP255.5 billion originally intended for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects in 2026 will be transferred to other agencies to fund priority programs.
Marcos said the reallocated DPWH funds would be used to ensure the full and effective implementation of programs that truly benefit the Filipino people.
Marcos, speaking at an event on Friday morning, said nearly PHP36 billion will be allocated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Program, Sustainable Livelihood Program, and Assistance for Individuals in Crisis.
In a news release, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said around PHP26.55 billion will be redirected to the Department of Education (DepEd).
The reallocated funds will support the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, school-based feeding programs, education of indigenous peoples, Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning program and salary of non-DepEd tutors, flexible learning options, Madrasah Education, and Special Needs Education Program.
Marcos also ordered the transfer of PHP9.3 billion to the Commission on Higher Education, PHP1 billion to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and PHP450 million to the Philippine Science High School System.
The PCO said the Department of Agriculture will receive PHP39.37 billion to fund various initiatives, including post-harvest facilities, assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, crop insurance, deepwater porters, and fish port construction.
The Department of Agrarian Reform will get PHP600 million for the Beneficiaries’ Development and Sustainability Program and Land Tenure Security Program.
Around PHP29.28 billion will be given to the Department of Health for the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program, support for legacy hospitals, and treatment for children with cancer at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.
Marcos likewise ordered the realignment of PHP60 billion to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to fund the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services Centers, and Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment.
The PCO said the Department of Transportation will get PHP1 billion for the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit.
Some PHP18 billion will be allocated to the Department of Labor and Employment for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program and the Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program. (PNA)