MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Friday that ₱255.5 billion originally intended for the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) flood control projects for 2025 has been redirected to other government agencies to support priority programs.
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| Photo courtesy: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) |
Speaking in San Fernando City, La Union, the President explained that the transfer was prompted by findings of non-existent or substandard flood control projects.
“Kaya’t itinigil ko lahat ‘yan para matiyak natin na tama naman ang paggamit ng pera ninyo dahil pera ninyo ito,” Marcos said.
“Hindi pera ng gobyerno ito, pera ng taong-bayan ito. Kaya’t tinitiyak natin na tama ang gawa.”
According to Marcos, the reallocated funds will instead be channeled into initiatives that directly benefit Filipinos.
“Ilalagay natin sa lahat ng pagtutulong, lahat ng benefits para sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.
Breakdown of the Reallocated Budget
- ₱36 billion – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Assistance for Individuals in Crisis (AICS), Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program, and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
- ₱26.55 billion – Department of Education (DepEd): Classroom construction and rehabilitation, school-based feeding programs, education for indigenous peoples, Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, salaries of ARAL tutors, flexible learning options, Madrasah Education, and Special Needs Education Program.
- ₱39.37 billion – Department of Agriculture (DA): Post-harvest facilities, aid to farmers and fisherfolk, crop insurance, deep-water porters, and fishport construction.
- ₱29.28 billion – Department of Health (DOH): Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients, legacy hospitals, and cancer care programs at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.
- ₱60 billion – Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth): Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Centers, and Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment.
- ₱9.3 billion – Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
- ₱1 billion – Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
- ₱450 million – Philippine Science High School System.
- ₱1 billion – Department of Transportation (DOTr): Rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT).
- ₱18 billion – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE): Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program and Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program.
- ₱600 million – Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR): Beneficiaries’ Development and Sustainability Program and Land Tenure Security Program.
The President stressed that the decision was made to ensure that public funds are allocated to projects and services that produce genuine and lasting impact for the people.
— The Summit Express