MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed the PHP 6.793 trillion national budget for Fiscal Year 2026, sustaining government momentum in education reform, healthcare, food security, social protection, and job creation.
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| Photo courtesy: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) |
During the signing ceremony at Malacañan Palace, President Marcos assured the public that the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) is aligned with the administration’s medium- and long-term development plans and is focused on improving the lives of Filipinos.
“With the signing of Republic Act No. 12314, or the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, we are committing to implement a budget that truly serves the people,” the President said.
He added that the 2026 National Budget will continue investments in education, health protection, food security, social security, and employment generation.
In line with the Constitution, the education sector received the highest budget priority, with allocations exceeding PHP 1.34 trillion. These funds will support the hiring of additional teaching and non-teaching personnel, promotions and reclassification of teachers, and the construction of classrooms nationwide.
The health sector was allocated PHP 448.125 billion to support the implementation of Universal Health Care, including PHP 1 billion for the Zero Balance Billing Program in local government hospitals covering inpatient services. Funding was also set aside for disease surveillance, rapid response mechanisms, and sustainable health financing.
PhilHealth received nearly PHP 130 billion, including a PHP 60 billion mandated refund. According to the President, these funds will strengthen preventive healthcare, improve benefit packages, and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for Filipino families.
“Kaisa ninyo ako sa pagnanais na masigurong ang bawat pisong buwis ay mapupunta sa tamang proyekto at sa tunay na pangangailangan ng ating taumbayan,” Marcos said.
The budget takes effect.
— The Summit Express