Gov’t earmarks P253-B in 2025 budget as ‘ayuda’ for vulnerable sectors

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced Thursday that P253.378 billion has been allocated in the 2025 budget for cash assistance, or “ayuda,” for the vulnerable sectors of society.

According to the DBM, this budget allocation aligns with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, which emphasizes economic and social reforms, particularly reducing vulnerabilities and protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos. 

The amount surpasses the ayuda allocations from 2021 to 2023, which were P200.9 billion, P276.8 billion, and P251.3 billion, respectively.

For 2024, the total appropriations for cash assistance programs reached P318.5 billion. These programs include the Department of Agriculture’s Rice Farmers Assistance Program and Fuel Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk; the Department of Health’s Cancer Assistance Fund and Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients; and the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers Program. 

Also covered are the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita Program, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, and the granting of additional benefits to Filipino centenarians.

The fuel subsidy for the transport sector under the Department of Transportation is likewise part of the allocation.

The DBM also highlighted that the budget will ensure the continuous implementation of these programs, including the Philippine Food Stamp program, a key initiative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration.

Education continues to be the government’s top priority in the proposed P6.352 trillion national budget for 2025, comprising 15.4 percent of the National Expenditure Program (NEP), or P977.6 billion. This is an increase from the P968.9 billion allocated for education in this year’s budget.

The budget will fund the Department of Education’s MATATAG Agenda for Basic Education, as well as other key programs, such as the school-based feeding program. 

The government is also committed to improving access to quality education through initiatives like the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education and the Education Assistance and Subsidies program.