Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has urged the Senate to consider an additional PHP512.5 million in funding for cybersecurity, infrastructure, employee health insurance, and Asia-Pacific operations that were omitted from its proposed 2027 budget.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a Senate hearing, DFA Policy Planning and Coordination Assistant Secretary Robespierre Bolivar outlined four critical areas on the agency's budget wishlist. These include PHP300 million for a new DFA building, PHP200 million to boost cybersecurity capabilities, PHP6.5 million for health insurance coverage for Foreign Service Institute personnel, and PHP6 million for additional maintenance and operating expenses for the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs.
Bolivar highlighted that most of these budgetary items were initially included in the DFA's budget proposal but were not incorporated by the Department of Budget and Management in the National Expenditure Program for the year. The DFA aims to bolster its Information and Communications Technology Office to enhance digital strategy and network protection, as more consular services transition online. The department also plans to train personnel in cybersecurity and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
The DFA has made significant strides in digital services, having launched its fully digital apostille service in March. Additionally, 77 foreign service posts now issue e-visas. Preparations are underway for the next-generation Philippine passport, which is tentatively set for rollout in June 2028.
On the physical expansion front, the department is set to operate 105 Philippine embassies, missions, and consulates general by 2027. Among the new posts will be a consulate general in Miami, Florida, USA, scheduled to open next year.
The PHP6.5-million request for health insurance aims to cover more than 100 Foreign Service Institute personnel, while the PHP6-million augmentation is intended to support the operating expenses of the office responsible for the country's diplomatic relations across the Asia-Pacific region.
Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro emphasized that the DFA's overall proposed budget of approximately PHP35.17 billion for 2027 is designed to sustain an expanding workload that encompasses national security, economic diplomacy, consular services, and the protection of Filipinos overseas.
