Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed the release of PHP43.18 billion to fund a series of social protection programs aimed at assisting vulnerable Filipinos, as announced by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday. The allocated budget will support financial aid, food support, pensions, and livelihood initiatives to help mitigate the impact of ongoing economic challenges.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DBM will channel the funds through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure prompt and efficient delivery of services. Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo emphasized the President's directive for swift action, stating, "The President's directive is clear: no delay, no bottleneck. When it comes to aid for the people, it must be fast, direct and immediately felt."

A significant portion of the funding, PHP36.87 billion, is earmarked for the Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances program. An additional PHP3.45 billion will support the Supplementary Feeding Program for children in child development centers, while PHP2.05 billion is set aside for the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens.

The Sustainable Livelihood Program will receive PHP810 million to assist poor and marginalized households in developing income-generating activities. Secretary Toledo highlighted the importance of timely aid delivery, saying, "In times of crisis, the speed of delivering aid is the true measure of public service."

The DBM stated that this funding release aligns with National Budget Circular No. 599, which mandates approval from the Office of the President and the submission of performance targets for new or increased budget items under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.