DBM: Over P151B allotted under DSWD’s 2023 budget for social protection programs

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Tuesday the government has set aside more than P151 billion for the continuation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) major social protection service programs.

In a statement, the DBM said the amount is under the Republic Act 11936, known as the Fiscal Year 2023 General Appropriations Act (FY 2023 GAA).

Among the major social protection services of the DSWD are the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances (PSIFDC) and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The P151-billion allocation is broken down for the four social protection initiatives of the Social Welfare department.

In particular, the SLP — which provides livelihood support — will receive P6.46 billion under the 2023 budget.

Meanwhile, around P5.2 billion has been allotted to SFP, whose programs include regular feeding and milk distribution.

Some P36.82 billion will go to PSIFDC, a program that looks after the condition of Filipinos in difficult circumstances, including crisis situations.

The 4Ps, the government’s direct cash assistance to poor households, will have the biggest share of funds at P102.61 billion.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the government is committed to efforts in addressing the immediate challenges that confront Filipinos, especially the most vulnerable sectors.

“The mandate of President Bongbong Marcos is clear— for the government to ensure that no Filipino will be left behind. Alam din po namin na ang mga social assistance programs na kagaya nito ay nagsisilbing sandalan ng mga kababayan nating lubos na nangangailangan. (We also know that social assistance programs like these provide strong support for our countrymen in need.) And for these, the DBM will exert its utmost to make sure that these programs are funded,” said Pangandaman. —KG, GMA Integrated News