Marcos says national budget serves as PH moral, economic compass

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. emphasized Monday that the national budget serves as the country’s moral and economic compass.

“Our national budget serves as our moral and economic compass. It must always point toward making life better for our people,” Marcos said during the Philippine Development Forum 2025.

“Every project, every policy, every program, every peso must move the needle for Filipino families,” Marcos added.

He emphasized that his administration would not tolerate measurement without action, as well as the wastage of public funds.

“Walang perang sasayangin. Hindi tayo papayag na lustayin ang kaban ng bayan,” Marcos said.

(No public fund will be put to waste. We will not misspend public funds.)

The President called on the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development; the the Department of Budget and Management; the Department of Finance; and all concerned government agencies “to ensure that our highest priorities—especially education— receive the appropriate funding and support.”

Marcos said that in the past three years, the administration intensified efforts to strengthen our educational system through enhancing early childhood care and development, prioritizing foundational skills such as reading and literacy, and ensuring that every learner has a safe and conducive environment for growth.

“School-based feeding programs continue to safeguard students’ health, while programs to advance the welfare of teachers remain a top priority,” Marcos said.

Despite the significant milestones, Marcos said “we have -- ways to go yet” in the education sector.

For next year, the Department of Education is seeking a P928.52-billion budget as it aims to outline plans to ease classroom shortages, address child malnutrition, and expand digital access for teachers and learners. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News