DBM releases P43.18B to DSWD for cash aid, food support of vulnerable Filipinos

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday said it has released P43.180 billion to finance the delivery of financial assistance, food support, pensions, and livelihood programs for vulnerable Filipinos amid the economic impact of the global oil crisis.

In a statement, the DBM said the fund, released to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is intended to sustain critical social protection interventions and fast-track the release of aid to families most affected by ongoing economic pressures.

The Budget Department said the bulk of the released funds will go to the Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances, with an allocation of P36.867 billion.

The Supplementary Feeding Program, which provides food to children enrolled in Child Development Centers and Supervised Neighborhood Plays, will receive P3.450 billion.

Moreover, the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, which provides a monthly stipend to the elderly nationwide, will get P2.053 billion.

Lastly, the Sustainable Livelihood Program will receive P810 million to support poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households in building sustainable sources of income.

The DBM said the release of funds complies with the requirements under National Budget Circular No. 599, which provides that new budgetary items and those with increased appropriations in the Fiscal Year 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) are subject to the submission of a Special Budget Request, approval from the Office of the President, and revised performance targets pursuant to the President’s Veto Message. —VAL, GMA News