The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released a total of P43.18 billion to fund social protection programs for vulnerable Filipinos, following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The announcement was made on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Funds for Assistance Programs
Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo stated that the funds will support financial aid, food assistance, pensions, and livelihood programs through the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The DBM emphasized that the release aims to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of assistance to families affected by economic pressures.
"The President's directive is clear: no delay, no bottleneck. When it comes to aid for the people, it must be fast, direct, and felt immediately," Toledo said in Tagalog.
Toledo added that the funding will address basic needs and strengthen social safety nets for poor and vulnerable sectors.
Breakdown of Program Funding
- Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances Program: P36.87 billion
- Supplementary Feeding Program: P3.45 billion for children enrolled in child development centers
- Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens: P2.05 billion
- Sustainable Livelihood Program: P810 million to help poor and marginalized households generate income
The DBM confirmed that the release complies with National Budget Circular 599, which requires a Special Budget Request, approval from the Office of the President, and revised performance targets for new budgetary items and those with increased appropriations under the 2026 General Appropriations Act. The official DBM release validates the total of P43.180 billion and the program allocations.
