MANILA, Philippines — Social services and food security got a higher share in the House of Representatives version of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said on Tuesday.

Co, chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, said in a statement that P292.2 billion has been earmarked to “enhance social services, strengthen social safety nets, and ensure food security.”

These were part of the individual and institutional amendments tackled by the small committee tasked to finalize the P6.352 trillion GAB for 2025, which the House approved on the third and final reading last September 25.

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“The additional funding is crucial for supporting those in need. We’re providing assistance to struggling families, especially during these challenging times,” Co said.

“The new funding is on top of the P591.8 billion already set aside by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for cash assistance to impoverished families,” he added.

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According to Co, part of the earmarked funds in the 2025 GAB is the extra P39.8 billion set aside for Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), a program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) designed to provide immediate support to families struggling financially.

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Another DSWD program included is the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), where P39.8 billion for cash assistance was allocated to workers earning P21,000 and below per month

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Co said this is three times bigger than the 2024 allocation of P13 billion.  Meanwhile, the House also allocated P3.4 billion for the Sustainable Livelihood Program for low-income families.

“We believe that empowering individuals through livelihood programs will help break the cycle of poverty,” Co said.

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Appropriations senior vice chairperson and Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo meanwhile said that the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) and the Government Internship Program — both under the Department of Labor and Employment — will get an additional P20.28 billion.

Meanwhile, P30.01 billion has been set aside for scholarships for underprivileged students in tertiary education, which was divided in half for the Commission on Higher Education’s Tertiary Education Subsidy and the other half for the Tulong Dunong programs.

For the Department of Education, there would be an additional P7 billion budget for the construction of new school facilities and the repair of existing ones.

“We must have funds on standby to support those who have crossed the poverty threshold to prevent them from falling back into poverty due to economic challenges. This budget is not just about numbers; it’s about the lives we can uplift,” Quimbo said.  “Investing in education is investing in the future. Every child deserves the chance to learn and succeed.”

“This funding aims to address the pressing need for improved educational infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas,” Co added.

Defense, food security boost

Co also touted the small committee’s decision to realign P30 billion for the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Irrigation Network Piping System, solar-powered irrigation systems, and cold storage projects.

Aside from this, the appropriations chairperson said P44 billion has been added to the National Irrigation Administration’s budget to establish pump irrigation and solar-driven pump irrigation sites.

“Food security is a priority for our nation, and these investments will help ensure that our farmers can thrive,” he said.

Co said that House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez initiated the call for extra funding for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly for the subsistence allowances of military personnel.

Under the GAB, Co said AFP gets an additional P8.44 billion in funding, which, if approved, will increase to P250 or a 67 percent hike from previous levels.

An additional P3.2 billion would also be allocated to the AFP to ensure the completion of the Pag-asa Island airport expansion and a shelter port in Lawak, Palawan

READ: AFP assured: House to increase subsistence allowance to P350

“Our soldiers deserve the extra allowance. This is a small price to pay for their sacrifice and for defending our country from both internal and external threats,” Romualdez said.

“Investing in our military not only supports our soldiers but also strengthens our national security and sovereignty. This also underscores our commitment to protect our territorial integrity,” Co added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health will get an additional P56.87 billion, which primarily enhance its Health Facility Enhancement Program, Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program, and the improvement of specialty and legacy hospitals.

Also, P1 billion has been allocated to upgrade the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital.

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“Healthcare is a fundamental rightstrike33, and we must ensure that all Filipinos have access to quality medical services,” Co noted.

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