Marking a significant step in the legislative process for the next fiscal year, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), led by Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman turned over the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP) or proposed national budget for the upcoming year to Congress in a ceremonial event held at the Romualdez Hall of the House of Representatives, today, 29 July 2024.

 

"On behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it is my honor and privilege to transmit to Congress—for its perusal, deliberation, and approval—the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP)," Secretary Mina said in her message during the turn-over ceremony.

 

The proposed national budget for FY 2025, themed “Agenda for Prosperity: Fulfilling the Needs and Aspirations of the Filipino People,” amounts to P6.352 trillion. The proposed budget makes up 22 percent of the country's GDP, which is a 10.1% increase from the P5.768 trillion budget for this year.

 

“Let us sustain the momentum and stay on track with our Agenda for Prosperity. Through this budget, we can achieve our target of a single-digit poverty level and an upper-middle-income economy. Together, let us fulfill the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people to achieve a Bagong Pilipinas for our citizens and the future generations” Sec. Mina expressed.

 

For his part, House Speaker Martin Romualdez assured that Congress would diligently oversee the spending of these funds so that every peso would be returned to the public through beneficial programs and projects.

 

"As we receive this budget document today, we recognize the collective responsibility bestowed upon us as legislators to scrutinize, deliberate, and ensure that every peso is judiciously allocated and spent. Patuloy naming babantayan dito sa Kongreso ang paggastos ng mga pondong ito. Titiyakin namin na bawat pisong buwis ay maibabalik din sa mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng mga programa at proyekto," House Speaker Romualdez assured

 

Bilang inyong Speaker, ipinapangako ko ang patuloy na pagsusumikap upang matiyak na ang bawat sentimo ng badyet na ito ay mapupunta sa mga proyektong tunay na may pakinabang sa bawat Pilipino," he added.

 

The proposed budget aims to support the PBBM Administration’s goal of economic and social transformation, building on the progress of the previous two years to foster a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Philippines. It is likewise anchored on the three pillars of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.

 

Pillar 1 aims to "Develop and Protect the Capabilities of Individuals and Families", including initiatives to promote human and social development, reduce vulnerabilities and protect purchasing power, and increase the income-earning ability of Filipinos.

 

Meanwhile, Pillar 2 aims to "Transform Production Sectors to Generate More Quality Jobs and Competitive Products." This involves modernizing agriculture and agri-business; revitalizing industry; reinvigorating services; and advancing research and development, technology, and innovation.

 

Finally, Pillar 3 seeks to "Create an Enabling Environment." This involves the practice of good governance and the improvement of bureaucratic efficiency. It also aims to ensure peace and security, enhance the administration of justice, expand and upgrade infrastructure, ensure macroeconomic stability, expand inclusive and innovative finance, accelerate climate action, and strengthen disaster resilience.

 

Secretary Pangandaman and House Speaker Romualdez were also joined by Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, Secretary General Reginald Velasco, House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Elizaldy Co, members of the 19th Congress, and other key government representatives.

 

DBM senior officials were also present, including Usec. Janet Abuel, Usec. Goddes Libiran, Usec. Rolando Toledo, Usec. Leo Larcia, Usec. Joselito Basilio, Usec Maria Francesca Del Rosario, Asec. Romy Balanquit, Asec. Rhea Dela Vega, Asec. Leonido Pulido III, Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office Executive Director Rowena Candice Ruiz, PS-DBM OIC-ED Atty. Genmaries S. Entredicho - Caong, and Budget and Management Bureau Directors.

 

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