Government spending for social services peaked in 2017 as compared with the past 32 years, according to data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

In 2017, social services spending as a share of the national budget reached its peak at 40.3% while 2018 was slightly lower at 37.8%. As a percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), social services expenditures also peaked at 8.5% in 2017 with 2018 registering 8.2%.

As a share of the national budget, social services spending ranged from a low of 23% (Corazon Aquino) to the high of 37.9% (Benigno Aquino III) in previous administrations.

As a percent of GDP, spending on social services ranged from a low of 3.6% (Corazon Aquino) to a high of 6.7% (Benigno Aquino III) in previous administrations.

“Besides infrastructure development, the other objective of the Duterte administration is to invest in human capital development,” DBM secretary Diokno said “We have a young and growing population, whose median age is 24 years old. This is an asset in an aging world provided we are able to mold them into well-equipped and agile members of the labor force,” he added.

Social Services expenditures include programs involving basic and tertiary education; healthcare, insurance coverage, and immunization; and social protection.

“We believe that the government has a role in ensuring that its young people are educated, healthy, and competent with the necessary skills to be productive members of the Philippine economy and society. Judging by these numbers, the Duterte administration has delivered.” Diokno further added.

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