Submitted 2026 Budget Proposal by DBM for PHP 6.793 Trillion to the House of Representatives
The Philippines has presented a proposed budget of P6.793 trillion for Fiscal Year 2026, marking a 7.4% increase from the P6.326 trillion budget set for Fiscal Year 2025. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman handed over the National Expenditure Program to House Speaker Martin Romualdez on August 13, 2025.
Prioritizing Education, Infrastructure, Health, and Agriculture
The largest budget allocations in the proposed NEP are primarily focused on education, public works and infrastructure, health, and agriculture.
- Education: The education sector receives the biggest single allocation of ₱928.5 billion, reflecting the priority on improving the country's educational system.
- Public works and infrastructure: The public works sector is allocated ₱881.3 billion, with an additional ₱1.556 trillion earmarked for the Build Better More infrastructure program. This significant investment is aimed at transportation and infrastructure development.
- Health sector: The health sector is allocated ₱320.5 billion, with funds dedicated to improving access and quality of healthcare services, particularly for DOH hospitals, BUCAS Centers, and regional healthcare facilities.
- Agriculture: The agriculture sector receives a total allocation of ₱239.2 billion. Notable investments include a tripled Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, increased funding for the National Rice Program, and the establishment of a National Agricultural Food Hub.
Other Significant Allocations
- Digital transformation: The government has allocated ₱87.33 billion to accelerate the modernization of government digital services.
- Flood control projects: P274.926 billion has been set aside for flood control projects, with P272.333 billion under the Department of Public Works and Highways and P2.593 billion under the Metro Manila Development Authority.
- Social welfare programs: The Social Welfare Department's budget for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is P112.997 billion. No budget was allotted for the controversial Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
Budget Reforms in the House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has announced at least five significant reforms during the scrutiny and enactment of the proposed budget. These reforms include the removal of the small committee that collated institutional amendments and the opening of the Bicameral Conference to the public.
Budget Allocations for Key Agencies
The top 10 government agencies with the largest budget allocations are:
- Department of Education
- Department of Public Works and Highways
- Department of Health
- Department of National Defense
- Department of the Interior and Local Government
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Social Welfare and Development
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Justice
- Department of Labor and Employment
Budget for Key Institutions
- The Commission on Audit will receive P10 million from the CIF, while the Office of the Ombudsman will receive P51 million.
- The defense department receives P1.848 billion from the CIF.
- The Office of the President receives the biggest chunk of the CIF, amounting to P4.5 billion.
Budget as a Percentage of GDP
The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is equivalent to 22% of the gross domestic product.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez assured that every peso in the proposed budget has a clear purpose and delivers tangible benefits to the Filipino people. The House of Representatives will implement these reforms during the scrutiny and enactment of the proposed budget.
