President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday announced that the ₱36 billion taken from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget will be redirected to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), to boost assistance programs for vulnerable Filipinos.
In his speech during the Kumustahan Kasama ang Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya program held at the Kalayaan Hall of Malacañan Palace on September 26, Marcos said the reallocation is aimed at strengthening the government’s flagship social protection initiatives.
“Nais pa natin dagdagan ang mga pamilyang may sapat na kakayahan na itaguyod ang kanilang buhay kaya’t patuloy natin pinapalakas ang 4Ps… Ang halos P36-B pondo galing sa DPWH na nakuha natin sa flood control projects, itong halagang ito ay ilalaan natin sa mga programa ng DSWD,” Marcos declared.
He explained that a large share of the funds will go to the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, which provides emergency financial aid for families in need.
“Kasama na rito ang tinatawag na assistance to individuals in crisis situations o AICS. Atsaka ‘yong sustainable livelihood program. Dahil sa karagdagang pondo ng AICS program dadami ang ating mga kababayan na matutulungan sa panahon ng emergency tulad ng madaliang operasyon, pambili ng maintenance o gamot at iba pang mga gastos para sa pagpapagaling,” he said.
The President added that the government will also use the realigned budget to strengthen peace and development efforts for conflict-affected communities.
“Bukod pa rito palalakasin natin ang mga inisyatiba na makatulong sa tinatawag na former combatant, bilang mga targeted beneficiary ng payapa at masaganang pamayanan o PAMANA program,” he noted.
Marcos underscored that beyond immediate relief, the funds will ensure long-term support for 4Ps beneficiaries and their families so they can eventually stand on their own.
“At higit pa riyan magbibigay rin ng mahalagang suporta para sa mga benepisyaryo ng 4Ps at kanilang mga pamilya lalo na sa panahon ng krisis upang sila ay maging self-sufficient na,” he said.
The reallocation of funds comes as the government faces mounting scrutiny over infrastructure spending, particularly flood control projects.
Ongoing investigations into the controversial flood control scheme are being carried out by the government’s own Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, and several local government units, all aiming to uncover possible irregularities and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
