Pampanga will receive a ₱25.83 billion National Tax Allotment for fiscal year 2027—to be distributed among its provincial government, municipalities, cities, and barangays, the Office of the Executive Secretary announced on Wednesday.
In line with the Marcos administration’s commitment to advancing “inclusive, decentralized growth,” this massive allotment aims to improve local healthcare centers, allow for free medicine distribution, and enhance social protection programs and rapid disaster response.
“Gamitin ang pondo kung saan tunay na kailangan. Gamitin nang tama. Gamitin nang walang bahid ng pulitika. At higit sa lahat, gamitin para sa tao ang pera ng bayan,” Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto said during the launch of the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang initiative on September 29.
Recto explained that the province of Pampanga possesses strategic importance as part of the Luzon Economic Corridor—a major international infrastructure and investment initiative connecting Subic Bay, Clark, Metro Manila, and Batangas with the aim of turning Luzon into a competitive hub, with backing from the United States and Japan.
“Napakalaki ng papel ng Pampanga sa mga plano ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr. para sa ating bansa. Unang-una, bahagi kayo ng tinatawag nating Luzon Economic Corridor. Layon naming gawin itong logistics at manufacturing hub sa buong Asia. At ang sentro niyan ay sa Clark,” Recto said.
Seeking to connect these areas earmarked for development, key transit lines are being expedited, Recto said.
In 2027, the North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Malolos–Valenzuela line will begin partial operations; then, in 2028, the Malolos–Clark line will be up and running, shortening Clark to Calamba trips to two hours instead of four, he explained.
At present, every barangay within Pampanga already receives a direct allocation of ₱200,000 to shoulder administrative equipment, community furniture, street lighting, and other community needs—while an additional ₱251 million is provided to fund major local projects, including a multi-purpose building in Barangay San Roque and medical equipment, local road developments, and an evacuation center in Barangay Santa Catalina.
To address concerns regarding food security, the administration is also distributing free rice—sourced directly from domestic growers—to over 107,500 families in Pampanga.
In addition, believing educational support is key to quashing generational poverty, the administration is providing targeted assistance to fund the graduation of five fourth-year college students for every barangay, on top of the 2,500 Presidential Scholars in the province and over 30 million student beneficiaries across the entire nation.
Recto was accompanied by Former President and incumbent Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Governor Lilia Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, 1st District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin, Jr., and 4th District Rep. Anna York-Bondoc.
