FY 2026 NEP: Nurturing future-ready generations

Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. Last week, I sharedsome of the spending priorities of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) under the P6.793 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to create an enabling environment for our country to thrive. These initiatives aim to enhance and upgrade infrastructure and ensure affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

- DBM SECRETARY AMENAH F. PANGANDAMAN

This week, allow me to share programs, activities, and projects that promote peace, security, and justice; foster global diplomacy; advance climate action and disaster resilience; and ensure bureaucratic efficiency and good governance.

Peace and order

As PBBM noted during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), peace is an essential foundation of our Bagong Pilipinas. Hence, as we focus on our development, we are also strengthening peace, security, and order. I agree with the President that when our communities are safe, parents can work without fear, children can study with hope, and families can dream of a brighter tomorrow.

Next year, we are investing 430.9 billion in our defense sector, with P299.3 billion earmarked for the Department of National Defense and its attached agencies. Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard will receive P35.4 billion to support its maritime search and rescue operations and to acquire and restore various watercraft and search and rescue vessels. Further, 71.6 billion has been allocated to cover the payment of the subsistence allowance of military and uniformed personnel, which has been increased from P150 to P350 per day to support the welfare of troops and their families.

To advance our interests in the global community, improve bilateral and multilateral relations, and uphold the rights and welfare of Filipinos overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs was allocated P30.1 billion.