DTI P14-B budget pitch cites need to expand investment promotion

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it hopes to obtain an additional P2 billion for its 2026 budget, citing the need for more investment promotion and industry support.

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"We are still hoping that the P12 billion can still go up by another P2 billion," Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque told reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the COCONUT Philippines Trade Fair on Friday.

"Based on the budget hearing, everybody wants to support the small and medium enterprises and, of course, foreign trade because they can see the results," she added.

Under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) 2026, the DTI and agencies under its umbrella were allocated P12.426 billion.

She said that a portion of the budget will be used to promote international trade and foreign investment.