2026 nat'l budget geared toward 'biggest treasure'

Social services sector gets largest share with P2.314 T

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

President Marcos has submitted to Congress a proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, saying it marks a deliberate shift from infrastructure-heavy investments to greater funding for the country's human capital.

Among those who attended the ceremonial turnover of the proposed National Expenditure Program (NEP) to Congress on Wednesday morning, Aug. 13, were House Speaker Martin Romualdez, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, House Committee on Appropriations chair Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing and House Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos.

In his budget message, the President said that while the administration continues to pursue its desired economic transformation, it is now time to focus on the needs of the people.

"As we reach the halfway point of this Administration, we shall shift the focus of our strategy to invest greatly not only in infrastructure but in our biggest treasure: our people, especially the next generations," he said in his budget message. “By nurturing future-ready generations, we will be able to truly achieve the full potential of our nation.”

The NEP is anchored in the theme “Agenda for Prosperity: Nurturing Future-Ready Generations to Achieve the Full Potential of the Nation.” It is equivalent to 22 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and is 7.4 percent higher than this year’s P6.326-trillion NEP.

Based on the President’s budget message, the social services sector received the largest share of the proposed budget, amounting to P2.314 trillion.

“We will use this to fund priority projects on education, culture, and manpower development (P1.194 trillion), health care (P331.4 billion), and social security, welfare, and employment (P295.8 billion), among others," Marcos said.