NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
President To Sign National Budget With P500B 'Ayuda'
Photo credit: PCO
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez announced the inclusion of nearly P500 billion for a social amelioration program, or 'ayuda,' in the proposed P5.768-trillion 2024 national budget. This assistance is slated to benefit at least 12 million poor and low-income families, encompassing an estimated 48 million Filipinos.
Romualdez expressed gratitude to key figures involved in crafting the budget, emphasizing that this marks the first time, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration, that half-a-trillion pesos—approximately nine percent of the national budget—has been allocated to aid those with insufficient income.
The Speaker highlighted the introduction of a new program, Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP), with a P60-billion fund dedicated to providing direct cash assistance to families earning up to P23,000 a month. This initiative aims to support around 12 million households, including low-income workers in various sectors, offering a one-time cash assistance of P5,000.
Furthermore, Romualdez detailed the allocation of funds for existing government programs targeting the most vulnerable, such as Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantage/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), receiving tens of billions in funds.
The budget also earmarks substantial funding for President Marcos's legacy projects, including Legacy Food Security, Legacy Specialty Hospitals, and Legacy Housing for the poor. Notably, P5 billion is allocated to support farmers, ensuring a stable food supply and creating job opportunities.
In the healthcare sector, construction and expansion of Legacy Hospitals are underway, with a focus on UP-Philippine General Hospital, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Cancer Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Bicol Regional Medical Center, and Batangas Regional Medical Center.
President Marcos's commitment to affordable housing is reflected in completed projects set to be inaugurated soon. Monthly amortization for government-subsidized housing is touted as significantly more affordable compared to private developments.
The budget also demonstrates a dedication to asserting sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, with P1.5 billion allocated for the development and expansion of the airport in Pag-asa Island. An additional P800 million is earmarked for a shelter port for fishermen in Lawak, Palawan.
Romualdez concluded by reiterating Congress's unity with President Marcos in protecting the West Philippine Sea, urging China to respect the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidating Beijing’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.
Romualdez expressed gratitude to key figures involved in crafting the budget, emphasizing that this marks the first time, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration, that half-a-trillion pesos—approximately nine percent of the national budget—has been allocated to aid those with insufficient income.
The Speaker highlighted the introduction of a new program, Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP), with a P60-billion fund dedicated to providing direct cash assistance to families earning up to P23,000 a month. This initiative aims to support around 12 million households, including low-income workers in various sectors, offering a one-time cash assistance of P5,000.
Furthermore, Romualdez detailed the allocation of funds for existing government programs targeting the most vulnerable, such as Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantage/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), receiving tens of billions in funds.
The budget also earmarks substantial funding for President Marcos's legacy projects, including Legacy Food Security, Legacy Specialty Hospitals, and Legacy Housing for the poor. Notably, P5 billion is allocated to support farmers, ensuring a stable food supply and creating job opportunities.
In the healthcare sector, construction and expansion of Legacy Hospitals are underway, with a focus on UP-Philippine General Hospital, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Cancer Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Bicol Regional Medical Center, and Batangas Regional Medical Center.
President Marcos's commitment to affordable housing is reflected in completed projects set to be inaugurated soon. Monthly amortization for government-subsidized housing is touted as significantly more affordable compared to private developments.
The budget also demonstrates a dedication to asserting sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, with P1.5 billion allocated for the development and expansion of the airport in Pag-asa Island. An additional P800 million is earmarked for a shelter port for fishermen in Lawak, Palawan.
Romualdez concluded by reiterating Congress's unity with President Marcos in protecting the West Philippine Sea, urging China to respect the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidating Beijing’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.
Dec 20, 2023
