By Lane Afable, News Editor
On orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released more than P43.18 billion in funding to ensure sustained support for the country’s most vulnerable sectors, including children and the elderly.
The funds were disbursed to guarantee the continuous and immediate delivery of financial aid, food assistance, pensions, and livelihood programs, according to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Officer Claire Castro.
“Inilabas ng DBM – sa pangunguna ni Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo – ang pondo upang masiguro ang walang patid at agarang paghahatid ng tulong pinansyal, suporta sa pagkain, pensyon at mga programang pangkabuhayan,” said Castro during a Palace press briefing on Tuesday.
The funding will be channeled through various programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
Of the total amount, more than PhP36.8 billion has been allocated to the Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances (PSIFDC) program, which provides immediate assistance to individuals and families in crisis.
Meanwhile, over PhP3.4 billion has been earmarked for the Supplementary Feeding Program, which supports the nutritional needs of children enrolled in child development centers and supervised neighborhood playgroups.
The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens will receive more than PhP2 billion to ensure the continued monthly pension of elderly beneficiaries.
An additional PhP810 million has been allocated to the Sustainable Livelihood Program to support vulnerable and marginalized sectors in establishing long-term sources of income.
The DBM said the release of funds forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen social protection programs and ensure timely assistance reaches those in need.
