Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Thursday welcomed the timely approval of the proposed 2025 national budget, paving the way for its enactment before the year ends.
In a statement, Pangandaman thanked Senate President Chiz Escudero, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and other key lawmakers, including Senate Finance Committee Chair Grace Poe and House Appropriations Committee Chair Zaldy Co, for their leadership and support during months of budget deliberations.
“We extend our sincerest gratitude to the leadership of both the Senate and the House of Representatives for their unwavering commitment and diligence in passing House Bill 10800 or the FY 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) on time,” Pangandaman said.
The bicameral conference committee finalized the P6.352 trillion budget this week, ensuring the continuity of government operations and the delivery of essential services.
“The timely passage of the bill is vital for maintaining the continuity of government operations and ensuring that essential services can be delivered without interruption as we approach the end of the year,” she added.
Pangandaman expressed optimism about the budget’s implementation, which she said would contribute to the country’s sustainable growth.
The General Appropriations Bill now awaits President Ferdinand Marcos’ signature, expected in the coming weeks.
Education remains the largest recipient, with P977.6 billion allocated to the Department of Education, state universities, Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education Skills Development Authority. Infrastructure development follows, with the Department of Public Works and Highways receiving P900 billion.
Other significant allocations include P297.6 billion for health services, P278.4 billion for the interior and local government, and P256.1 billion for national defense. Funding also supports agriculture, transportation, social welfare, and the judiciary
The 2025 budget is 9.5 percent higher than the previous year’s, with allocations for priority sectors including education, health, and infrastructure under the administration’s Medium-Term Fiscal Framework.