DBM submits today P7.2 trillion ‘people-centered growth’ budget

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is set to submit to Congress today its proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for next year, which is six percent higher than this year’s expenditure program.

Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon presented the 2027 National Expenditure Program – as the proposed budget is officially called – to President Marcos at Malacañang yesterday.

According to Palace press officer Claire Castro, the proposed budget for next year will focus on education, health, livelihood, security and strengthening of communities, in line with the theme “People-Centered Growth for an Inclusive and Resilient Future.”

“It aims to maximize every peso of public funds by delivering better services and creating more opportunities for Filipinos,” Castro told reporters.

The proposed P7.2-trillion appropriation for 2027 is P407 billion higher than this year’s P6.793 trillion. The DBM is scheduled to hold a press briefing at Malacañang today.

Meanwhile, the DBM has approved 133 plantilla positions for the Department of Education (DepEd) as part of efforts to give learners with disabilities access to appropriate support services.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the designation of new plantilla positions is in support of Republic Act 11650, which seeks to strengthen inclusive education.

“In line with President Marcos’ directive, we must ensure there are individuals with the right knowledge and skills to help every child with a disability study, participate and thrive. This is what we aim to strengthen through these new positions,” Angara said.

DepEd said that of the 133 positions, 128 would be assigned to 32 Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) under DepEd’s Schools Division Offices.

“Every learner has needs that must be addressed. For children with disabilities, it is even more important to have a multidisciplinary team that focuses not only on their learning but also on the support they need to become more active and independent in school,” Angara said.

DepEd said the personnel will form part of the multidisciplinary teams that provide specialized support to learners with disabilities.

Under RA 11650, DepEd is tasked to establish at least one ILRC in every city and municipality.

Existing Special Education Centers are also to be converted into ILRCs under the law.

The law likewise provides for a multiyear roadmap covering the creation of plantilla positions for ILRC personnel and staff, as well as the teaching and non-teaching personnel needed to implement inclusive education programs.

Angara added that building the institutional capacity of DepEd is essential to making inclusive education work on the ground, particularly as schools respond to learners who require specialized educational and developmental support.

DepEd said the approved positions will be distributed across the country through the 32 ILRCs, covering school divisions in different regions across the country.

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