The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expressed its gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for ordering the realignment of Php36 billion in flood control budget for 2026 to the DSWD as additional funds for its major social protection programs.
“We thank the President for the Php36 billion additional budget for the DSWD for 2026. This would mean more Filipinos in crisis and in need of government assistance will be served by our social workers who are the frontliners in our social protection programs,” Secretary Rex Gatchalian said shortly after the President made the announcement in Malacañang on Friday (September 26).
In his message during the Kamustahan with Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in Malacañang, the President announced an additional Php36 billion to the DSWD’s 2026 budget earmarked for the implementation of the 4Ps, the Assistance to Individuals and Crisis Situation (AICS), the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), and the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), among others.
“Mga kababayan, Ikinalulugod ko ibahagi sa inyo ang halos tatlumpu’t anim na bilyong piso (Php36 billion) na pondo galing sa DPWH na nakuha natin sa flood control project. Itong halagang ito ay ilalaan natin sa programa ng DSWD. Kasama na rito ang Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation at saka yung Sustainable Livelihood Program,” President Marcos said.
According to the President, the additional funding for the AICS program, will ensure that more Filipinos in crisis can be served in 2026.
The AICS budget in the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is set at Php27 billion, which is significantly lower than the 2025 budget which is Php44.7 billion.
Secretary Gatchalian has told the House Committee on Appropriations that the decrease in the AICS budget would mean almost 3 million Filipinos in crisis may not be able to receive government aid.
The President re-echoed the DSWD’s position: “Dahil sa karagdagang pondo ng AICS program, dadami ang ating kababayan na matutulungan sa panahon ng emergency tulad ng madaliang operasyon, pambili ng maintenance ng gamot, at iba pang gastos sa pagpapagaling.”
“We welcome the augmentation fund for AICS. Any opportunity or any chance that is given to us to be able to fulfill our mandate, we welcome and we thank President Marcos for the additional budget. This means that an additional 3 million Filipinos will benefit from the AICS,” the DSWD chief said.
Under the AICS program, those in crisis may request for medical, transportation, burial and food assistance which are provided through outright cash or through guarantee letters (GLs) based on need and assessment of social workers.
According to the President, the additional budget will also include the strengthening of the DSWD’s initiatives towards achieving lasting peace as a key component of development.
“Bukod pa rito, palalakasin natin ang mga inisyatiba na makatulong sa mga tinatawag na former combatants bilang mga targeted beneficiaries ng Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan o PAMANA Program sa kanilang pagbabalik sa komunidad,,” the Chief Executive said.
Aside from these programs, part of the reallocated budget will be utilized to ensure that 4Ps beneficiaries are provided with sufficient help for them to become self-sufficient.
President Marcos also informed the 4Ps beneficiaries that he has given directives to review the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Act, and its relevance to the current times. Under the law, 4Ps beneficiaries are mandated to exit the program after seven years regardless of their situation.
“Batid ko rin ang pangamba ng maraming pamilya na biglang matapos na lang ang suportang hatid ng 4Ps nang hindi sila nabibigyan ng sapat na kakayahan. Kaya’t pinag-aaralan natin ang pag-aamyenda ng 4Ps Act para mas matutugunan nang wasto ang sitwasyon ng ating mga benepisyaryo,” the Chief Executive said.
Members of the 4Ps spent a meal with President Marcos at the Malacanang Palace in observance of the National Family Week celebration. (GDVF)
