President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the reallocation of ₱255.5 billion originally set for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects in 2026, redirecting the funds to agencies that handle programs with direct impact on Filipinos.
During his visit to San Fernando City, La Union on Friday, Marcos said the move ensures that government resources are used “to fully and effectively implement programs that truly benefit the Filipino people.”
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), a big portion—₱36 billion—will go to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to support its flagship programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan, Sustainable Livelihood Program, and Assistance for Individuals in Crisis.
The Department of Education (DepEd) will receive ₱26.55 billion for classroom construction and rehabilitation, school-based feeding, indigenous peoples’ education, the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning initiative, salaries for non-DepEd tutors, flexible learning schemes, Madrasah Education, and programs for children with special needs.
Other allocations include ₱9.3 billion for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), ₱1 billion for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and ₱450 million for the Philippine Science High School System.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) will be given ₱39.37 billion to expand post-harvest facilities, provide aid to farmers and fisherfolk, fund crop insurance, and build fish ports and deepwater porters. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will get ₱600 million for land tenure and beneficiary development programs.
The health sector will also see a huge share of the realignment. The Department of Health (DOH) is set to receive ₱29.28 billion for medical aid to indigent patients, upgrades to legacy hospitals, and cancer treatment at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. Meanwhile, PhilHealth will get ₱60 billion to finance the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services Centers, and the GAMOT program that ensures access to outpatient medicines.
Transportation and labor sectors are likewise covered, with ₱1 billion allocated to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for MRT rehabilitation and ₱18 billion to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its TUPAD and Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment programs.