The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the government will continue to invest heavily in infrastructure projects next year, but at the same time provide essential funding support to foster socioeconomic recovery.
In a statement, the DBM said Monday, August 23, that the national government earmarked P1.18 trillion for the infrastructure budget in 2022, equivalent to 5.3 percent of the economy, or gross domestic product (GDP).
Breaking down, about P128.1 billion has been allotted for the government’s network development program, while flood management projects secured P113.5 billion.
Moreover, projects aimed at boosting the country’s rail transport system will receive P110.9 billion in funding under the 2020 proposed national budget, while the land public transportation program got P13.9 billion.
Meanwhile, funding support to foster socioeconomic recovery has also been identified by the budget department.
According to the DBM, about P21 billion is allotted for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment.
In addition, budgetary support will also be provided under the emergency repatriation program with P11.2 billion and reintegration services program with P52.7 million to assist the repatriated overseas Filipino workers.
Social protection programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program will get P115.7 billion, protective services for individuals and families in difficult circumstances with P18 billion and sustainable livelihood program with P4.9 billion.
As for the education sector, P49.7 billion is allocated for the programs of the Commission on Higher Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority under the universal access to quality tertiary education law.
The national government has also provided budgetary support for the Department of Education’s banner programs, such as the basic education learning continuity plan with P15.1 billion to cover the development, reproduction, and delivery of 924 million learning modules.
DepEd’s computerization program will also get P11.6 billion to cover the procurement of 108,177 packages of ICT-related equipment.
On Monday, the DBM submitted to the House of Representatives the 2022 National Expenditure Program, which proposes a P5.024-trillion national budget for the next fiscal year.
The budget, with the theme "Sustaining the Legacy of Real Change for Future Generations," is scheduled for Congress' scrutiny in the coming days and approval before the end of the year.
DBM said the 2022 proposed budget is guided by three main pillars such as Building Resilience amidst the Pandemic; Sustaining the Momentum towards Recovery; and Continuing the Legacy of Infrastructure Development.