President Marcos announced that P36 billion previously earmarked for flood control projects will be redirected to social welfare initiatives under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) amid the ongoing corruption controversy.

Marcos said this as he led the awarding of the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya in Malacañan on Friday, Sept. 26.

In his speech, the President said the funds will instead support the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

“Mga kababayan, kinalulugod kong ibahagi sa inyo ang halos P36 bilyon na pondo na galing sa DPWH na nakuha natin sa flood control projects. Itong halagang ito ay ilalaan natin sa mga programa ng DSWD (I am pleased to share that P36 billion taken from DPWH flood control projects will be reallocated to DSWD programs),” he said.

He emphasized that the realignment aims to expand government aid for families in emergency situations, such as urgent medical procedures and maintenance medicines.

In addition, Marcos also announced that part of the redirected funds will strengthen reintegration initiatives under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program, which supports former rebels as they return to civilian communities.

He said targeted assistance will be provided to ensure these individuals can rebuild their lives and contribute to peace and development.

The President said early this month that the proposed 2026 national budget contains no allocation for new flood control projects, stressing that the government must first ensure ongoing works are completed properly.

In the same speech, Marcos stressed that no Filipino family should be left behind, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

He said the government is studying amendments to the 4Ps Act to ensure beneficiaries are not suddenly cut off from assistance without adequate preparation.

“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 (I know many families fear that 4Ps support may suddenly end before they are prepared),” he said.

The President assured that any amendments would be based on “masusing pagsusuri (careful study)” to keep the program effective.

In a Palace press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro explained that the proposed changes include removing the seven-year limit for beneficiaries, allowing them to continue receiving support if they are not yet ready to graduate from the program.

“Kung halimbawa po hindi pa po nila kaya ng gumraduate sa katapusan ng pitong taon ay mananatili pa rin po ang pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan na nasa ilalim ng 4Ps (If they are not yet ready to graduate after seven years, support will continue),” Castro said.

She added that the amendments would also expand coverage to include children from birth up to two years old under the First 1,000 Days monitoring, and integrate the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) into the program’s advisory council for housing concerns.

During the event, Marcos honored 18 families from across the country as this year’s Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya awardees.

He praised the families for serving as examples not just to 4Ps beneficiaries but to all Filipinos.

“Kayo mismo ang nagsilbing ilaw at huwaran, hindi lamang para sa mga benepisyaryo ng 4Ps, kundi para sa lahat ng Pilipino (You have become a source of light and inspiration, not just for 4Ps beneficiaries but for all Filipinos),” he said.

The Chief Executive described the welfare programs as investments in the strength of families and communities, which he called the building blocks of national progress.

“Kapag matatag ang pamilya, matatag ang komunidad, at kung matatag ang komunidad, mas mabilis ang pag-unlad ng ating bansa (When families are strong, communities are strong, and when communities are strong, our nation progresses faster),” he said.

The President likewise assured the public that his administration’s goal is for every Filipino family to “walk with dignity” toward a better future.

“Pinapangako ko na ako ay magsisikap upang ang bawat pamilya, ang bawat Pilipino ay makakalakad nang may ginhawa at dignidad (I vow to strive so that every family and every Filipino could walk with dignity),” he said.