Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

The holiday season is upon us. But as we celebrate, I hope we do not forget our kababayans who continue to face hardships due to the spate of calamities that have hit our nation, the latest, Super Typhoon "Uwan."

Last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM) issued Proclamation No. 1077, declaring a State of National Calamity. He also called upon all of us to be mindful and empathic to the struggles of our fellow Filipinos, enjoining government agencies to keep holiday festivities simple and meaningful.

On our part at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), consistent with our mandate of ensuring and promoting efficient and responsible use of government funds, we also reminded all public servants to be prudent, sensitive, and responsible in using public funds this coming holiday season through Circular Letter No. 2025-11.

Instead of holding grand celebrations, I believe that we in government should hold simple, inclusive, and heartfelt initiatives that reflect the values of compassion, unity, and integrity in public service.

For me, the best way to celebrate is by giving back. There are alternative activities that reflect the spirit of our Bagong Pilipinas—such as community outreach, volunteer work, or gift-giving programs for underprivileged and calamity-affected sectors.

And, as we emphasized prudence in spending during the holidays, the President underscored the need to sustain the momentum of our economic growth by spending wisely during the fourth quarter. Our government has about P1.307 trillion to spend until yearend. Following PBBM's directive to ensure that government spending directly benefits our people, we intend to use this primarily for social services.

This includes P2.74 billion for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, which covers Quick Response Fund replenishment and Emergency Cash Transfers.

Meanwhile, we released funds to the Department of Social Welfare and Development to cover major social protection commitments that support vulnerable sectors, including the P9.52 billion balance for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the P7.03 billion for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program payouts, P5.77 billion for the social pension benefits for indigent senior citizens, and P4.83 billion for the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita program.

Under the Department of Agriculture, P7.33 billion is allocated for the National Rice Program, while P2.47 billion, for the National Livestock Program. Another P2.29 billion is for the National Food Authority's buffer stocking program and the targeted rice distribution program to ensure rice availability, especially during unforeseen domestic and global headwinds.

To harness the youth's potential, education remains a priority, with fourth quarter releases for the Department of Education amounting to P203.82 billion, including allocations for Personnel Services totaling P153.71 billion, covering the yearend benefits of teachers and personnel, and P11.4 billion for the Salary Standardization Law adjustments. Meanwhile, P23.62 billion was released for the operations of schools, and P32.79 billion was earmarked for Government Assistance and Subsidies.

Further, we released P31.78 billion to State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and the Commission on Higher Education to support the implementation of key higher education programs such as Free Higher Education and Tertiary Education Subsidy, and funding for personnel benefits and requirements of SUCs to sustain the implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and for the overall delivery of quality higher education services across regions.

To continue delivering essential health services across the country, releases for the Department of Health include P4.3 billion for the operational expenses of hospitals in Metro Manila and P9.96 billion for regional hospitals. And, to reduce the financial burden of patients seeking medical treatment, P787.95 million was released for subsidies under the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially-Incapacitated Patients and P179 million for the Cancer Assistance Fund.

To generate immediate employment, support income recovery, and enhance livelihood opportunities for vulnerable sectors, P4.89 billion was released to the Department of Labor and Employment for its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program, Government Internship Program, Integrated Livelihood Program, and the Adjustment Measures Program.

We also earmarked P528.09 million for the Department of Migrant Workers' programs, including the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital, the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailan Fund, and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs, with P321 million of this fund allotted for the Emergency Repatriation Program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Association.

Finally, government employees will receive yearend benefits included in the FY 2025 budget totaling P63.7 billion.

I am glad to report that as of Oct. 27, 2025, the DBM has released notices of cash allocations amounting to P1.133 trillion out of the P1.307 trillion programmed for the fourth quarter.

Beyond budget, as we celebrate the holidays, let us remember that the measure of true and lasting progress is not the mighty peso alone but in the lives we improve, the dreams we fulfill, and the spirits that we uplift.

Let this season be one of purpose, solidarity, and giving. Because when we serve with compassion, integrity, and commitment, we move a step closer to our vision of a Bagong Pilipinas, where progress is felt by all and no one is left behind.