The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released over ₱60 billion for the nation’s infrastructure program, particularly to fast-track transport systems.

The DBM has released ₱16.5 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to settle due and demandable accounts payable, ensuring the timely continuation of infrastructure projects nationwide.

The funds, released through a notice of cash allocation (NCA) to the DPWH central office, will be distributed to implementing units across 17 regions, allowing the agency to pay for ongoing and completed projects without delays.

DBM Secretary Rolando U. Toledo said the release is part of the government’s strategy to accelerate infrastructure spending while supporting economic growth.

“By settling obligations on time, we keep infrastructure projects moving, maintain public service delivery, and support jobs across the country,” Toledo said in a March 25 statement.

“Government spending on infrastructure has a strong multiplier effect—benefiting businesses, workers, and communities alike,” the Budget chief added.

Toledo also emphasized that the release followed strict validation processes, ensuring all obligations are properly documented and compliant with budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules.

“The timely release of funds is critical, but accuracy and accountability remain our priority. Every peso released is properly documented and aligned with the law,” he further said.

The DBM reaffirmed its commitment to efficient and responsible budget execution, aiming to translate government spending into faster project completion, uninterrupted services, and broader economic benefits for Filipinos.

The DBM has also released ₱44.2 billion to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to speed up the implementation of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Phase I and the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System.

The funds, released through two special allotment release orders (SAROs), will cover critical loan requirements, ensuring that construction timelines remain on track and that momentum for these transformative transport projects is sustained.

“These are projects that Filipinos have waited decades for,” Toledo said. “We are making sure that funding is not the bottleneck—so these projects can move faster and deliver real relief to commuters.”

This release is charged against the unprogrammed appropriations (UA) under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for support to foreign-assisted projects (SFAPs).

Of the total amount, ₱21.3 billion will fund NSCR and MMSP Phase I under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while ₱22.9 billion will support NSCR under the Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan agreement.

Once completed, the MMSP and NSCR are expected to significantly cut travel time, decongest major corridors, and provide safer, more efficient mobility for millions of daily commuters.

Toledo stressed that timely funding releases not only support infrastructure but also create jobs, strengthen businesses, and improve daily life for Filipinos. (Derco Rosal)