The national government increased subsidies to state-run corporations by nearly a fifth in the first quarter of the year, driven by aggressive funding injections for energy modernization and agricultural support.

According to the latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury, total financial assistance to government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) climbed 19 percent to ₱26.8 billion from ₱22.6 billion in the same period last year.

The quarterly surge was propelled by a massive ₱18.2 billion deployment in March alone, which effectively offset the sluggish disbursements in January and February.

Based on Treasury data, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) emerged as a primary driver of growth, receiving ₱3 billion in March. This represents a significant new allocation, as the agency received no subsidy during the first quarter of the previous year.

Similarly,Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) was granted ₱2.5 billion in March under the Murang Kuryente Act, further bolstering the energy sector’s share of state support.

Results were mixed in the agricultural sector, as the government balanced food security needs with fiscal restraint. The National Food Authority (NFA) saw its quarterly support climb 72 percent to ₱3.9 billion from ₱2.3 billion in 2025.

Meanwhile, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), which historically takes up the largest share of state support, recorded a 13.8 percent decline in its quarterly total, falling to ₱6.9 billion from ₱8 billion last year.

This contraction follows a more than three-fifths plunge in January, reflecting sustained pressure to modernize farm infrastructure through more efficient spending.

Other GOCCs saw their collective support increase by 26.9 percent to ₱11.8 billion. This was bolstered by a heavy March release for the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) at ₱2.1 billion and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), which saw its support jump by four-fifths to ₱1.8 billion from ₱975 million a year ago.

Additionally, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PRRI) saw a nearly fourfold increase in its quarterly subsidy, rising to ₱950 million from ₱238 million.

Among financial institutions, Small Business Corp. (SBC) remained the sole recipient of state funds in this category. Its funding nearly doubled to ₱375 million from ₱189 million in the first quarter of 2025, to bolster credit access for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Funding for specialized health centers remained a priority but showed varying trends. The Philippine Heart Center saw its allocation rise by a tenth to ₱606 million. Conversely, the National Kidney & Transplant Institute (NKTI) saw its quarterly support drop by a third to ₱378 million from ₱564 million.