The Philippine government is preparing to submit a 6.352 trillion peso ($114 billion) national budget proposal for fiscal year 2025, officials announced Tuesday.
Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman presented the proposal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and cabinet members. The budget, themed “Agenda for Prosperity: Fulfilling the Needs and Aspirations of the Filipino People,” represents a 10.1% increase from the 2024 budget.
Pangandaman said the proposal aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and focuses on economic growth and social transformation.
The education sector will receive the largest allocation, as mandated by the constitution. Health spending will also see significant increases, particularly for hospitals in Metro Manila and regional facilities.
Local government units and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are expected to receive increased funding.
The president is required to present the budget to Congress within 30 days of his State of the Nation Address. Pangandaman aims to submit the proposal to lawmakers within a week of that speech.
The administration hopes the budget will help the Philippines achieve upper middle-income status and reduce poverty to single digits by 2028.