Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday announced that government savings will be utilized to support the administration's Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro revealed that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has identified PHP22.79 billion in savings following the issuance of National Budget Circular Nos. 602 and 603.
According to Philippines News Agency, the budget circulars were issued to instruct government agencies to identify and declare available savings that may be redirected to priority government programs. Castro emphasized that the UPLIFT Program, along with livelihood assistance and support for farmers, will be the priority in using these savings.
The administration plans to channel funds primarily to UPLIFT interventions aimed at assisting vulnerable sectors, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the Middle East crisis. Castro stated that the initiative also aims to protect Filipino families, workers, commuters, and OFWs who have faced difficult circumstances due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
She further mentioned that PHP12.37 billion from the savings has already been released to the Department of Social Welfare and Development to assist families in need. The remaining savings will continue to support UPLIFT interventions, including programs from the Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Transportation, and Department of Energy.
These interventions are expected to aid Filipinos affected by the Middle East conflict. When asked if a supplemental budget would be necessary to finance responses to the Middle East crisis or potential El Ni±o-related measures, Castro indicated that there is currently no sign of insufficient existing funds.
"For now, these are the available savings, and we have not yet received information that the budget is insufficient. So far, we cannot say that there is a shortage," Castro stated. The DBM had earlier allocated PHP12.375 billion for the assistance package under the UPLIFT Program, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s announcement to expand aid to help cushion the impact of the Middle East conflict on Filipino families.
