MANILA —THE House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading the proposed ₱7.2-trillion 2027 General Appropriations Bill, with lawmakers beefing up funds for farmers, students, workers, transport drivers and disaster preparedness.
House Appropriations Chair Rep. Mikaela Angela B. Suansing said the House version was amended to make the national budget more responsive to Filipinos’ immediate needs and prepare the country for the projected impact of Super El Niño.
Among the key additions is expanded funding for sitio electrification, allowing the National Electrification Administration and electric cooperatives to upgrade, rehabilitate and replace distribution facilities.
The House also amended the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) provision to guarantee personnel at least ₱2,000 per month, giving the Executive flexibility to provide a higher amount.
EDUCATION FUNDS BOOSTED
Education also got a major push.
The House version adds ₱2.1 billion for the Tertiary Education Subsidy, while the Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee recommended ₱1.77 billion for Tulong Dunong and ₱500 million for school safety and security—both of which had zero allocation in the proposed national budget.
₱20.86-B BOOST FOR AGRICULTURE
Suansing also pushed for a Super El Niño-ready agriculture budget, citing the need to protect farmers from climate and production shocks.
The amendments and BARSc recommendations include billions in additional funding for farmer assistance, fertilizer, irrigation, farm-to-market roads, agricultural transport and climate-resilient farming.
In all, ₱20.86 billion in additional agriculture funding was approved or recommended.
“Bilang kinatawan po ng Unang Distrito ng Nueva Ecija… I would like to be the first to advocate for additional support for our farmers,” Suansing said.
PUV DRIVERS GET ₱1-B FUEL AID
Transport workers will also get additional support, including ₱1 billion for the Fuel Subsidy Program, which had zero funding under the National Expenditure Program.
The House also approved ₱250 million for service contracting and another ₱250 million for capital outlay for the transport sector.
MORE FUNDS FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
Additional funding was also proposed for social welfare programs, including Project ProtecTEEN, Project Aruga and Project SAFE, as well as the DSWD Special Committee on LGBTQIA+.
The House likewise increased funding for selected DPWH programs and boosted the Medical Assistance Program to help more Filipinos pay for hospitalization and essential medical services.
Suansing said the amendments reflect the House’s push for a budget that delivers measurable results and directly responds to the needs of Filipinos.
The measure is scheduled for third and final reading on Monday, October 12, 2026.
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