UNDER the FY 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has allocated P230.057 billion to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide assistance to the nation’s most vulnerable sectors. Of the proposed P6.352 trillion national budget for next year, the largest share—P2.121 trillion—has been allocated to social services.
“Ang nakalaang pondo na ito ay hindi lang para tugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan, kundi isang pangako na nandito po ang administrasyon ni Pangulong BBM para sa kanila—hindi natin sila pababayaan,” DBM Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman said.
“Every peso allocated for our social services is a lifeline that brings hope and a brighter future within reach for families who continue to dream… This is about recognizing their dignity and taking concrete steps toward a more just and progressive society,” she added.
From the P230.057 billion total budget of the DSWD, bulk of it or P205.502 billion has been set aside for the implementation of the following social assistance programs:
*Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program*
In a strengthened effort to reduce poverty and promote social development, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has seen an increased allocation from P106.35 billion in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to P114.185 billion in the 2025 NEP.
As one of the government’s flagship initiatives, the 4Ps grants eligible families, as outlined in Section 6 of Republic Act (RA) No. 11310, with financial aid, rice subsidies, additional support services, operational costs, and salaries. Families meeting the program’s requirements will receive education, rice and health grants, as well as livelihood assistance and health services through PhilHealth, ensuring a comprehensive support system to uplift their quality of life.
*Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens*
The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC), allocated P49.807 billion, provides crucial financial support for the needs of indigent elderly Filipinos.
Established under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 (RA No. 9994) and RA No. 11916, this program is designed to enhance the quality of life for indigent seniors, reduce hunger, and safeguard them from neglect and disasters.
*Protective Services Program*
A total of P35.186 billion has also been allocated for the Protective Services for Individuals, Families, and Communities in difficult circumstances. This will be used for financial assistance for those in need, including the provision of food packs, transportation, medical and burial assistance, student support, cash or food for work, rice subsidies, and other forms of aid. The Protective Services Program is designed to help individuals, families, and communities vulnerable, at risk, or affected by disasters and other challenging situations.
*Sustainable Livelihood Program*
To empower vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) has been allocated P4.433 billion. This program focuses on building capabilities by providing essential resources and skills to help these groups engage in and sustain successful livelihoods. By equipping participants with the tools and opportunities needed to start and maintain thriving businesses and income-generating activities, the SLP aims to break the cycle of poverty and foster long-term financial stability.
*Philippine Food Stamp Program*
Lastly, the allocated amount for the Philippine Food Stamp Program (FSP) is P1.890 billion. The FSP offers a holistic approach to fighting hunger by providing assistance in the form of Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards, particularly to those in need while encouraging them to participate in training and skill-building activities to help find better job opportunities.
