THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released more than half of the government’s P5.27-trillion national budget this year as of January.

In a news release, the DBM said it has so far released 56.4 percent of allotments or P2.97 trillion out of the P5.27 trillion national budget this year.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman recognized that the timely release of the budget is “crucial” in the implementation of government programs and projects.

“Makakaasa po ang taumbayan na ipagpapatuloy ng DBM ang mabilis na pag-release ng budget para sa iba’t-ibang programa at proyekto ng gobyerno (The people can count on the DBM to continue the speedy release of the budget for various government programs and projects). We will do this in an efficient, transparent and prudent manner so we remain on track in attaining the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda of the Marcos Jr. Administration,” she said.

Pangandaman, likewise, encouraged agencies to start their procurement activities early to ensure the implementation of their respective programs and projects.

On Dec. 16, 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law the 2023 national budget geared towards achieving post-pandemic economic recovery.

He said the 2023 national budget will provide the government with a tool to transform the economy and carry out the needed structural changes toward realizing the administration’s goals.

The Marcos administration’s first spending measure is 4.9 percent higher or P244.4 billion more than 2022 budget of P5.023 trillion.

It prioritizes education, infrastructure development, health, agriculture and social safety nets.

Under the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA), a total allotment of P2.57 trillion or 81.3 percent of the P3.16 trillion specific budgets of the departments have already been released by the

DBM to spending agencies at the start of the year, through the GAA as the Allotment Order.

The released allotments pertain to implementation-ready programs/projects.

Meanwhile, the remaining balance of PHP590.48 billion from the departments’ budgets corresponds to new budgetary programs/projects to be released subject to agencies’ submission of Special Budget Request supported by updated agency performance targets.

During the Budget Forum last month, Pangandaman reminded spending agencies including government-owned and controlled corporations, to ensure that only implementation-ready programs and projects should be included in the national budget for 2024.

She said the budget proposals should contain “concrete program plans and designs” so that the budget can be managed efficiently and effectively. Philippine News Agency