The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday officially presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) amounting to P6.793 trillion.

In a ceremony in Malacanang, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman handed Marcos the 2026 NEP, which will be submitted to Congress on August 13.

The 2026 NEP is 7.4 percent higher than the enacted FY 2025 budget of P6.326 trillion.

Still anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, the 2026 budget will prioritize the essentials that uphold the fundamental rights of the people, such as the right to quality and accessible education; strengthened healthcare systems and services; expanded social protection programs; and food security.

Last July, Marcos approved the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026, which reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education and improving the lives of every Filipino.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address, the President said he would not sign any General Appropriations Act (GAA) that is not aligned with the administration’s priority programs and tolerates fund misuse. Presidential News Desk