The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), chaired by Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, has approved a proposed PHP 6.793 trillion National Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This significant allocation, equivalent to 22.0 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), represents a 7.4 percent increase from the FY 2025 budget of PHP 6.326 trillion, underscoring the government’s steadfast commitment to inclusive economic growth and fiscal discipline.
“Anchored on the theme, ‘Nurturing Future-Ready Generations to Achieve the Full Potential of the Nation,’ the FY 2026 National Budget prioritizes human capital development by focusing investments on quality education, healthcare, and workforce upskilling,” stated Secretary Pangandaman during a press conference following the 191st DBCC meeting.
The proposed budget also complements continued investments in the Build Better More Infrastructure Program and digital transformation, both aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028. Furthermore, it integrates key measures to enhance climate and disaster resilience, reinforce social protection systems, and deepen the devolution of basic services to local government units.
Secretary Pangandaman noted the rigorous evaluation process undertaken by the DBM, which received agency budget proposals totaling PHP 10.101 trillion. Given limited fiscal space and the government’s commitment to gradually reduce the fiscal deficit, the DBM prioritized programs and projects that demonstrate measurable impact, align with national goals, and are ready for implementation. The absorptive capacity of agencies was also carefully evaluated to ensure effective utilization of funds.
Proposals under the Three-Year Rolling Infrastructure Program (TRIP) and the Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB) framework were given priority in the allocation.
“By nurturing future-ready generations through coordinated policy implementation and strategic investments, the government is committed to reducing poverty to single-digit levels, creating quality jobs, safeguarding macroeconomic stability, and ultimately achieving our Agenda for Prosperity in the Bagong Pilipinas—even amidst global uncertainties,” concluded Secretary Pangandaman.
The proposed FY 2026 National Expenditure Program is targeted for submission to Congress in August.
