Speaker highlights funding health, school safety as House OKs 2027 budget on 3rd reading

MANILA — House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III highlighted the lower chamber’s decision to fund health and school safety initiatives as the House approved on third and final reading the proposed 2027 budget on Monday. 

Dy shone a spotlight on the P12-billion increase in budget allocation for health under the lower house during plenary session.

“With the amendments made by the House, the total budget for health increased by P12.23 billion. Ito po ang hakbang na aming ginawa dahil alam naming mabigat ang gastusin ng ating mga kababayan sa tuwing may nagkakasakit,” Dy said.

Dy also mentioned the P500-million allocation for the School Safety and Security Program, as well as efforts for social media and gun safety.

“An additional of P10.6 billion in funds were allocated for education programs that support school safety, inclusive learning, academic recovery, and access to quality tertiary education. Kasama po dito ang P500 million para sa School Safety and Security Program para mabawasan ang pangamba ng mga magulang at siguraduhin nating protektado ang ating mga kabataan,” Dy said.

“Isinulong natin ang mas mahigit na gun safety at responsible firearm storage upang maiwasan ang mga aksidente at karahasang maaaring ilagay sa panganib ang ating mga anak. Pangalawa, sa Children’s Social Media Safety Act na pinasa natin sa pangatlong pagbasa nais nating protektahan ang mga bata laban sa mapanganib na online content sa pamamagitan ng age restriction, parental consent, at mas mahigpit na pananagutan ng social media platforms,” Dy added.

Various initiatives were provided funding in preparation for the projected “Super El Niño” seen to particularly impact farmers and fisherfolk, according to Dy.

“To address this threat, we allocated an additional P10 billion for the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk, P500 million po for Expanded Fertilizer Assistance, P4.09 billion for irrigation projects nationwide, P150 million for agricultural transport infrastructure, P4.96 billion to Farm-to-Market Roads, P100 million for high-value crops, and P331 million for Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support,” Dy said.

According to the House speaker, they ensured transparency in the budget process, continuing the Budget Amendments Review SubCommittee (BARSc).

“Gusto ko pong kunin ‘tong pagkakataon na ‘to para magpasalamat sa masusi at masinsin na pagbuo at pagpasa ng ating 2027 national budget. Sa inyo pong lahat, muli, maraming, maraming, maraming salamat po… Tiniyak natin na ito ay may transparency at itinuloy din natin ang mga repormang sinimulan natin noong nakaraang taon, katulad ng BARSc,” Dy said.