The Philippine Senate has given its final nod to the proposed national budget for 2026, a colossal financial plan amounting to P6.793 trillion. The approval, which took place on Monday, December 29, 2025, strategically channels substantial funds into three critical sectors identified as pillars for national development.
Massive Investments for Key Sectors
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, announced the budget's passage. He emphasized that the Senate ensured significant allocations for education, health, and agriculture. Gatchalian stated that these sectors are vital for the country's progress and economic growth, justifying the heavy investment.
Education emerges as the top priority, receiving the largest single-sector allocation of P1.35 trillion. According to Gatchalian, this historic fund is designed to tackle long-standing issues. It will address the severe classroom shortage, expand the coverage of the School-Based Feeding Program to combat child malnutrition, and ensure the availability of textbooks and learning materials.
Health and Agriculture Get Major Boosts
The health sector is set to receive P447.6 billion. A significant portion of this, P129 billion, is earmarked for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). Furthermore, the budget will fund the Zero Balance Billing policy in Department of Health hospitals and other treatment centers, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
For agriculture, a proposed P214.39 billion is allocated. This funding is intended to support farmers' incomes and strengthen the nation's food security. The investment underscores the government's focus on stabilizing the agricultural sector, which is crucial for both the economy and the daily lives of Filipinos.
Next Steps: Presidential Approval
With the Senate's approval secured, the proposed P6.793 trillion General Appropriations Bill for 2026 will now be transmitted to the office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The bill awaits his final review, approval, and signature to become law and take effect at the start of the fiscal year.
The budget's structure reflects a clear legislative intent to invest in human capital and foundational industries. By prioritizing education, health, and agriculture, lawmakers aim to create a more resilient economy and improve the quality of life for citizens across the Philippines.
