Manila Allocates Nearly Half of 2025’s PHP25 Billion Budget to Social Services

In a significant move, the city government of Manila has decided to dedicate almost half of its PHP25 billion budget for 2025 to social services. Mayor Honey Lacuna announced that PHP10.03 billion, representing 40% of the total budget, will be directed towards supporting the city’s most vulnerable populations, including victims of calamities. The largest portion of this allocation, PHP1.78 billion, is designated for welfare assistance to senior citizens. Additionally, PHP1.247 billion is set aside for the calamity fund, and PHP1.069 billion for the 20 percent development fund. Other allocations include PHP360 million for indigent persons with disabilities, PHP210 million for the PWD social amelioration program, PHP369 million for cash aid to calamity victims, PHP590.75 million for noche buena boxes for the upcoming Christmas, PHP162 million for solo parents, PHP82.5 million for the Food for Work program, and PHP24.5 million for aid to relocatees. Mayor Lacuna highlighted that the 2025 budget is a significant increase from the PHP16 billion allocated this year, attributing the rise to expected higher revenues due to a robust economy. This increase allows for PHP10 billion to be set aside for social services and PHP5.5 billion for general public services, all without the need for new substantial loans. The city continues to fund infrastructure projects initiated by the previous administration, with a capital outlay of PHP183 million for next year. This is amidst ongoing debt payments of nearly PHP1.2 billion from previous infrastructure loans. Despite these financial commitments, the city is moving forward with projects like the completion of the President Corazon Aquino General Hospital, the first phase of the Pritil Market construction, and the 10-storey Kalinga Center. Furthermore, PHP297 million has been allocated for teachers’ incentives, in addition to funding for the Universidad De Manila and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.