President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the release of PHP43.18 billion to fund financial aid, food support, pensions and livelihood programs for vulnerable Filipinos, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Tuesday.

The funds, released by the DBM and coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), aim to ensure the uninterrupted and immediate delivery of social protection services amid ongoing economic pressures.

“Malinaw ang direktiba ng Pangulo: walang delay, walang bottleneck. Kapag tulong para sa tao, dapat mabilis, diretso, at nararamdaman agad (The President’s directive is clear: no delay, no bottleneck. When it comes to aid for the people, it must be fast, direct and immediately felt),” Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo said in a statement.

He emphasized that the funding will directly support basic needs and social safety nets.

The largest share, amounting to PHP36.87 billion, will fund the Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances program.

Another PHP3.45 billion will go to the Supplementary Feeding Program for children enrolled in child development centers, while PHP2.05 billion is allocated for the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens.

The Sustainable Livelihood Program will receive PHP810 million to help poor and marginalized households build income-generating activities.

“Sa panahon ng krisis, ang bilis ng pag-abot ng tulong ang tunay na sukatan ng serbisyo publiko (In times of crisis, the speed of delivering aid is the true measure of public service),” Toledo said.

The DBM said the release complies with National Budget Circular No. 599, which requires approval from the Office of the President and submission of performance targets for new or increased budget items under the 2026 General Appropriations Act. (PNA)