Education, Public Works, and Health Remain Top Priorities in Proposed PHP 6.79 Trillion 2026 National Budget

Manila, The Gulf Observer: Education, public works, and health have retained their positions as the top three sectors to receive the largest allocations under the proposed National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2026, according to government budget data released Wednesday.

The proposed national budget for 2026 amounts to PHP 6.793 trillion, a 7.4% increase from the enacted 2025 budget. The education sector will receive the highest allocation at PHP 928.5 billion, followed by public works at PHP 881.3 billion, and health at PHP 320.5 billion.

Defense rose to fourth place with PHP 299.3 billion, overtaking the interior and local government sector, which fell to fifth with PHP 287.5 billion. Agriculture climbed to sixth with PHP 239.2 billion, while social welfare dropped to seventh at PHP 227 billion. Transportation (PHP 198.6 billion) and the judiciary (PHP 67.9 billion) maintained their eighth and ninth rankings, while labor and employment entered the top 10 with PHP 55.2 billion, replacing the justice sector.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the 2026 NEP is designed to sustain the country’s economic growth momentum while reinforcing the government’s commitment to “investing in the Filipino people.”

“With the overriding commitment to fulfill our dream of a Bagong Pilipinas, the National Budget seeks to nurture future-ready generations towards achieving the full potential of the nation,” the DBM said in its budget briefer.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his fourth State of the Nation Address, warned that he would veto the 2026 General Appropriations Bill if it does not align with the NEP, reiterating that no budget will be approved unless it supports the administration’s development agenda.

The DBM presented the NEP to the President on Tuesday at Malacañang, and it is scheduled to be submitted to Congress on Wednesday. The NEP will serve as the basis for lawmakers in drafting the 2026 General Appropriations Bill.