Members of the House Committee on Appropriations have expressed support for the reinstatement of the Php18 billion budget-cut in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) National Expenditure Project (NEP) for 2025.

“I will move not only for the approval of this best performing agency with the best Secretary of our country, we are going to move for the restoration of at least the Php18.3-billion that were reduced. Madame Chair, Vice President Arroyo, our distinguished colleagues, let us join hands to make sure that the Php18 billion be restored to the DSWD,” 2nd District Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said during DSWD’s 2025 budget deliberation at the House of Representatives last August 21.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian in his budget presentation before the Committee on Appropriations cited the DSWD’s 2025 NEP approved by the Office of the President (OP) stands at Php229 billion, citing a 7.5 percent decrease from the 2024 budget of Php245 billion due to adjustments on some projects under the agency.

“Compared to the 2024 GAA , the 2025 NEP for the Office of the Secretary has been reduced by 7.5 percent due to program adjustments. Conversely, all attached and supervised agencies have received budget increases, ranging from minimal to substantial.” the DSWD chief pointed out.

Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Jocelyn Limkaichong backed Rep. Rodriguez’s call for legislative coordination to restore the 7.5  percent decrease in the DSWD proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025.

Secretary Gatchalian was very thankful to the members of Congress for their good faith and support for the agency.

“Madame Chair, I’d like to thank our Congressman for the kind words for the Department and for helping us fight for that reduction to be restored back into the Department,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

The DSWD, including its attached and supervised agencies, is proposing a Php229.7 billion budget for 2025. #