The proposed P6.793-trillion budget for 2026 is allocated to education, health, transportation, and infrastructure, with education receiving the largest funding. According to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, 34.1% of the budget or P2.314 trillion is allocated for social services such as education, health, and social protection.
In education, P1.224 trillion is allocated for basic and higher education, P168 billion higher than in 2025. The Department of Education is the largest with P928.52 billion, followed by State Universities and Colleges with P134.99 billion, and Special Education Fund with P66.86 billion. This is to meet the UNESCO target of at least 4% of GDP on education.
For infrastructure, P881.31 billion is proposed for the Department of Public Works and Highways. This also includes the Build Better More Program, which has 54 flagship projects ranging from the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge to the Metro Manila Subway. The Department of Transportation will receive P197.3 billion, triple the current funding.
In health, the proposed budget increases by 23.6%, including P53.3 billion for PhilHealth subsidies and P27.7 billion for hospitals in Metro Manila. The goal is to ensure universal health care, especially for marginalized groups.
Other major allocations are P299.3 billion for Defense, P287.48 billion for Interior and Local Government, and P239.16 billion for Agriculture. The total proposed budget for 2026 is 7.4% higher than 2025, and budget deliberations in Congress are set to be more transparent.
