President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the proposed PHP7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 was crafted to advance his administration’s goal of achieving sustainable and national development.

In his message to the 20th Congress on the National Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, Marcos said the proposed budget is a “prudent and forward-looking investment” that will sustain the country’s economic growth and maintain fiscal responsibility.

Marcos stressed that the 2027 spending plan would strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to global challenges while pursuing resilient growth.

“Amid continuing global uncertainties — including geopolitical tensions, persistent inflationary pressures, and volatile energy prices — we remain steadfast in pursuing growth that is both resilient and fiscally responsible,” he said.

“This budget strengthens our capacity to invest in strategic infrastructure, human capital, food and energy security, and social protection, while reinforcing transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of public resources.”

He noted that the final budget proposal was lower than the original PHP11.69 trillion in funding proposals submitted by government agencies.

The President added that the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) contains programs and projects “that will deliver the greatest impact for our people and advance our national development priorities.”

“Throughout the budget preparation process, I directed all agencies to focus on measurable outcomes, align their proposals with our development agenda, eliminate unnecessary or inefficient expenditures, and ensure that every peso produces meaningful and lasting value,” Marcos said.

The President said the proposed budget remains anchored on the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and the country’s long-term vision under Ambisyon Natin 2040.

He said the expenditure program goes beyond simply funding government programs, as it seeks to implement “transformative reforms that will shape the country’s long-term development trajectory.”

“Beyond funding government programs, this budget seeks to modernize public institutions, improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness, attract greater investments, create quality jobs, and enhance the government’s ability to deliver faster, more responsive, and citizen-centered public services,” he said.

Marcos also stressed that the proposed budget is intended to improve the lives of Filipinos, including families, workers, farmers and fisherfolk, students and communities.

As the country continues its journey toward a “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines), Marcos said the 2027 spending plan reaffirms the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, sound fiscal management, good governance and responsible stewardship of public resources.

“Above all, this budget reflects our shared aspirations as one Filipino nation. It recognizes that genuine progress is measured not only through stronger economic indicators, but through the lives we improve,” he said. (PNA)