Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday presented the agency’s priority programs before members of the House of Representatives as he defended the DSWD’s proposed PHP223.2 billion budget for 2026, including allocations for attached and supervised agencies.
“The department’s proposed 2026 budget of PHP223.2 billion reflects our continuing commitment to protect the poor, empower communities, and build resilience against risk and vulnerabilities. We thank Congress for the support given to DSWD over the years,” Gatchalian told members of the House Appropriations Committee.
He said the proposed budget will sustain flagship programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
For the 4Ps, the 2026 budget under the NEP is PHP113 billion, of which PHP98.4 billion is for cash grants, including the First 1,000-Day grants for pregnant and lactating women.
“Beyond cash grants, we celebrate stories of empowerment such as 4Ps graduates who are now professionals, teachers, and even topnotchers in national examinations. Through partnerships with private and government institutions, we have also strengthened employment opportunities for 4Ps households in line with the Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas Thrust,” he said.
Gatchalian reported that the agency will also expand the SFP’s coverage to ensure that more children will receive daily meals that support their growth, learning, and overall well-being.
He also emphasized the continued implementation of the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), which promotes proper nutrition and sustainable food consumption to address involuntary hunger.
Among the DSWD’s newest initiatives is the Pag-Abot Program, which helps families and individuals in street situations (FISS) return to their homes or places of origin and eventually get reintegrated to their communities.
“For 2026, we are requesting PHP807 million, with PHP586 million dedicated to grants, and PHP66.6 million for outreach operations. As of July 25, the program has already reached out 1,711 beneficiaries,” he said.
The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program (TBTP) was also highlighted as a reformatted education assistance initiative that engages college students and youth development workers as tutors and learning assistants, while also providing cash-for-work support to parents.
As of July 2025, the TBTP has deployed more than 6,500 tutors and 3,200 youth workers, reaching over 55,000 learners.
Gatchalian also underscored the DSWD’s critical role in disaster response, saying that the agency’s disaster response programs “will continue to provide immediate relief, early recovery support, and resilience-building measures for communities affected by natural and human-induced calamities.”
“We again seek your support to approve our budget proposal and other requests so that together we can uphold the welfare of every Filipino family. Consistent with the thrust under this administration of Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” he said.
Several members of the House of Representatives manifested their support for increasing the budget of the DSWD for some of its programs and services.
Referring to the 2026 allotted budget for the SLP, Negros Occidental 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez said she was “very saddened” upon learning that the SLP budget for 2026 was reduced.
“So, I hope that fellow members of the committee can be one with me in pushing for an increase of the SLP budget,” she said.
Southern Leyte 1st District Rep. Roger Mercado also manifested his support to the DSWD.
“This is not a question, Mr. Secretary, and the officials of the DSWD family, but an expression of 100 percent support for their budget. If possible, for the honorable appropriations committee to further increase the budget of DSWD. DSWD has been a top performing department that truly touches the lives of every Filipino people,” Mercado said. (PNA)
