House: 2025 budget in line with Marcos’ agenda

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos can rest assured that next year’s national budget would be in line with the programs of the executive department, the chairman of the appropriations committee of the House of Representatives said yesterday.

“President Marcos can count on the support of the House of Representatives to deliver the best public service to our citizens,” Rep. Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol party-list said.

Aside from the appropriations committee, Co also heads the 54-member Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. in the chamber.

In his July 22 State of the Nation Address, Marcos highlighted several key initiatives aimed at advancing the lives of Filipinos, particularly in the areas of food security, health care and housing.

Infrastructure development was also underscored by Marcos in his speech, along with education.

“Quality education is the foundation of our country’s future. We will make the necessary allocations to improve schools and educational facilities, give more scholarships, develop our teachers to better educate our youth,” Co stressed.

“Per instruction of President Marcos, we will continue building Legacy Specialty Hospitals in various regions. We’re also upgrading existing medical facilities to safeguard the health of the people,” the senior administration lawmaker added.

Co affirmed his support for the Marcos administration’s legacy projects, the prioritization of food security and the lowering of food prices, which are very critical issues for many Filipinos, according to the Chief Executive.

In a statement, Co echoed the importance of agricultural development and modern farming methods in achieving food self-sufficiency and lowering the price of rice and other prime commodities.

He said that upon the instruction of Speaker Martin Romualdez, the House budget panel is allocating funds for irrigation, contract farming, seed distribution and farm mechanization.

“We support initiatives like handing out Certificate of Land Ownership Award, the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families and infrastructure projects that include solar irrigation, farm-to-market roads and other programs to give farmers a better life,” Co said.

Health care also remains a top priority for President Marcos, and Co pledged that specialty hospitals will receive the funding needed to provide quality care to all Filipinos.

In addition, Co said he would continue to support the President’s legacy housing projects designed to build decent and affordable homes for Filipinos.

The lawmaker expressed optimism about the new targets of the administration.

“(Marcos’) comprehensive plans and initiatives are testaments of his vision for a brighter future for our nation. As chairman of the House committee on appropriations, I will ensure that necessary funds for his priority projects are properly allocated,” he added.

“An integral part of the success of the President’s vision lies in our ability to judiciously allocate funds where they are most needed. He set clear priorities that will drive our nation forward, and it is my duty to ensure these priorities are met with the appropriate financial support,” he stressed.