DBM: P175.9 million for DOST scholars, researchers OK’d

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P175.902 million for the implementation of the Grants-in-Aid (GIA) program of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).

The additional notices of cash allocation amounting to P175.902 million to cover the cash requirement were approved on Feb. 13 and 27, according to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

The requested amount will be earmarked for the implementation of GIA programs in research and development, capacity strengthening, financial support for various researchers, the conduct of forums and conventions, stipends for scholars and financial assistance to state universities and colleges, she added.

“The field of research and development is very close to my heart, as it is with my mentor, the late Senate president Edgardo J. Angara,” she said.

The amount forms part of the P678.512 million released for the GIA program.

The DBM previously released P25.646 million to the DOST-PCHRD for its regular operating requirements in the first quarter of the year.

Under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act, P828.955 million inclusive of automatic appropriations has been allocated to the DOST-PCHRD.