Marcos diverts P36-B flood control funds to DSWD programs
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday that P36 billion originally set aside for flood control will be reallocated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Addressing beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) at Malacañan Palace, Marcos said the shift was meant to ensure more Filipinos are lifted out of poverty through government welfare programs.
"Mga kababayan, kinalulugod kong ibahagi sa inyo ang halos P36 billion na pondo na galing sa DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) na nakuha natin sa flood control projects, itong halagang ito ay ilalaan natin sa mga programa ng DSWD," Marcos said. (My fellow countrymen, I am happy to announce that around P36 billion in DPWH flood control funds will be reallocated to the DSWD.)
He said the additional funds would go to 4Ps and other welfare programs. The DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, or AICS, provides up to P10,000 in cash aid to those facing emergencies.
"Dahil sa karagdagang pondo ng AICS program, dadami ang ating mga kababayan na matutulungan sa panahon ng emergency tulad ng madaliang operasyon, pambili ng maintenance o gamot, at iba pang mga gastos para sa pagpapagaling," Marcos said. (Because of the additional AICS funding, more Filipinos can be helped during emergencies, such as for minor operations, medicines, and other recovery expenses.)
The DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program, meanwhile, offers skills training and start-up capital to help beneficiaries build micro businesses.
The DPWH recently cut about P255 billion from its flood control budget following revelations of alleged corruption and kickback schemes involving lawmakers, private contractors and government officials.
Marcos has listed sectors he intends to redirect the budget to, including social welfare and education.
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