President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
This detailed plan is aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, focusing on key national priorities.
The total budget for 2025 is set at PhP6.352 trillion.
What is the National Expenditure Program?
The National Expenditure Program (NEP) is the national government’s detailed spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year in the Philippines.
The NEP aims to promote “inclusive and sustainable” economic growth, aligning with the administration’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and its eight-point socioeconomic agenda, which are as follows:
- Protect purchasing power and mitigate socioeconomic scarring by ensuring food security, reducing transport and logistics costs, and reducing energy costs to families.
- Reduce vulnerability and mitigate scarring from the COVID-19 pandemic by tackling health, strengthening social protections, and addressing learning losses.
- Ensure sound macroeconomic fundamentals by enhancing bureaucratic efficiency, sound fiscal management, and ensuring a resilient and innovative financial sector.
- Create more jobs by promoting trade and investments, improving infrastructure, and achieving energy security.
- Create quality jobs by increasing employability, encouraging research and development and innovation, and enhancing the digital economy.
- Create green jobs by pursuing a green economy and establishing livable and sustainable communities.
- Uphold public order and safety, peace, and security.
- Ensure a level playing field by strengthening market competition and reducing barriers to entry and limits to entrepreneurship.
The eight-point agenda aims to steer the Philippine economy back to high growth, elevate the country to upper-middle income status by 2024, and cut poverty incidence to 9% by 2028.
Before becoming law, the NEP undergoes several steps. Initially, it is presented to the President for approval. Following this, it is submitted to Congress, which deliberates on it before passing it as the General Appropriations Bill.
Once signed into law, it becomes the General Appropriations Act.
As mandated by the Constitution, the NEP must be submitted to Congress within 30 days after the President’s State of the Nation Address.
2025 NEP Key Priorities
Food Security
Focus on stable food supply is a top priority.
This involves investing in agriculture and related sectors to boost productivity and sustainability.
Social Protection
Programs aimed at safeguarding vulnerable groups are of primary importance.
These include programs to improve social welfare and support for marginalized communities.
Healthcare
Healthcare remains a significant focus.
Allocations will be directed toward enhancing medical facilities, increasing healthcare access, and supporting PhilHealth.
Housing
Addressing the housing needs of Filipinos is essential.
The budget will support various housing programs to provide safe and affordable homes.
Disaster Resilience
Improving disaster preparedness and response is a priority.
This includes investments in infrastructure and systems to better handle natural disasters.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure development is fundamental for economic growth.
The budget will fund various public works projects to improve transportation and connectivity.
Digital Connectivity
Enhancing digital infrastructure is key in the modern world.
This will involve expanding internet access and improving digital services nationwide.
Energization
Working on stable and sustainable energy supply is a key priority.
The budget will support projects aimed at expanding and modernizing the energy sector.
Pillars of the NEP 2025
The National Expenditure Program (NEP) 2025 aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. It focuses on three main pillars to achieve comprehensive development and progress for the nation.
Pillar 1: Developing and Protecting Capabilities of Individuals and Families
This pillar emphasizes social protection, healthcare, and education.
- Social Protection: Programs will be implemented to safeguard vulnerable groups, so that no one is left behind. This includes enhancing social safety nets and providing support to marginalized communities.
- Healthcare: Investments will be directed toward improving healthcare facilities and services. The goal is to make quality healthcare accessible to all Filipinos, enhancing their well-being and resilience.
- Education: Educational programs aim to enhance the quality of education and increase access to learning opportunities. This will help individuals develop skills and knowledge essential for personal and professional growth.
Pillar 2: Transforming Production Sectors to Generate More Quality Jobs and Competitive Products
This pillar focuses on revitalizing various sectors to boost economic growth and create sustainable opportunities.
- Agriculture: Efforts will be made to modernize agriculture, so that it can meet the growing demand for food while remaining sustainable and profitable for farmers.
- Industry: The government aims to revitalize the industrial sector, encouraging innovation and competitiveness. This will involve support for manufacturing and other key industries.
- Services: Boosting the services sector is important for economic diversification. The government will promote schemes that enhance service quality and create more job opportunities.
Pillar 3: Creating an Enabling Environment
This pillar involves improving infrastructure, governance, and resilience for a stable and progressive environment for all.
- Infrastructure: Expanding and upgrading infrastructure is essential for connectivity and economic growth. Projects will focus on transportation, communication, and energy.
- Governance: Good governance practices will be promoted to enhance bureaucratic efficiency and promote transparency and accountability in government operations.
- Disaster Resilience and Climate Action: The government will invest in measures to strengthen disaster resilience and promote climate action. This includes improving systems for disaster response and implementing sustainable practices to protect the environment.
- Peace and Security: Prioritizing peace and security is fundamental for national stability. Efforts will be made to maintain order and protect citizens from various threats.
- Administration of Justice: Enhancing the administration of justice will ascertain that laws are fairly and effectively enforced, providing a stable foundation for all other development efforts.
By focusing on these pillars, the NEP 2025 aims to create a balanced and inclusive approach to national development, making sure that every Filipino can benefit from the country’s progress.
Video: Marcos OKs P6.352 trillion National Expenditure Program for 2025 | INQToday
President Bongbong Marcos has given the green light to the proposed P6.352 trillion National Expenditure Program for Fiscal Year 2025. The approved budget focuses on essential areas such as food security, social protection, and healthcare to address the country’s pressing needs.
Conclusion
The 2025 NEP is designed to address the the most pressing needs of the nation.
By focusing on food security, social protection, healthcare, housing, disaster resilience, infrastructure, digital connectivity, and energization, the government aims to foster sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all Filipinos.
This comprehensive plan is a step towards a brighter future for the Philippines.