OVP Proposes P785.204M Budget for 2027, Prioritizing Aid Programs

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has proposed a budget of P785.204 million for 2027, marking an 11.7% decrease from its P889.236 million appropriated budget for 2026. The OVP stated that this budget aims to support the agency’s continued delivery of assistance and services to beneficiaries nationwide. The proposed 2027 budget includes P220.232 million for Personnel Services (PS), P561.651 million for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), and P3.321 million for Capital Outlay. Additionally, P15.544 million is automatically appropriated for the Retirement and Life Insurance Premium (RLIP) of OVP plantilla personnel. The OVP also highlighted its consistent high budget utilization rate, which has averaged over 90% in recent years. As of June 30, the agency reported a 43.07% obligation rate for its 2026 budget, surpassing its 41% target. A significant portion of the MOOE budget will be allocated to fund the agency’s programs that provide assistance to individuals, families, commuters, learners, and communities. Specifically, P193.103 million of the total MOOE budget is earmarked for the procurement of goods and the provision of livelihood assistance grants under the OVP’s MagNegosyo Ta ‘Day program, as well as other assistance and service-oriented initiatives. Key programs identified for funding include the Pagbabago Campaign (targeting 150,000 learners), Disaster Operations (targeting 23,000 individuals/families), R.I.I.C.E. Food Bags (targeting 30,000 individuals/families), Libreng Sakay (targeting 1.2 million commuters), KALUSUGAN Food Truck and Disaster Operations, Wheelchair Distribution, Al-Janazah Kits and Other Supplies, and the You Can Be VP Program. "The OVP remains committed to ensuring that available public funds are directed toward essential services and programs that provide meaningful assistance to Filipinos, while maintaining prudent and responsible spending in the implementation of its mandate," the agency stated. The national budget for 2027 is projected at P7.2 trillion, representing a 6% increase compared to the P6.793 trillion budget in 2026. — RSJ, GMA News