DBM Press Release
30 March 2023

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman emphasized that the 2023 national budget is aligned with the Marcos Jr. administration's socioeconomic objectives, including the development of the country's digital and physical infrastructure.

She made the statement during the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Philippines Conference on 29 March 2023.

The Budget Secretary highlighted the country’s Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) as a tool to achieve the administration's socioeconomic goals.

"To ensure that we do not neglect socioeconomic objectives even as we achieve high-growth economic performance and meet the targets of the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, the Administration’s priorities have been aligned with the 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028," Secretary Pangandaman said.

The 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda include objectives, such as food security, improved transportation, affordable and clean energy, enhanced health care and social services, safe face-to-face education, sound fiscal management, and bureaucratic efficiency.

Secretary Pangandaman shared the administration's priority measures as provided in the country's national budget, including the allocation of the highest budget to the Education and Health sectors.

She likewise laid out the administration's physical, social, digital, and green infrastructure investments, as well as the utilization of Public-Private Partnerships in bridging the country's infrastructure gap and adopting climate change solutions.

"The bulk of the infrastructure budget is intended for the development of physical infrastructures. This includes Php 478.7 billion for roads, Php 283.2 billion for flood control infrastructures, Php 164.1 billion for local infrastructure development, Php 48.1 billion for buildings, and Php 40.1 billion for railways," Secretary Pangandaman said.

Aside from these initiatives, Secretary Pangandaman noted that the administration also has legislative reforms to promote transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness, including the implementation of the Digital Transformation Roadmap.

The event was attended by government leaders, industry experts, thought leaders, and creative innovators.

"We hope for your continued support so that together, we can realize our Medium-Term Fiscal Framework Infrastructure goals towards a truly inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous economy," Secretary Pangandaman concluded.

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