photo courtesy: OVP
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – The Office of the Vice President (OVP) is seeking P785.204 million for its 2027 budget to continue providing assistance and other services to beneficiaries nationwide.
The proposed allocation, included in the 2027 National Expenditure Program and endorsed by the Department of Budget and Management, is 11.7 percent lower than the P889.236 million appropriated for the OVP in 2026.
Despite the reduction, the OVP said in a statement on Wednesday that the proposed funding will cover its personnel needs, day-to-day operations, and priority programs.
The proposed budget includes P220.232 million for Personnel Services, P561.651 million for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses, and P3.321 million for Capital Outlay.
Another P15.544 million will be automatically appropriated for the Retirement and Life Insurance Premiums of OVP plantilla personnel.
The agency said it has maintained an average budget utilization rate of more than 90 percent in recent years.
As of June 30, it had obligated 43.07 percent of its 2026 budget, exceeding its 41-percent target.
Much of the proposed MOOE allocation will go toward programs that provide direct assistance to individuals, families, commuters, students, and communities.
Of the P561.651 million MOOE budget, P193.103 million is intended for the purchase of goods and livelihood assistance grants through the OVP’s MagNegosyo Ta ‘Day program, along with other assistance and service initiatives.
The proposed funding will also support the Pagbabago Campaign, which aims to reach 150,000 learners, as well as Disaster Operations for 23,000 individuals and families, and R.I.I.C.E. Food Bags for 30,000 individuals and families.
The OVP’s Libreng Sakay program, which targets 1.2 million commuters, is also included in the proposed funding, along with the KALUSUGAN Food Truck and Disaster Operations, wheelchair distribution, Al-Janazah kits and other supplies, and the You Can Be VP Program.
The OVP said the proposed allocation would enable it to maintain its assistance programs and fulfill its operational requirements despite the lower budget.
The agency also emphasized its commitment to ensuring that public funds are used for essential services and programs while maintaining responsible spending in carrying out its mandate.
