THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BUDGET FOR 2011

“The call of our times is for reform: to make this possible, we are submitting a budget and corresponding resources to the programs and policies that make real the changes we need to revitalize our economy, while leaving no sector behind, in summary, a budget biased for the poor and vulnerable.”                                                                                                                                     -President Noynoy Aquino

For the first time in over a decade, we have a budget passed on time. Last August 10, 2010, President Noynoy Aquino (P-Noy) has approved the budget of P1.645 trillion for 2011. The Senate and House of Representatives approved the budget on December 13 and 14, respectively. And before 2010 ended, P-Noy signed the budget bill into a law. Considering Arroyo’s administration, the country for several years operated under a reenacted budget either for a short period or an entire year due to Congress’ failure to ratify the budget bill or Arroyo’s failure to sign the ratified bill before the end of the year. This is certainly an improvement with the way the executive and legislative branches of the government are working together.

The 2011 budget is known as the Reform Budget. According to Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, it reflects P-Noy’s commitment to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance.

Since the budget was passed on time, the government can start with its infrastructure and social projects as early as the first quarter of 2011.

Still, the priority of the 2011 budget is education. But as compared to other ASEAN countries, Philippines has the smallest education budget. The increase in the allocated budget for education will allow the officials to hire 10,000 new teachers.

Also, the controversial project of DSWD which is the Conditional Cash Transfer Program amounting to P21.9 billion was given a chance by the bicameral committee for it was passed without cuts.

The budget also includes additional allocation for the Office of the Vice President, Senate and House of Representatives.

We can see the commitment of the Aquino Administration in serving the people. P-Noy assured that his administration will do everything to effect the changes it wants to achieve.