Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently approved a national budget of P6.793 trillion (about US$115.5 billion) for 2026. Within this, P983.8 billion (around US$16.7 billion) is earmarked for climate-related initiatives. This amount is considerably less than last year’s record allocation of P1.156 trillion (US$19.6 billion).
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) states that this climate funding supports both mitigation and adaptation efforts, such as disaster resilience programs and local government projects through the people’s survival fund. However, environmental advocates are raising concerns. They argue that most of this funding favors infrastructure projects rather than true environmental protection.
The Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC) reported that about 76.7% of the climate budget is directed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), while only around 1% goes to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This shows a clear imbalance, with the DENR receiving just P29.3 billion (US$498.6 million), or only 0.43% of the total budget. In contrast, the DPWH has been allocated P530.9 billion (US$9 billion), making it the second-largest recipient of budget funds.
Experts believe that such a heavy investment in infrastructure could lead to corruption and neglect of environmental issues. The CEC raised alarms about a previous scandal involving DPWH, where billions were alleged to be misused through non-existent projects, inflated costs, and corrupt practices.
Despite criticisms, the DBM continues to prioritize infrastructure, with P1.556 trillion (US$26.46 billion) set aside for ongoing projects that include transportation, power, and health. The DENR’s budget highlights include climate risk management, reforestation, and biodiversity preservation, but funding for these priorities has dropped significantly. For example, the budget for biodiversity protection decreased by 65% from 2025 to 2026.
Pressure is growing around solid waste management, with a mere P349 million (US$5.94 million) allocated to address the mounting garbage crisis in the country. Manila alone generates around 40,000 tonnes of waste daily, facing serious challenges in waste recovery.
Moreover, the P1.24 billion (US$21.09 million) designated for rehabilitating Manila Bay is being criticized as inadequate, given ongoing harmful reclamation projects.
The CEC’s remarks reflect a broader concern about the Philippine government’s commitment to environmental protection. They argue that the budget choices suggest a focus on profit over the pressing needs of communities. As climate challenges intensify, public voices are growing louder, demanding more accountability in how funds are allocated and spent.
For further insights, the CEC’s statement on the budget emphasizes the need for genuine environmental action and better transparency in governmental financial decisions.
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