THE LOCAL government of Manila has earmarked more than P750 million for the education sector in its P25-billion 2025 budget.

“For teachers’ incentives, we’ve allocated P297 million, P29 million for SPES-SIP, and P118.79 million for preschool programs. Additionally, P459.35 million is set for Universidad De Manila and P344.155 million for Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila,” Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said.

“With a projected increase in revenues, we are able to allocate P10 billion for social services and P5.5 billion for public services in the 2025 budget, without taking on new massive loans,” the mayor explained.

However, she highlighted that the city is still paying off P17.8 billion in infrastructure loans incurred by the previous administration.

“We remain committed to completing vital infrastructure projects as part of our moral obligation to the residents of Manila,” she emphasized, noting that the largest portion of the social services budget — P1.78 billion — is allocated for senior citizens’ welfare.