President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the proposed P5.024 trillion 2022 national budget in a ceremony yesterday, December 30, at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace.

Next year’s national budget is 11.5 percent higher than the 2021 budget which amounted to P4.5 trillion.

The Department of Education was allocated with the highest budget amounting to P592.695 billion, while the Department of Health (DOH) was given P188.3 billion.

Said approval of the 2022 GAA ensures significant funding for the pandemic response and recovery efforts and rehabilitation of affected areas in the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

In his speech at the signing ceremony, Duterte appreciated the efforts of Congress as well as other government agencies and civil servants who took part in ensuring the timely passage of the 2022 budget bill.

“Indeed, the passage of the General Appropriations Act of 2022 reflects the healthy collaboration among all branches of government which is crucial to the attainment of our National Development Goals, especially during these trying times,” he stated.

The said signing of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2022 coincided with the Philippines’ commemoration of Rizal Day, where Duterte urged the Filipino people to serve “the country with dedication, integrity, accountability, and by doing what is right and just” as an emulation of Rizal’s heroism.