The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the issuance of a PHP16.89 billion Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) covering the funding requirements for the increase in military personnel’s subsistence allowance.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the release of funds in accordance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to retroactively increase the daily subsistence allowance of officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement on Wednesday, Pangandaman thanked Marcos for his initiative to raise the subsistence allowance of AFP officers and personnel.

“Malaking tulong ito sa pamilya ng ating mga kasundaluhan. Imagine, 2015 pa o isang dekada na po noong huli silang nakatanggap ng pagtaas ng allowance (This is a big help to the families of our soldiers. Imagine, it was in 2015, or a decade ago, when their allowance was last increased),” she said.

“Matagal na pong inaaral ang adjustment sa subsistence allowance ng ating mga military personnel (The adjustment of the subsistence allowance of our military personnel has been under study for a long time).”

Under Executive Order (EO) 84, signed on March 14, Marcos raised the daily subsistence allowance of all officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP from PHP150 to PHP350.

The PHP200 increase will be given retroactively beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

The increase will benefit the trainees and probationary 2nd lieutenants or ensigns undergoing military training, Citizen Military Training cadets on summer camp training and reserve officers, enlisted reservists undergoing training and assembly or mobilization test, Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit members, and cadets.

According to EO 84, the funds needed to implement the increase will come from the available appropriations of the AFP under the 2025 General Appropriations Act and other funding sources that may be identified by the DBM.

The DBM said the total requirement for the purpose would be charged against the available Personnel Services appropriation of concerned agencies under the AFP, including the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Naval Forces, Philippine Marine Corps, and General Headquarters. (PNA)