The proposed 2025 national budget, recently ratified by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, highlights a commitment to addressing the nation’s pressing needs despite limited resources, according to Senator Grace Poe.

“Working with finite resources to fund infinite needs is not an easy choice,” Poe said in a statement on Monday, emphasizing the challenging decisions involved in allocating the budget.

“What we have reflects the careful decisions made within the constraints we face,” she added.

She assured that the 2025 GAA seeks to balance the competing demands of various sectors while ensuring that critical areas, including education, receive the necessary funding to advance development and inclusivity.

Poe made the assurance amid criticisms that the 2025 GAB ( General Appropriations Bill) prioritized infrastructure and social assistance more than education.

The chairperson of the Senate finance panel reiterated the government’s commitment to education as a priority sector, noting that the 2025 budget includes increases for both students and teachers.

These adjustments, she said, aim to strengthen the education system and ensure the welfare of educators and learners alike.

Poe also acknowledged President Marcos’ authority over the budget, respecting the prerogative while underlining the importance of collaboration in achieving the nation’s goals. (PNA)