President Rodrigo Duterte signed the P5.024-trillion 2022 national budget into law, Thursday, December 30.
The Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the General Appropriations Act for 2022 on December 15. The budget included at least P50 billion for the Special Risk Allowances of medical frontliners and another P50 billion for COVID-19 booster shots.
The national budget also allocated funds for COVID-19 Laboratory Network Commodities, Department of Health Epidemiology and surveillance program; purchase of drugs, medicines and vaccines that the Food and Drug Administration will approve, and DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program.
According to Malacañang, the budget would also provide aid for the relief and rehabilitation programs for the victims of Typhoon Odette.
“With a new budget, with the fresh sourcing of funds from the NDRRM (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management) funds, the fresh sourcing of funds from the 2022 GAA, plus fresh QRF (Quick Response Fund), we will be able to address the need for construction materials of our countrymen worst-hit by Typhoon Odette,” said acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Duterte also approved the law establishing the Department of Migrant Workers or Republic Act 11641.
Duterte leads commemoration of Rizal Day
President Duterte led the commemoration of Rizal Day at the Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park in Manila on Thursday.
This year’s theme is “Rizal: Para sa Agham, Katotohanan at Buhay” (Rizal: For Science, Truth, and Life). Rizal Day is also commemorated in various monuments nationwide and worldwide.
“Indeed, true heroes give their lives for love of country and of our people. This heroism has been further manifested when the COVID-19 pandemic swept the whole world. People of unmatched boldness and compassion stood and fought against the odds brought by the disease in order to help save lives, even while risking their own,” Duterte said.
“Today, as we celebrate the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal, let us also honor our modern-day heroes who are at the frontlines. Let us emulate his wisdom and courage in our own simple ways as we pursue a better and brighter future for all,” he added.
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