Senate finance panel endorses P28 billion DENR budget

The Senate Finance Subcommittee has endorsed for plenary consideration the proposed P28.04 billion budget of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its attached agencies for 2027. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who presided over the hearing, called for the department's increased funding to help counter a looming super El Niño.

During the budget hearing, DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said P20.62 billion of the proposed allocation would fund the department’s central office, staff bureaus, regional offices and other smaller offices.

The remaining P7.42 billion would be distributed among the DENR’s attached agencies, including P3.1 billion for the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), P1.98 billion for the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), and P1.89 billion for the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) would receive P284.35 million, while the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) would be allocated P149.3 million.

Hontiveros urged the DENR to strengthen its preparedness and emergency response measures amid the threat of a super El Niño that could trigger widespread drought.

“Hindi pwedeng taumbayan lang ang mag-aadjust (the public shouldn’t be the only ones expected to adjust). DENR must step up to a historic challenge. It will be a critical and leading agency in the government’s response to this looming risk of widespread drought," Hontiveros said.

"The agency’s work will have real, tangible implications for the economy, health and daily living conditions of millions,” she added.

Hontiveros said the department’s budget must provide sufficient resources for drought preparedness and emergency interventions to cushion the impact on households and communities.

“Filipino people expect agility in the response and fitness for purpose of the budgets of frontline agencies such as the DENR. Its budget should reflect this," she said.

"Dapat buhusan ng pondo ang paghahanda at emergency response sa paparating na tagtuyot para maibsan ang dagok nito sa bawat Pilipino,” Hontiveros added.

She also called for investments in small water impoundment systems that can capture and store rainwater for use during dry periods.

Hontiveros further urged the government to explore alternative sources of potable water, including atmospheric water stations developed by the Local Water Utilities Administration.