Advocates demand increased funding for reproductive health, essential social services in the 2025 national budget

6 September, QUEZON CITY — In a consultative forum jointly organized by the Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) and Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), key stakeholders gathered to discuss the proposed 2025 national budget, with a focus on allocation for reproductive health and other vital programs for women, youth, and children.

During the forum, representatives from national government agencies, offices of members of the House of Representatives, non-government organizations, youth organizations, and community-based organizations worked together to formulate strategies to amplify the demand for ample budget allocation for sexual and reproductive health and rights-related services and other essential social services.

PLCPD Vice Chairperson for Luzon and Gabriela Partylist Representative Arlene Brosas presented an analysis of the proposed budget for sectors such as education, health, housing, agriculture, industry, and labor, among others. She also compared the 2024 budget allocation with the proposed 2025 allocation for various programs and services for women and children.

In his opening remarks, PLCPD Executive Director Romeo Dongeto emphasized the importance of closely monitoring the budget allocations for such programs.

“These allocations are crucial for the full and meaningful implementation of the Responsible Parenting and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law and other related SRHR laws and policies. At its core, it’s about fulfilling every Filipino’s right to health and well-being,” explained Mr. Dongeto.

Budget hearings in Congress are currently underway, and advocates commit to ensuring that there is continued engagement to push for an increased budget for the health and wellbeing of Filipinos during the ongoing committee-level deliberations and the upcoming plenary discussions in the coming months.