The Department of Energy (DOE) is aiming for a larger budget next year to support its electrification initiatives and policy research, stated Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla.
In a report by the Philippine Star, Lotilla said that they are seeking a bigger budget to address the department’s needs, including the government’s total electrification program.
The General Appropriations Act of 2024 has allocated P1.66 billion for the DOE, designated for operations and national and regional planning programs.
Additionally, approximately P896 million is earmarked for energy resource development programs, pending a special budget submission.
While the department has always sought a bigger budget, financial limitations have limited DOE’s budget to over Php 2 billion.
Lotilla mentioned that an increased budget could support expanding rooftop solar projects for government agencies, reducing their grid dependence and power costs.
The extra funds could also facilitate policy studies to create market mechanisms.
During a budget hearing last September, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian criticized the limited budget for the DOE and the Energy Regulatory Commission, which together received just over P3 billion.
The Department of Education received the highest budget this year at P924.7 billion, followed by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Health, with P822.2 billion and P306.1 billion, respectively.
The largest portion of the approved P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024 was allocated to social and economic services sectors, aligning with the Marcos administration’s eight-point socioeconomic agenda.
