Name: Ray Cris A.

Temario, I MAED – EDM

Subject: EdM 103
Professor: Dr. Celso G. Casamayor Jr.
Term and Date: 1st Term, February 16, 2024

ACTIVITY 1: Utilizing the documents of information regarding the 2024 National

People's Budget, write a Four - pages (4) Reflections, Insights, and
Recommendations. Each part must be of at least 1 page each.

I. REFLECTION
The national budget of the country is an essential aspect towards sustaining the

needs of the Filipino and which outlines the government's priorities, allocations, and

plans for the fiscal year. The proposed 2024 national budget of the Philippines holds

particular significance for economic, social, and infrastructural development amidst

various challenges, problems, and issues. I aim to introspect upon the important and

significant aspects of the national budget for 2024, exploring its implications,

contributions, and potential impact on the economy towards progress.

The national budget for 2024 is a thorough financial plan amounting to Php5.768

trillion that aims to meet the country's varied priorities in different sectors and

departments. It highlighted sectors such as education, healthcare, defense, social

services, and infrastructure, demonstrating the government's commitment to promote

sustainable development and inclusive improvement and growth. The budget for 2024

places a strong focus on investing in human resource capital by raising funds for

healthcare, education, and social services. The government shows that it understands

the value and importance of an equipped and healthy manpower in advancing social

welfare and economic growth by giving these industries top priority. A significant portion

of the proposed budget is also set aside for infrastructure projects, such as utilities,

farm-to-market roads, bridges, and transportation. Improving trade and commerce,

increasing connectivity, and raising the general standard of living for Filipinos especially

those living in rural areas, all depend on this investment. Aside from giving priorities on

sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and defense, it is also a

commendable act of the Philippine government to allocate funds for social services and

welfare initiatives targeting to uplift the lives and morale of the people who are the least,
lost, and last. This demonstrates the government's dedication to inclusive development,

social justice, and the reduction of poverty.

II. INSIGHT

I carefully considered the priorities of the proposed national budget for 2024, its

effects, addressed both domestic and foreign problems and challenges, and searched

for chances for country’s economic growth. The 2024 budget strikes a balance between

solving pressing socio-economic needs and dealing through economic uncertainties.

The global pandemic taught us that economic growth is not always certain, so it is

important that our government must create proactive measures to lessen the effects of

various economic challenges while promoting the resiliency and adaptability.

Economic uncertainties are a crucial role towards country’s progress. Then a

careful plan in allocating funds is necessary in accordance with the equitable needs of

the specific sector. Although I am not in the position to assess how the government

distributes funds to various sectors, I always consider the potential benefits as well as

the drawbacks. There is a commendable move on social welfare programs to combat

poverty, improve healthcare, and educate the public. These allocations of budget

demonstrate a dedication to poverty alleviation and human capital development, both of

which are essential for promoting inclusive growth, but we cannot deny the fact that

there are challenges in ensuring equitable distribution of benefits, particularly to

marginalized and vulnerable populations. Putting it in the current context, the Davao

Region is currently suffering from terrible natural disasters that have resulted in

fatalities. As of February 16, 2024, MDRRMO Maco, Davao de Oro, states that there

are 96 fatalities, 32 injuries, and 18 missing people. The aftermath of this natural

disaster needs enough healthcare, shelter, and food services for the evacuees to

sustain their daily needs until recovery. Without adequate mechanisms for monitoring

and evaluation of the allocated funds for unforeseen tragedies, there is a risk of

resources being misallocated worsening existing socio-economic challenges. Local

Government Units must always be ready with what is unexpected.

A portion of the budget is designated for infrastructure development, healthcare,

and education. It is good that these sectors are receiving so much attention because

they not only foster economic growth, job creation, and holistic progress, but they also
address issues with healthcare, illiteracy, and infrastructure deficiencies that limit

development and restrict access to essential services in some rural areas.

III. RECOMMENDATION

The 2024 budget represents the hope for the Philippines and its people as we

continue to tackle the challenges for progress. It's a responsible, open, and transparent

budget. We, Filipinos have an opportunity to understand about the national budget. It

allows citizens to understand how their taxes are being spent. Examining the provided

budget documents makes it easier to point out sectors which needs equitable resources

for increased efficiency such as social welfare, healthcare, infrastructure, and

education.

The national budget grew 9.7% annually from Php5.268 trillion in 2023 to

Php5.768 trillion in 2024, fulfilling the well-known tagline "Bagong Pilipinas." The

government sets portion with specified amount for this year's national budget because

we still have hopes of becoming a great nation. This entails that there will be increased

demands for openness, responsibility, and public involvement in the process. The 2024

national budget is for the people then I should strongly recommend placing a strong

focus on prioritizing the needs and welfare of the people first, allocating an equitable

portion to the education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors.

Having worked in the field of education for more than 4 years, I have to admit

that there is always room for improvement, especially in public schools. Improving

access to high-quality education is prerequisite for improving human resources and

promoting sustained economic growth. There can never be a worthwhile learning if the

school environment is not conducive for a meaningful learning process. Funds will be

allocated to improve educational infrastructure, modernize educational technologies and

resources, and trainings for teachers for professional growth. Through these

government efforts, students will be empowered and equipped given the necessary

tools they need to succeed in the real world and be prepared to face challenges.

Allocating funds for courses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology may also

encourage creativity and contribute to the development of a competitive workforce.

Holistic development of our country holds high hopes to the Filipinos. There will

be no productive and improved Philippines if people are not mentally and physically
able. Our government must take initiative to provide high-quality healthcare if we want

to maintain population health and productivity. The government may enhance

healthcare systems, provide access to necessary treatments, and raise the standard of

care by providing adequate funding for healthcare specially to those marginalized and

vulnerable Filipino citizens. In addition, investments in medical equipment, workforce

development, and healthcare infrastructure can not only address common health issues

and reduce healthcare inconsistencies but also enhance the capacity to effectively

respond to public health challenges, including pandemics.

I must say that external development of our country is also a top priority. I am

referring to the country’s infrastructure investments. Infrastructure has a multiplier effect

on the economy, and this is the backbone of a thriving society. Improved transportation

networks, including farm-to-market roads, bridges, and ports, reduce transportation

costs, enhance connectivity between regions, and facilitate the movement of goods and

services. This in turn encourages commerce, potential investments, and boosts

economic activity. Furthermore, as it indicates a favorable business set up, modern

infrastructure draws in international investment, supporting economic growth and

generating jobs for the Filipinos.

Improving public health outcomes and quality of life need access to basic

infrastructure, such as clean water and sanitary facilities. Rural electrification initiatives

provide light to isolated communities, empowering locals and facilitating business

ventures after dark. In addition, in the face of climate change and natural disasters,

resilient infrastructure is important for safeguarding lives and livelihoods. If our

government could allocate funds towards climate-resilient infrastructure projects, such

as flood control systems, seawalls, and resilient housing, then we can mitigate the risks

posed by extreme weather events and build a more sustainable future.

Furthermore, the government may provide the opportunities for sustainable

development, enable people to apply their full capacities, and promote inclusive growth

that benefits all sectors of society by giving top priority to resilient infrastructure,

affordable healthcare, and quality education. The people's needs and welfare are given

priority in the 2024 national budget, ensuring their overall prosperity and well-being.
IV. CONCLUSION

The data pertaining to the Philippines' 2024 national budget is important for

country’s economic progress, empowering Filipino citizens, and practicing good and

transparent government. The 2024 national budget is the hope for the Philippines as we

continue to face challenges to strive for a better country. Analyzing the allocations,

goals, and priorities of the budget, it acts as a road plan for social welfare, infrastructural

development, and economic prosperity with reasonable amounts going into different

sectors and departments to function effectively.

In my subjective opinion, equitable funding is needed for all the departments

specially to these three sectors. First, the education field, the Philippines continues to

view education as an important investment, and the 2024 national budget shows this

commitment with enough resources going toward expanding access to high-quality

education. Budget is set aside for building schools, employing teachers and non-

teaching personnel, supplying instructional resources, and improving learning

environments. Second, the healthcare sector, based on the documents of the 2024

national budget, a Php204.6 billion is being allocated to the health sector for improving

the infrastructure of healthcare, increasing access to basic services, and strengthen

manpower in this field. Investments in healthcare not only raise a well-being population

but also increase economic productivity. Third is the infrastructure, its development has

a big impact on economic growth, which is why the 2024 budget gives investments in

transportation, energy, water, and communication infrastructure. Enhancing

connectivity, facilitating trade and commerce, and promoting regional economic activity

are the goals of these programs. Initiatives for infrastructure development also foster

local economic growth and create employment opportunities, especially in marginalized

areas.

The Philippine government's commitment to improve economic development,

social welfare, and inclusive growth is reflected in the 2024 national budget. The budget

attempts to improve the lives of all Filipinos by addressing important societal needs and
making targeted investments to infrastructure, social services, healthcare, and

education. Careful planning, execution, accountability, and transparency are necessary

to realize the budget's full potential to guarantee that resources are used efficiently for

the benefit of the Filipino citizen.