MANILA -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently issued National Budget Circular (NBC) no. 587 to set the guidelines on the release of funds for this year, following the enactment of the FY 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA). 

Out of the P5.024 trillion FY 2022 national budget, P2.893 trillion is allocated for government agencies for their respective programs and projects while the remaining P2.130 trillion is set for Special Purpose Funds (P457.32 billion) and Automatic Appropriations (P1.673 trillion). 

Specifically, out of the P2.893 trillion agency specific budget under the FY 2022 GAA, P2.395 trillion or 82.78 percent have already been released to the line departments through the General Appropriations Act as an Allotment Order (GAAAO).  The immediate release of allotments through the GAAAO is paramount in the timely execution of government programs, activities and projects (PAPs), especially for those related to healthcare, transport, and education, as this will allow agencies to immediately engage with bidders, enter into contracts and agreements, complete procurement and begin implementation. 

Meanwhile, the remaining P498.21 billion (17.22 percent) is for later release (FLR) to government agencies through a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO), subject to the submission of documentary requirements from agencies. Upon receipt of the said requirements, this shall be evaluated by the DBM based on existing budgeting rules and regulations. 

All agency-specific appropriations shall be available for release, obligation and disbursement up to December 31, 2023 except for Personnel Services which shall be available for release, obligation and disbursement only until December 31, 2022. 

The DBM, with the cooperation of other government institutions, shall continue to fulfill its mandate to ensure the efficient and effective use of government resources to deliver quality public service to Filipinos. 

For more information, NBC no. 587 may be accessed through the DBM website: https://www.dbm.gov. ph/index.php/339-national- budget-circular-2022/2060- national-budget-circular-no- 587 (DBM)