BUDGETARY support for state-run firms grew by nearly 19 percent in the first quarter, Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) data showed, with irrigation-related outlays accounting for the largest share.
Subsidies given to government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) increased to P26.843 billion based on the Treasury’s latest cash operations report, up 18.8 percent from P22.589 billion a year earlier.
March saw a sharp acceleration to P18.15 billion from the P5.33 billion recorded in February and the year-earlier P10.63 billion.
Major non-financial government corporations accounted for the largest share of first-quarter subsidies at P14.697 billion, up 12 percent from P13.306 billion a year earlier.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) was again the biggest recipient for the period, having received P6.926 billion but down from P8.034 billion a year earlier.
Following were the National Food Authority (P3.871 billion) and the National Electrification Administration (P3.022 billion).
Subsidies to other government corporations, meanwhile, climbed 26.9 percent to P11.771 billion from P9.274 billion, with Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. receiving the biggest share of P2.5 billion.
Also securing substantial allocations were the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (P2.084 billion) and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (P1.763 billion).
Subsidies for government financial institutions (GFIs) remained unchanged at P375 million as of end-March, comprising the amount given to Small Business Corp. (SB Corp.) at the start of the year.
The first-quarter GFI total was higher than the P189 million recorded in January-March 2025, which also all went to SB Corp.