GOCC subsidies hit P26.8 billion in first quarter

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May 24, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Subsidies given to state-run firms grew by 18.8 percent in the first quarter, with the bulk going to the national irrigation agency, according to the Bureau of the Treasury.

Latest data from the Treasury showed that subsidies to government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) increased to P26.84 billion in the January to March period compared to P22.59 billion in the same quarter of 2025.

The government grants subsidies to GOCCs to cover operational expenses not supported by their own revenues.

During the period, the budgetary support for major non-financial government corporations increased by 12 percent to P14.7 billion or 54.8 percent of the total.

Subsidies for other government corporations went up by 26.9 percent to P11.77 billion from P9.27 billion.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) received the biggest subsidy at P6.93 billion, accounting for 26 percent of the total.

Other top subsidy beneficiaries include the National Food Authority with P3.87 billion, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) with P3.02 billion, the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) with P2.5 billion, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority with P2.08 billion (BCDA) and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority with P1.76 billion.

On the other hand, Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority received the smallest support with P12 million.

For March alone, subsidies jumped by 71 percent to P18.15 billion from P10.64 billion in the same month last year.

Data showed NIA received the biggest support in March with P4.06 billion, followed by NEA with P3.03 billion, PSALM with P2.5 billion and BCDA with P2.08 billion.