Batangas Rep. Leviste wants DPWH savings for Tulong Dunong program

Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste proposed reallocating savings from the DPWH's P880 billion proposed budget for 2026 to fund the Tulong Dunong program.

Leviste suggested this during the budget hearing for the Commission on Higher Education's (CHED) proposed P33 billion budget for 2026.

He stated that if his district forgoes P2 billion in road project funding, a 15% reduction in the unit cost of these projects could provide slots for every qualified college student in the 1st District of Batangas.

This reallocation would cover an estimated P300 million needed for his district's students.

CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis expressed willingness to support the program if a funding source is identified.

Earlier, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. announced that there would be no budget for flood control projects in the DPWH's 2026 budget.