Go to DBM: Use idle funds for key youth programs

SEN. Bong Go urged the National Youth Commission (NYC), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to utilize funds already allocated by Congress, warning against leaving budgets idle while critical youth programs remain unimplemented. Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Youth, raised the issue during the Senate hearing on March 17, citing delays in the rollout of initiatives, particularly those addressing mental health and bullying among the youth. He noted that some programs have been pending for years despite the availability of funding. In response, NYC Chairman Jeff Ortega said limitations during budget deliberations affected the use of additional allocations. Ortega explained that guidance from their agency head restricted spending beyond the commission’s regular budget. He said certain requested funds were earmarked for specific purposes that have yet to be implemented. “We only asked for the budget that was given to us for the NYC Extension Office that we are still not using,” he said. Ortega said he was open to redirecting funds toward more urgent programs, subject to coordination with the Senate and DBM. Go said funds approved by Congress must be put to use, especially when intended for youth development programs. He raised concerns that unutilized funds could be diverted elsewhere without clear public benefit. The DBM acknowledged the concern and said upcoming budget preparations could help support such initiatives.

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