Call for Proposals: Supports Priority Development Programs and Projects (Philippines)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Program Convergence Budgeting for the Sustainable Development Goals (PCB-SDG) call for proposals supports priority programs, activities and projects (PAPs) that contribute to the Philippines’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Funding focuses on education, health, social protection, food security and connectivity, with proposals required to align with national development and investment priorities.

About the PCB-SDG Framework

The PCB-SDG Framework provides the financing structure for programs, activities and projects supported through the 20% SDG allocation from excise tax revenues collected from alcohol products, heated tobacco products and vapor products. The allocation is established under Section 9 of Republic Act No. 11467. The framework is intended to direct available resources toward priority interventions that contribute to sustainable development outcomes and national development priorities. Key Priority Areas Proposed programs, activities and projects must fall within one or more of the five priority areas. Education Projects may support interventions that contribute to improved educational access, quality, participation and outcomes. Health The framework supports priority health-related interventions that contribute to SDG outcomes and national development priorities. Social Protection Projects may address social protection needs and strengthen support systems for vulnerable and underserved populations. Food Security Proposals may focus on improving food security and contributing to sustainable and resilient food systems. Connectivity Projects may support connectivity-related interventions that contribute to development, access to services and inclusive growth. Purpose of the Revised Guidelines The revised PCB-SDG guidelines are designed to improve how SDG convergence funding is allocated and monitored.

Key changes and objectives include:

Expanding the scope of eligible implementing agencies. Prioritising PAPs within the five key development areas. Strengthening alignment with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) Midterm Update. Improving consistency with the Public Investment Program (PIP). Strengthening monitoring and reporting of the 20% SDG allocation. Providing flexibility to develop an appropriate point-based system for proposal evaluation. Improving coordination between SDG priorities and government investment planning. Funding Source PCB-SDG funding comes from the 20% SDG allocation of excise tax revenues generated from: Alcohol products. Heated tobacco products. Vapor products. Excise tax collections beginning in fiscal year 2023 are intended to support identified SDG convergence programs. The PAPs covered by the guidelines are to be implemented beginning FY 2025. Who Is Eligible? The revised implementation guidelines cover a broad range of government entities.

Potential implementing entities include:

National Government Agencies (NGAs). Government departments. Bureaus. Offices and instrumentalities. Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs). State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). Members of the Constitutional Fiscal Autonomy Group. Local Government Units (LGUs). However, the entities specifically identified as eligible to submit proposals include: National Government Agencies, including departments, bureaus, offices and instrumentalities. Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations. Members of the Constitutional Fiscal Autonomy Group. State Universities and Colleges. Applicants should distinguish between entities covered by the implementation guidelines and entities specifically identified as eligible proposal submitters. What Projects Are Eligible? To qualify for PCB-SDG funding, a proposed program, activity or project must satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements.

The proposal must:

Respond to the intended outcomes of the Sustainable Development Goals. Align with the priorities and strategies of the PDP Midterm Update. Fall within one or more of the five PCB-SDG priority areas. Be included in the Public Investment Program (PIP). Align with and be included in the agency’s Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP), where applicable under the guidelines. These requirements are intended to ensure that PCB-SDG resources support projects that are already connected to government development, investment and information systems planning. Alignment With the Philippine Development Plan Alignment with the Philippine Development Plan Midterm Update is an important requirement. Proposed PAPs should demonstrate how their objectives, activities and expected results contribute to the country’s current development priorities and strategies. Applicants should therefore clearly establish the connection between: The proposed PAP must be included in the Public Investment Program (PIP). This requirement helps ensure that PCB-SDG funding is directed toward projects that are formally recognised within the government’s public investment planning framework. Applicants should verify the project’s PIP status before preparing their proposal. Alignment With the Information Systems Strategic Plan Proposed PAPs must also be aligned with and included in the agency’s Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) where required. This requirement strengthens consistency between SDG-funded activities and an agency’s information systems and digital development priorities. How the PCB-SDG Funding Process Works Applicants should approach the call as a government programme and investment-planning exercise rather than as a standalone project grant.

Step 1: Identify the Development Need

Define the development problem that the proposed PAP intends to address. The need should relate clearly to one or more of the five priority areas: Explain which SDG outcomes the project will support and how the proposed activities will contribute to measurable development results.

Step 3: Check PDP Alignment

Review the PDP Midterm Update and demonstrate how the PAP supports its pr