Next year's social expenditure totals S/81.5 billion (about US$24.7 billion) and accounts for 48% of the 2019 Public Budget (over S/168 billion or US$50.6 billion), according to the Government's data submitted to Congress.
The social spending covers resources oriented to education; health; women; frosts and cold spells; sanitation; social welfare and protection; as well as reconstruction.
Education
Education —the most important item— accounts for 18.22% of next year's public budget, that is to say S/30.6 billion (about US$9.28 billion).
Health
With S/18.2 billion (US$5.52 billion) in health spending, this portion of the budget places emphasis on the reduction of anemia in children.
Reconstruction
The budget allocated for reconstruction amounts to S/7 billion or US$2.12 billion (4.16% of the total), of which S/1.68 billion (around US$511 million) will be directly helping to secure a timely execution of projects.
Violence against women
As for the amount to combat violence against women, a S/271 million (about US$82 million) increase is recorded in 2019 —over the 2018 figure of S/164 million (US$49.7 million)— thus totaling S/435 million or US$131.8 million (0.26% of the budget).
Frosts and cold spells
On the other hand, there is a 10-fold rise in budget allocations to refurbish households and to deal with frosts and cold spells, from S/23 million —US$6.9 million— in 2018 to S/241 million —US$73 million (0.14% of the budget)— in 2019.
Sanitation
Likewise, the budget bill for 2019 includes S/5.37 million or US$1.62 million (3.20% of the total) for sanitation, up 25% compared to last year.
Social welfare and protection
Finally, the budget includes the allocation of S/19.6 million or US$5.95 million (11.68% of the total) for social welfare and protection.
(END) RGP/JJN/RMB
Published: 8/31/2018