MANILA — The government is declaring 2026 a critical year to fast-track the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028 and deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said.
The move responds to persistent gaps between public expectations and results on the ground, as well as fiscal constraints that demand a focus on programs with the greatest impact.
During its January 26 meeting chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Economy and Development Council agreed to fast-track initiatives in education, health, agriculture, social protection, job creation, and infrastructure—sectors where citizens have long called for better services.
DEPDev Secretary and Council Vice Chair Arsenio Balisacan said the government is emphasizing execution, transparency, and accountability to meet PDP targets.
“Turning 2026 into a rally point means faster, more visible, and meaningful results. Every peso must translate into better services and improved well-being for Filipinos,” he said.
The government plans to boost education by funding classrooms, vocational laboratories, and scholarships, while health initiatives will upgrade primary care facilities, expand community health worker training, strengthen specialty hospitals, and promote health literacy. Social protection programs, on the other hand, will focus on impartial aid distribution and improved targeting through the National ID and the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).
Agriculture and food security measures include investments in smart farming, logistics, credit and insurance programs, and farm-to-market roads, alongside initiatives like Rice for All and buffer stocking to stabilize prices. Job creation will be guided by the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan 2025–2034, and infrastructure projects will include railways, Ninoy Aquino International Airport rehabilitation, road and bridge upgrades, digital connectivity expansion, and nationwide electrification.
Balisacan stressed that good governance and technology are central to delivering results. Public dashboards tracking PDP progress, risk-based audits, Geographic Information System (GIS)-based tax mapping, and integrated budget planning through the Public Investment Program Online (PIPOL) and Online Submission of Budget Proposal System (OSBPS) systems will ensure funds are spent efficiently, programs remain relevant, and projects are completed on time.
The Philippines’ ASEAN Summit chairship in 2026 also serves as a milestone to showcase national progress, boost tourism and investment, and demonstrate the government’s capacity to deliver high-impact programs.
“To maximize this opportunity, we must fast-track projects, coordinate across agencies, and deliver results that Filipinos can see and feel,” Balisacan noted.