Government sets 2026 as rally point to hasten development, restore public trust

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January 30, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Economy and Development (ED) Council chaired by President Marcos has set 2026 as a rally point to fast-track the implementation of its overall development blueprint and to restore public confidence.

In a statement, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) said the ED Council agreed to push for accelerated implementation of key programs in education, health, agriculture and food security, social protection, job creation and infrastructure to achieve objectives under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2023 to 2028.

“Turning 2026 into a rally point means the entire government must deliver faster, more visible and more meaningful results. Every peso must translate into better services and improved well-being for Filipinos,” DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

“With less than three years left in the PDP’s implementation period, tighter prioritization and stronger coordination between planning and budgeting are essential so that the Filipino people feel the benefits of these transformative projects,” he said further.

This year is also a crucial one for the Philippines as it serves as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Balisacan emphasized that the Philippines’ ASEAN Summit chairship this year presents a unique opportunity to showcase national progress and strengthen the country’s position as a top tourism and investment destination.

As the government aims to enhance delivery of public services, DEPDev also emphasized the need to modernize governance systems to restore public trust.

Revelations of flood control irregularities last year have undermined public confidence.

DEPDev said the government aims to strengthen service delivery by institutionalizing technology-enabled governance mechanisms in planning, budgeting, implementation, as well as monitoring and evaluation.

“Transparency and accountability must be embedded in core government processes. Technology can play a central role – through public dashboards that track the PDP and project performance and through modernized monitoring and evaluation systems, particularly in infrastructure agencies,” Balisacan said.

To improve the management of public funds, DEPDev recommends the conduct of regular monitoring and continuous updating of public service and revenue performance indicators.

To strengthen the link between planning and budgeting, DEPDev said the government will leverage the Public Investment Program Online (PIPOL) System and the Department of Budget and Management’s Online Submission of Budget Proposals System (OSBPS) in preparing next year’s national budget.

“Integrating the PIPOL and OSBPS will reinforce the alignment of spending priorities and increase transparency in resource allocation—elements that are so critical to project and program responsiveness as well as completion and delivery,” Balisacan said.

In line with the push to strengthen accountability, the ED Council also expressed support for priority legislative reforms under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, including the Anti-Dynasty Bill and Party-List System Reform Act.

During the meeting, the ED Council also approved the National Digital Connectivity Plan 2028, aimed at providing reliable and resilient digital connectivity nationwide.

Under the plan, the government will work with the private sector and adopt a multimodal approach that integrates fiber, wireless, satellite and submarine cable systems for improved digital connectivity.