Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

As we, in the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM), push forward into the second half of our term, we are laying a strong foundation for long-term growth. We are creating a legacy of an enabling environment that fosters equitable growth, makes governance transparent and accountable, and builds resilient communities anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.   This, as we continue to ensure that the Philippines remains among the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region, achieves upper middle-income status, and becomes a top investment destination.

Thus, for next year, under the ₱6.793 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), we identified spending priorities to enhance and upgrade infrastructure, including digital and social infrastructure, as well as to ensure affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

Build Better More

We are fast-tracking infrastructure development to create more livable communities, modernize transport systems, and address long-standing challenges. In fact, we allocated ₱1.556 trillion for the Build Better More program under the FY 2026 NEP, which is five percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), aligned with our target infrastructure spending of five to six percent of our GDP. In line with PBBM's 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA), we will ensure that the welfare and safety of our people are at the heart of these projects. 

We are prioritizing 54 infrastructure flagship projects, including the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge Project [₱27.9 billion]; Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (Project (₱22.9 billion); Phase IV of the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project (₱7.4 billion); Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project (₱4.8 billion); and the Cebu-Mactan Bridge and Coastal Road Construction Project (₱3.7 billion).

The Department of Transportation will receive ₱197.3 billion, with its Rail Transport Program being allocated ₱124.1 billion; the Public Transport Modernization Program, ₱1.2 billion; the Land Public Transportation Program, ₱5.7 billion; the Aviation Infrastructure Program, ₱6.2 billion; and its Maritime Infrastructure Program, ₱8.5 billion. Meanwhile, ₱69 million will go to the Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathways Program to promote active mobility, and ₱89 million to the EDSA Busway Project to alleviate traffic congestion along EDSA.

Further, a total of ₱16.5 billion under the Basic Infrastructure Program will fund the construction of roads and bridges leading to public facilities, such as multi-purpose buildings for social services, while the Convergence and Special Support Program was allocated ₱167.8 billion to improve access to transportation and promote local development in target areas.

 Meanwhile, we, at the Department of Budget and Management, fully support the President's directive for the Department of Public Works and Highways to conduct an extensive review of its proposed budget for FY 2026. With the strong mandate from PBBM and our shared commitment to transparency and accountability, I am positive that the review will be exhaustive.

Digital infrastructure

Under the FY 2026 President's Budget, the Department of Information and Communications Technology was allocated ₱18.9 billion to bridge the digital divide and unlock technology's full potential to propel our economy. In addition, the National Broadband Program (NBP) is set to receive ₱1.5 billion; the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project, together with the World Bank, will receive ₱4.8 billion as additional funds for the construction of the national fiber backbone, a part of the NBP, to achieve nationwide connectivity; and the National Government Portal will receive ₱303 million.

Further, the Free Public Internet Access Program was allotted ₱5 billion to fund the construction of additional access sites in public places and SUCs, as well as the procurement of fiber optic cables and mobile LTE units, to provide free Wi-Fi access for all.

Social infrastructure

To provide an environment conducive to learning, we are allocating ₱28.1 billion for the Basic Education Facilities for the construction/rehabilitation of classrooms; procurement of furniture and fixtures; and construction of medium-rise school buildings, priority school health facilities, and library hubs, among others. 

We have also earmarked ₱14.5 billion for the Health Facilities Enhancement Program to ensure better access to quality health services. Meanwhile, the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga, will receive ₱496 million next year to expand medical assistance to OFWs by increasing its bed capacity and establishing treatment facilities, including the Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center. 

Energy

In line with the Administration's push to expand renewable energy systems and scale up energy efficiency and conservation, the Department of Energy will receive ₱3.8 billion under the FY 2026 NEP. Additionally, ₱500 million is allocated for the agency's Total Electrification Project, ₱6.4 billion for the National Rural Electrification Program to achieve the electrification of 93,783 households, and ₱1.6 billion for the Missionary Electrification program to complete transmission and distribution lines and substation facilities, among others.  These programs will bring us closer to achieving the target of 100 percent electrification by 2028, as PBBM promised in his SONA.

Beyond budget, the PBBM Administration is committed to creating an enabling environment through the FY 2026 NEP by prioritizing infrastructure to enhance access to vital services and strengthening connectivity and mobility that support our people as they conduct various activities in their daily lives. By doing so, we nurture and empower, bridge inequalities, and, ultimately, ensure the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of our nation. Through these, we are building a legacy of a strong and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas.

(Amenah F. Pangandaman is the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.)