President Marcos has praised the country’s military and uniformed personnel (MUP) as the nation’s firm anchor during recent disasters and security threats, saying the upcoming increase in their daily subsistence allowance is meant to recognize their sacrifices.

In a video message, the President said soldiers, police officers, coast guard personnel, corrections officers, and other MUP agencies have been risking their lives, including during strong typhoons, consecutive earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and flooding.

“Naniniwala ang Administrasyong ito na ang mga nagtatanggol sa bayan ay nararapat ring protektahan ng pamahalaan (This administration believes that those who defend the nation must also be protected by the government),” he said Wednesday, Dec. 3.

With this, Marcos vowed that the government will continue improving benefits for military and uniformed services, calling fair compensation “handog ng sambayanan sa ating mga tagapagtanggol” (the people’s offering to the nation’s defenders).

He added that the government’s support is meant to recognize their service as they continue to carry out their duties nationwide.

In March this year, President Marcos ordered an increase in MUP’s subsistence allowance from P150 to P350 to protect and promote their welfare, in recognition of their sacrifices and perseverance in defending and upholding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Under the updated compensation plan, the daily subsistence allowance of all MUP will be set at P350 starting Jan. 1, 2026, a measure the President said is part of the government’s duty to support those who protect the public.

Marcos also confirmed that the scheduled increase in MUP base pay will be implemented in three phases—Jan. 1, 2026; Jan. 1, 2027; and Jan. 1, 2028.

The adjustments apply to personnel under the Department of National Defense, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Corrections, and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.

The President said these reforms are designed to ensure MUP compensation keeps pace with rising operational demands, especially as natural disasters hit more frequently and security challenges persist.