President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Philippine Navy, emphasizing the need to equip Filipino sailors with the necessary capabilities to carry out their mission while confronting evolving regional challenges and safeguarding the country’s interests.

Speaking during the celebration of the Philippine Navy’s 128th Anniversary at its headquarters on Roxas Boulevard, Manila, President Marcos underscored the Philippine Navy’s critical role in defending the nation’s maritime sovereignty and protecting the Filipino people.

“For over a century, the Philippine Navy has stood watch over our waters, defending our sovereignty and protecting our people. It continues to do so amidst evolving security challenges that require even greater vigilance,” President Marcos said.

“Strengthening the Philippine Navy’s capabilities remains essential to protecting our interests in the West Philippine Sea in light of the broader realities of our time,” the President added.

The President noted that rapid economic and political changes in the 21st century have reshaped global growth, placing the Indo-Pacific at the geopolitical and economic center of gravity.

At the same time, surrounding seas have also become areas of increasing competition and conflict, marked by rising maritime tensions, shifting alliances, and emerging threats, underscoring the need to maintain a strong and resilient maritime defense posture.

“In this environment, a credible Philippine Navy is indispensable to regional peace,” the President said, noting his directive to the Philippine Navy to further strengthen its capabilities.

“Be assured that your government remains committed to supporting your welfare and ensuring that you are equipped to carry out your mission,” the President added.

The President tasked the Department of National Defense-Armed Forces of the Philippines (DND-AFP) to “further expand and deepen partnerships, exchanges, and interactions with allies and friendly forces.”

According to the President, the ongoing modernization effort helps safeguard the country’s economic lifelines, protect the people, and enhance the country’s contribution to regional security and cooperation.

Believing that people have always been the country’s greatest asset, the President cited the continuous conduct of training courses to ensure that our Filipino sailors have the tools, information, and protection they need to fulfill their mission.

The President also highlighted today’s commissioning of the BRP Rajah Lakandula, a vessel seen to bolster the Navy’s maritime security and territorial defense operations to safeguard our resources and assert our sovereignty.

BRP Rajah Lakandula, named after Rajah Lakandula, one of the leaders of pre-colonial Manila, carries forward a legacy of courage, leadership, and devotion to country.

“It is my honor to lead the commissioning of the BRP Rajah Lakandula,” the President said.

“Truly, this is a pivotal step towards realizing the Navy’s vision of a modern and self-reliant force,” the President added.

The President likewise encouraged the crew of the ship to sail the vessel with pride and let the world know that the “Filipino spirit will never be intimidated.”

The Commander-in-Chief also honored the men and women of the Philippine Navy for their dedication and sacrifices in service to the nation, and keeping the Philippine flag flying high even in rough waters.

“For your unwavering loyalty in the face of the storm, I say this: Bravo Zulu. Job well done to you all,” the President said.

“Sa inyong pagbabantay sa ating karagatan, tangan ninyo hindi lamang ang watawat ng Pilipinas, kundi pati na rin ang tiwala at pag-asa ng sambayanang Pilipino,” the President added.

President Marcos also congratulated the outstanding military and civilian personnel of the Philippine Navy for their exemplary service, bravery, and contributions to the agency. | PND

The Marcos administration continues to take decisive steps to address electricity challenges in Oriental Mindoro through major infrastructure initiatives to strengthen the province’s energy system and ensure reliable electricity for its residents.

In a Palace briefing on Monday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that on May 25, 2026, an agreement was signed among the Maharlika Investment Corporation, National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corporation, and National Electrification Administration to rehabilitate, modernize, and develop Mindoro’s Power Transmission Infrastructure.

“Ang layunin din po nito ay to improve reliability and resiliency of the Mindoro small grid, support the island’s long-term energy requirements, and lay groundwork for eventual interconnection with the national grid,” Castro said.

Aside from this, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has a project proposal worth PhP23.9 billion for a submarine cable system that will enable power transfer from Batangas to Oriental Mindoro. The project is targeted for completion by January 2028.

The submarine cable system forms part of Stage 1 of the PhP90.6 billion 500-kilovolt (kV) Batangas-Mindoro Interconnection and Backbone Project, which aims full completion by the end of 2030. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered the concerned government agencies to act immediately in addressing issues arising from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck offshore Sarangani on Monday morning.

“I have directed all relevant government agencies to act immediately,” President Marcos said in a statement issued shortly after the incident.

President Marcos said the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (NDRRMC) are coordinating disaster response efforts and monitoring the situation across all affected areas.

The President said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been directed to pre-position relief goods and ensure that evacuation centers are ready and operational.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is on standby to assess damage to roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure, and to clear routes needed for rescue and relief operations.

A tsunami warning was also issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

“A strong earthquake has struck off the coast of Sarangani this morning, and a tsunami warning is now in effect across several coastal provinces in Mindanao,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos also ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in affected areas across Mindanao until further notice.

“The safety of our children comes first. The Department of Education (DepEd) will coordinate with local government units on this,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive urged the public in affected areas to follow the advise of government agencies regarding safety precautions.

“To our kababayans in the affected provinces, please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind,” the President said.

President Marcos said the national government is mobilizing all necessary resources and assured the public that Mindanao will not be left behind.

“I am in constant communication with our regional offices and local chief executives on the ground,” President Marcos said.

The President also said that the government will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. I PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. capped a busy and productive week marked by high-level diplomacy, education initiatives, governance reforms, infrastructure oversight, and economic developments.

President Marcos’ week was highlighted by the State Visit of Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, whose two-day visit in the Philippines from May 31 to June 1 marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Manila and Hanoi.

During their bilateral meeting in Malacañang, President Marcos and President To Lam reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in trade and investment, food security, defense and maritime affairs, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

The President also encouraged greater Vietnamese investment in the Philippines during the Vietnam–Philippines Business Forum in Manila, emphasizing the longstanding ties between the two nations and noting that diplomatic relations were formally established during the administration of his late father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

As preparations for the opening of classes intensified, President Marcos directed the Department of Education (DepEd) to fully implement the 2026 National Oplan Balik Eskwela from June 1 to 11 to ensure a safe, orderly, and well-prepared school opening.

In support of this effort, DepEd launched Project Handa: DepEd School Readiness 2026, a data-driven initiative designed to facilitate a smooth start to the academic year.

On June 2, President Marcos presided over the 9th Philippine Space Council meeting at Malacañang Palace, where officials reviewed ongoing satellite programs, space infrastructure projects, and initiatives aimed at expanding the use of space-based technologies in government operations.

The Palace also reported the continued implementation of flood-mitigation projects under the administration’s Oplan Kontra Baha initiative, with the Department of Public Works and Highways undertaking measures to protect communities from the effects of heavy rains during the rainy season.

The same day, the President led a Brigada Eskwela inspection at Kapitbahayan Elementary School in Navotas City, highlighting the administration’s commitment to campus safety and literacy development.

President Marcos also inspected the school’s newly installed CCTV system, participated in a storytelling session with learners, and joined volunteers in classroom improvement activities.

On June 3, President Marcos welcomed members of the Philippine Robotics National Team in Malacañang, commending their achievements in international robotics competitions and recognizing their contributions to advancing Filipino innovation on the global stage.

The President also received the credentials of newly appointed ambassadors from Peru and the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Malta. Ambassador Carmen del Rocio Azurin Araujo became Peru’s first resident ambassador to the Philippines in more than two decades, while Maria Lourdes Bernadette Z. Banson formally assumed her post as ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

In governance-related developments, President Marcos appointed former Taguig City Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano as General Manager of People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTV-4), succeeding Maria Lourdes Fagar.

Upon the recommendation of the Board of Investments (BOI), the President likewise approved Memorandum Order No. 47, adopting the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), which seeks to attract investments, generate employment opportunities, and provide incentives for priority industries.

Speaking before Batang Maynila presidential scholars in Manila, President Marcos reiterated the importance of education and vowed to further strengthen the implementation of the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program.

On June 4, the President directed the Department of Energy to stabilize the country’s power supply, particularly in Luzon and the Visayas, through the development of new power plants, expansion of transmission networks, and accelerated implementation of critical energy infrastructure projects.

The administration also formally filed charges against former lawmaker Zaldy Co, several DPWH officials, and private contractors over alleged irregularities in flood-control projects, in line with the President’s directive to hold accountable those involved in fraudulent, substandard, or ghost infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, more than 25,000 Filipinos in Eastern Visayas have benefited from the government’s Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Centers, expanding access to healthcare services in the region.

On June 5, President Marcos addressed graduates of the West Visayas State University College of Law in Iloilo City, urging them to remain faithful to the principles that inspired them to pursue the legal profession.

President Marcos also underscored the administration’s commitment to education, noting that approximately PhP1.30 trillion has been allocated for the sector.

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, who serves as a faculty member of the university, joined government officials and other guests during the commencement exercises.

Economic indicators also provided encouraging news during the week.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that inflation slowed to 6.8 percent in May 2026 from 7.2 percent in April, driven by easing transport, food, and housing costs.

The average inflation rate from January to May stood at 4.5 percent, reflecting the impact of ongoing government interventions aimed at managing price pressures. -PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged the new law graduates in Iloilo City to stay steadfast in the principles they were brought to their calling as lawyers of the country.

“As you face a new chapter, I hope you will stay steadfast in the principles that brought you to this calling. Do not be swayed by fleeting opinions or the allure of convenience. So long as you remain anchored in integrity, fairness, and truth, you shall never lose your way,” President Marcos said in his speech during the 3rd Commencement Exercises of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Law in Iloilo City.

“May you always choose principle over convenience, truth over falsehood, and service over self-interest. May you use your expertise to help build a nation worthy of the aspirations of our people,” President Marcos said.

“We cannot wait to see the day when the profession welcomes you as members of the Philippine Bar,” the Chief Executive also said.

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, who also serves as a faculty member of the university, was among the distinguished guests at the event, together with several government officials.

President Marcos also led the inauguration of the new law building of the school.

“As we open the doors of this new facility, we also open greater opportunities for aspiring legal professionals to learn, to serve, and then to contribute to our nation,” the President said.

In giving advice to the future lawyers, President Marcos recalled a saying by former President Ramon Magsaysay: “Those who have less in life should have more in law.”

President Marcos said, at a time when public trust in institutions is tested, responsibility becomes even more important.

“This is a reminder that your chosen profession carries a responsibility to ensure that the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, the disenfranchised, are not left without protection simply because they lack wealth, or influence, or power,” the President stressed.

The President also reminded them that, in this endeavor, “know that your families, your friends, professors, and the whole nation are rooting for you.”

The President also urged the law graduates to shape a Bagong Pilipinas where “the rule of law is respected, where justice is accessible, and where every Filipino is living with dignity and hope.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Energy (DOE) to stabilize the country’s power supply particularly in Luzon and the Visayas.

“The directive is to fix or normalize the situation the soonest possible time,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday when asked about the President’s meeting with DOE officials at the Palace on Wednesday.

“At napag-usapan din ang Catanduanes power situation and stock filling project. So, maraming ipinag-utos ang Pangulo.”

Specifically, Castro said the President wants the country to build new power plants to increase energy production, expand the transmission network and implement interventions to address issues delaying the construction of submarine cables and transmission lines.

According to Castro, President Marcos called for immediate action on power-related concerns, especially regarding the status of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) projects and current initiatives.

“Marami pang ibinilin ang Pangulo, nandito pa rin, ibinilin niya na dapat ang ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) mag-conduct ng performance review of the NGCP and ensure that it completes all its deliverables,” said Castro.

“Mayroong napag-usapan tungkol sa improving the transmission system, accelerating and development of renewable energy.”

It may be recalled that the energy sector encountered power disruptions and supply shortages, particularly amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East and the placement of the Luzon and Visayas grids under red and yellow alerts last month.

Also in May, the Palawan Main Grid suffered a system-wide blackout, resulting in the interruption of electricity service across affected areas.

Catanduanes has also been experiencing rotational brownouts due to power supply issues.

As for the country’s fuel inventory, Castro said the DOE reported that, as of May 29, 2026, the Philippines had approximately 46 days’ worth of fuel reserves. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday welcomed members of the Philippine Robotics National Team (PRNT) in Malacañang following their recognition and achievements in various international robotics competitions in 2025 and 2026.

During a courtesy call at Heroes Hall, President Marcos congratulated the young Filipino innovators for their outstanding accomplishments in global robotics competitions and for bringing pride and honor to the country through their award-winning inventions.

“Congratulations to everyone…Well done. Siyempre naman talagang napapakita muli na ang Pilipino ay kayang makipagsabayan kahit saan, kahit kanino,” the President said in his brief remarks.

“Nakita naman natin how capable Filipinos are, how dedicated they are, and how hardworking they are… Filipino talent has shone through,” President Marcos added.

President Marcos encouraged the students to continue pursuing their ideas and innovations despite challenges along the way.

“Once you get an idea, don’t let go of it because it really matters. Stay with it even when it gets hard, even when you lose spirit for a little while. Stay with it.. and it will all be worth the effort,” the President said.

President Marcos also urged the students to keep using their talents to develop technologies that could help improve the lives of Filipinos.

“You’re young and you have a long way to go. So keep going, and in that way, you improve the ease of living here in the Philippines for your countrymen,” the President said.

During the event, the President witnessed live demonstrations of some award-winning robotics projects developed by students including SYLAX, an assistive mobility device designed for children with cerebral palsy; TUKLAS, a technology that helps archaeologists locate and document cultural artifacts; and FRANCIS, an AI-powered companion robot designed to assist households and detect emergencies.

President Marcos eagerly interacted with the students and even tried operating TUKLAS, a robotic arm, experiencing firsthand how the technology works.

The PRNT serves as the country’s official delegation to international robotics competitions and is composed of students aged seven and above who have earned recognition in global robotics and innovation events, including the World Robot Olympiad and the FIRST LEGO League.

The delegation was joined by officials of FELTA Multi-Media Inc., led by its President and CEO Mylene Abiva, who introduced the team to the President. FELTA is recognized as one of the pioneering organizations that introduced robotics technology into Philippine basic education more than 25 years ago.

The student awardees representing the PRNT came from various schools across the country, including Batangas State University Integrated School in Batangas City; Top Link Global College in Nueva Ecija; Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. in Bocaue, Bulacan; De La Salle Santiago Zobel School in Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Legazpi City Science High School in Legazpi City; IBALON Elementary School in Albay City; and Jubilee Christian Academy in Quezon City.

President Marcos has been actively promoting robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and advanced technology education as part of his administration’s broader digitalization agenda under Bagong Pilipinas, which aims to build a more innovative, future-ready, and globally competitive Philippines. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received the credentials of two newly appointed ambassadors to the Philippines during a simple ceremony at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday.

First to present credentials was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Peru Carmen del Rocio Azurin Araujo, who becomes Peru’s first resident ambassador to the Philippines in more than two decades following the reopening of the Peruvian Embassy in Manila in 2025.

In his brief remarks, President Marcos said the reopening of Peru’s embassy marks a significant development in the relations between the two nations.

“The reopening of your embassy marks a very important landmark in the relationship between your country and mine,” President Marcos said.

“And I am certain that with the reopening of the embassy, we will have many opportunities together to deepen, strengthen, and widen the relationship between Peru and the Philippines,” the President added.

For her part, Ambassador Araujo conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Peruvian President Jose Maria Balcazar to the Filipino people.

“I am pleased to convey to Your Excellency the earnest wishes of the President of Peru and my own for peace, good health, and prosperity for all the noble people of the Philippines,” she said.

She echoed President Marcos’ statement that Peru’s decision to reopen its resident embassy in Manila marks an important milestone in more than five decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The ambassador also vowed to further strengthen engagement and cooperation between Lima and Manila during her tenure.

“During my tenure as Ambassador of Peru, be assured of my heartfelt pledge to enhance engagement and cooperation towards building up our partnership,” she said.

The Philippines and Peru established formal diplomatic relations on November 30, 1974, and will mark 52 years of bilateral relations this year.

President Marcos also received the credentials of Maria Lourdes Bernadette Z. Banson as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta (SMOM), following her appointment on November 5, 2025.

Welcoming the envoy, President Marcos expressed confidence that the Philippines and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta would further strengthen cooperation in humanitarian and social initiatives.

“With your background in the Philippines, I am sure that there will be much that we can do together in furthering the ideals and the aspirations that the Order has been created for,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos also recognized the Sovereign Military Order of Malta’s long history of humanitarian service and expressed optimism that the Philippines and the Order would continue working together in assisting the country’s most vulnerable sectors.

For her part, Ambassador Banson conveyed to the President the warm greetings and highest esteem of His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ John Dunlap, Prince and Grand Master of the Order of Malta, as well as the entire Order.

“Allow me to express my sincere good wishes for your health and well-being, and for the continued peace, prosperity, and resilience of the Filipino people,” she said.

She noted the Sovereign Military Order of Malta’s longstanding friendship and cooperation with the Philippines, particularly in humanitarian assistance, medical care, disaster response, and support for vulnerable communities.

“Guided by our mission of service to the sick and the underprivileged, I remain fully committed to strengthening our partnership with the Philippine government,” she said.

Ambassador Banson also paid tribute to her late father, Jose Maria Zaragoza, who also served as ambassador of the Order to the Philippines and was recognized as a National Artist for Architecture.

“I look forward to working closely with Your Excellency and your administration in advancing our shared goals of compassion, solidarity, and human dignity,” she said.

Born in Makati City, Ambassador Banson is a Dame of the Order and an active member of the Philippine Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Philippine Hospitaller Foundation of the Order of Malta, Inc.

The Philippines and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta have maintained diplomatic relations for 61 years since ties were established on April 24, 1965.

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is internationally recognized for its humanitarian and medical missions in more than 120 countries, including the Philippines, where it has supported disaster response efforts and assisted vulnerable communities, refugees, and victims of armed conflict.

The two envoys separately met with President Marcos at the Study Room following the presentation of their credentials, where they discussed bilateral relations and other areas of mutual interest between the Philippines and their respective states. | PND

Desaline Bautista, 21, an incoming fourth-year student at the University of Perpetual Help College of Manila, has to stop working as a fast-food attendant to fully concentrate on her studies, particularly as she begins her internship.

Desaline, who resides in Tondo, Manila, was excited when the Marcos administration launched the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program that offers financial aid to graduating college students.

“Maganda naman po, at least makakatulong,” she said when asked about the program. “Very grateful po kami sa administration ni BBM dahil kahit papaano nakakatulong po sa amin.”

Desaline’s father works as a construction worker while her mommy stays at home. She wants to become a radiologist someday; that’s why she continues to attend college despite the financial hurdles she has been encountering.

She has four siblings, and she is the third child in the family. Desaline said she started to work at a fast food chain to earn additional money for her schooling to augment the support from her older sister. Last month, Desaline quit her job to concentrate on her internship.

Being in the senior year in college requires more money, she said, particularly for books, projects, and laboratory fees.

She said students also have to shell out money to pay hospital internship fees to complete their course, noting the President’s financial support would be a big help.

Desaline wants to finish her course and work abroad someday as a radiologist.

Lay Archer L. Agsalud, 22, of Tondo, Manila, is also a beneficiary of the Marcos administration’s barangay scholarship program.

A son of a solo parent, Lay studies hospitality management at Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST). He is the third child in the family and receives support from a sister working as a call center agent.

“Sobrang malaking tulong po ito sa akin kasi medyo kapos na rin po talaga sa pagba-budget. “Gawa ng mahal din po ang kuryente at mga bilihin. Kaya medyo malaking tulong din po ito para sa amin,” he said when asked about the program.

“Magandang proyekto rin po ito para makatulong sa mga estudyante. Sana sa mga susunod din po, magtuloy-tuloy din po itong mga tulong pinansyal.”

At a meet-and-greet event on Wednesday in Malate, City of Manila, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the presidential scholars to study well so they can reach their dreams and help their families and communities.

“Napakahalaga po nito dahil kagaya ng sinasabi ko sa ating mga scholar na dapat nilang alalahanin na ang pag-aaral at ang edukasyon ay isang biyaya ‘yan na parang binigay sa inyo,” the President said.

“At ‘yang yaman na ‘yan, ‘yang yaman na binigay sa inyo, ng edukasyon, ay ito po ay yaman na hindi na maaaring makuha sa inyo. Nasa sa inyo na ‘yan habang buhay,” President added.

The government, the President said, places a premium on educating the Filipino youth to create a new pool of leaders and nation-builders.

Under the program, the government has so far provided support to 15,000 barangays in the country, said the President, noting that in Manila, there are more than 4,000 presidential scholars.

President Marcos said there will be more than 200,000 presidential scholars in the country once the program covers all 42,000 barangays nationwide.

The Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program is a dual-component intervention initiative by the government, extending educational assistance and financial aid to barangays to fund their development priorities.

Five beneficiaries for every barangay will receive PhP20,000 each to serve as a “finisher fund” to ensure they reach graduation. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., upon the recommendation of the Board of Investments (BOI), has approved the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), which aims to promote investments, generate jobs, and provide tax incentives in the country.

Memorandum Order No. 47, titled “Approving the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan,’ states that upon the effectivity of the 2026 SIPP, and subject to relevant laws, rules and regulations, all concerned government agencies are directed to issue the necessary regulations to ensure its implementation in a synchronized and integrated manner.

No government body shall adopt any policy or take any course of action contrary to, or inconsistent with, the 2026 SIPP and relevant laws, according to the Memorandum Order.

The Memorandum Order was signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on May 21, 2026.

It also states that all Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) shall facilitate and expedite, to the extent possible, the establishment and operation of registered projects or activities. This includes providing assistance in coordinating with local government units (LGUs) and other government agencies, through the one-stop action center established under Section 310 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 (NIRC), as amended.

Furthermore, LGUs and other government agencies shall coordinate with the concerned IPAs and comply with RA No. 11032 or the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018,” particularly in the processing of permits, licenses, and other requirements.

Section 300 of Republic Act (RA) No. 8424 or the “National Internal Revenue Code of 1997,” (NIRC) as amended by RA No. 11534 or the “Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act,” mandates the BOI, in consultation with the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB), IPAs, other government agencies administering tax incentives, and the private sector, to formulate the SIPP and submit it to the President for approval.

Under Section 292 of the NIRC, as amended, the FIRB or the IPAs shall grant the appropriate tax incentives to registered business enterprises (RBEs) only to the extent of their approved registered project or activity under the SIPP.

The FIRB, through FIRB Resolution No. 015-25 dated December 15, 2025, adopted the proposed SIPP and recommended its approval to the President through BOI.

The BOI, through Board Resolution No. 10-03 dated April 10, 2026, approved the submission of the proposed SIPP, incorporating the changes from FIRB Resolution No. 015-025.

The 2026 SIPP is aligned with the policies of the National Government embodied in the AmBisyon Natin 2040, PAGTANAW 2050, Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan, and the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028.

The Memorandum Order further states that, under Section 296 of the NIRC, as amended, the industry of the registered project or activity shall be prioritized according to national industrial strategy specified in the SIPP. The SIPP shall also define the coverage of the tiers and provide the conditions for qualifying the activities.

Under the same section, Tier I shall include activities that: (i) have high potential for job creation; (ii) take place in sectors with market failures resulting in the underprovision of basic goods and services; (iii) generate value creation through innovation, upgrading or moving up the value chain; (iv) provide essential support for sectors that are critical to industrial development; or (v) are emerging owing to potential comparative advantage.

Tier II shall include activities that produce supplies, parts and components, and intermediate services that are not locally produced but are critical to industrial development, as well as import-substituting activities, including crude oil refining.

Tier III shall include activities that: (i) involve research and development resulting in demonstrably significant value-added, higher productivity, improved efficiency, breakthroughs in science and health, and high-paying jobs; (ii) generate new knowledge and intellectual property registered and/or licensed in the Philippines; (iii) involve commercialization of patents, industrial designs, copyrights and utility models owned or co-owned by an RBE; (iv) involve highly technical manufacturing; or (v) are critical to the structural transformation of the economy and require substantial catch-up efforts, including, but not limited to cyber-security, artificial intelligence, and data center facilities.

The B0I formulated the 2026 SIPP in consultation with FIRB, IPAs, other government agencies administering tax incentives, and the private sector.

The Memorandum Order shall take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation or in the Official Gazette, as required under Section 303 of the NIRC, as amended. | PND