FIRB backs 2026 SIPP for high-value investments

The Fiscal Incentives Review Board welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s approval of the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan, saying the policy will help attract investments, create quality jobs and support the Philippines’ long-term economic transformation.

“The approval of the 2026 SIPP marks a decisive step in the government’s strategy to make our country attractive for investments. We focus on ensuring the ease of doing business, reducing cost, and creating predictability,” FIRB Chairman Frederick D. Go said.

“These efforts are directed towards priority sectors such as clean energy, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, and logistics. Well-designed incentives move capital, build industries, and expand opportunities for Filipinos,” he added.

The approval was formalized through Memorandum Order No. 47, which directs concerned government agencies to issue the necessary regulations for the synchronized and integrated implementation of the SIPP, subject to relevant laws, rules and regulations, according to the Department of Finance.  

The SIPP serves as the government’s blueprint for identifying priority economic activities eligible for fiscal incentives under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, or CREATE Act, and the CREATE MORE Act.

Under Section 300 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended by the CREATE Act, the Board of Investments formulates the SIPP for presidential approval in consultation with the FIRB, investment promotion agencies, other government agencies administering tax incentives and the private sector.  

The FIRB, through Resolution No. 015-25 dated Dec. 15, 2025, adopted the proposed 2026 SIPP and recommended its approval to the president through the BOI.

The BOI, through Board Resolution No. 10-03 dated April 10, 2026, later approved the submission of the proposed SIPP, incorporating refinements adopted by the FIRB.

The 2026 SIPP remains aligned with the overall intent and framework of the 2022 SIPP, which took effect on June 11, 2022, after its publication in the Daily Tribune on May 27, 2022, according to the BOI.  

Both the 2022 and 2026 versions seek to generate employment opportunities for Filipinos and attract high-quality, labor-intensive investments.

The updated SIPP, however, places greater emphasis on sophisticated and high-value projects, especially those driven by advanced technologies and the digital economy.

It also strengthens support for industries seen to drive long-term structural transformation by promoting sustainability, innovation, and research and development.

The 2026 plan recognizes emerging growth areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data center infrastructure, reflecting the government’s push to build a future-ready and globally competitive economy.

The BOI said the updated plan reflects structural enhancements in investment prioritization, expanded coverage of emerging and frontier industries, and a more targeted deployment of fiscal incentives for high-impact and future-oriented economic activities.  

Following the approval, concerned government agencies are expected to issue implementing guidelines to ensure the effective and coordinated rollout of the 2026 SIPP.

The FIRB said it remains committed to supporting qualified project applications seeking fiscal incentives and ensuring the efficient and transparent administration of the incentives system.