Gov’t pushes ‘big bold reforms’ to boost investment

MANILA — Top government economic officials met with over 300 business leaders on Jan. 16, 2026, to present the Marcos administration’s flagship economic agenda, emphasizing “big bold reforms” to promote good governance and long-term sustainable growth.

The event, Big Bold Reforms: The Philippines 2026, was held at Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City and brought together representatives from industry associations, chambers of commerce, and the financial sector in a high-level dialogue designed to reaffirm government–private sector collaboration.

“We convened this briefing to deliver some good news—the big, bold reforms we are pursuing, anchored on our solid long-term economic fundamentals — to inspire optimism, encourage greater investment, and move forward with confidence after the extraordinary year that just passed,” said Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go in his keynote address.

Go reiterated the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and responsible public spending, calling on business leaders to work in tandem with the government to maintain market confidence and stimulate inclusive growth.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the opportunity for transformation following recent economic challenges.

“Together, the political leadership, the economic agencies, and [you in] the business community can turn challenging times into opportunity. Last year’s crisis can be the jolt we need to pursue the bold reforms we want,” Remolona said.

Several Cabinet members and agency heads provided updates on the administration’s priority programs and reform agendas across various sectors critical to national development.

Infrastructure and connectivity reforms were presented by Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, and Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, who laid out investment plans and catch-up strategies to improve public service delivery.

Tourism and agriculture sector reforms were outlined by Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., and Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III.

Investor-focused initiatives were discussed by Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Board of Investments Vice Chair Ceferino S. Rodolfo, and Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda.

Their briefings focused on attracting high-impact foreign and domestic investments and accelerating the Philippines’ digital transformation.

Additional updates came from Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Francisco Lim, Food and Drug Administration Director General Paolo Teston, Philippine Competition Commission Chair Michael Aguinaldo, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Jonas Leones.

They highlighted efforts to streamline regulatory processes and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks to make the Philippine business environment more competitive.

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan also joined the discussion, along with leading private sector figures, including BDO Unibank, Inc. Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson and Ayala Corporation Chair Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala.

The event was jointly organized by the Department of Finance and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency, policy stability, and investor engagement in the Philippines’ economic future.