President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed relevant government agencies to accelerate the implementation of priority projects that are expected to generate a significant multiplier effect on the Philippine economy, Malacañang announced on Friday.
Meeting on Project Acceleration
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto convened a meeting with key government agency officials at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Thursday to evaluate the progress of the administration's major initiatives. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Departments of Budget and Management, Public Works and Highways, Transportation, Agriculture, and Education.
Recto emphasized the critical need to resolve budget utilization issues to reduce the gap between disbursements and allocations for essential government projects. He reminded the departments of the President's directive to prioritize initiatives that will create more jobs, alleviate inflation, and enhance food security.
President's Directive
"The President's order is to fast-track priority programs to push economic growth against global headwinds," Recto stated. "There are spots of underspending and these must be resolved immediately."
Data from the Office of the Executive Secretary showed that government allocation releases reached PHP1.287 trillion in the second quarter of 2026. Department officials highlighted the importance of maximizing new procurement rules to expedite project acquisition and reduce delivery delays.
Efficient Spending
Recto stressed that government funds must be utilized effectively to ensure Filipinos experience the benefits of priority projects as soon as possible. "There is a way that we can speed up the process without taking legal shortcuts. Red tape that causes paralysis without sacrificing transparency can be done away with," he explained.
He noted that efficient and prudent government spending, which has a direct impact on the economy, is crucial for sustaining the country's growth momentum. Amid global volatility and geopolitical tensions, the government is implementing the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) measures to address economic disruptions. The UPLIFT agenda aims to protect households, support vulnerable sectors, and ensure adequate energy supply and affordable food for all Filipinos.
