Marcos jr. admin to roll out record P1.556 trillion for infra in 2026

The Marcos Jr. administration will allocate a record-high P1.556 trillion for infrastructure spending in 2026 under its “Build Better More” program, according to the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget submitted to Congress.

Budget documents show that next year’s infrastructure disbursements, which include subsidies, equity, and transfers to local government units, will surpass the P1.513 trillion earmarked for 2025 and the P1.545 trillion actually spent in 2024. Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman confirmed the amount as the highest ever for public works.

Spending on infrastructure is projected to climb further to P1.692 trillion in 2027 and P1.904 trillion in 2028. As a share of the economy, the 2026 program will amount to 5.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), slightly lower than the 5.3 percent targeted for 2025 and the 5.8 percent recorded in 2024.

In his budget message, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government will prioritize 54 flagship projects, including the P27.9-billion Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, the P22.9-billion Laguna Lakeshore Road Network, and the P4.8-billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector. Funding will also cover major rail initiatives such as the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway, as well as road, bridge, and flood control projects under the Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Alleviating Gaps (SIPAG) program.

The Department of Public Works and Highways is slated to receive P881.3 billion, while the Department of Transportation will get P197.3 billion. Other allocations include P6.2 billion for the development of 12 airports, P69 million for bicycle lanes and road safety improvements, and P18.9 billion for the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s digital infrastructure programs, including the National Broadband Program and Free Public Internet Access Program.

Marcos emphasized that the budget aims not only to expand physical infrastructure but also to promote sustainable mobility and digital connectivity nationwide. “We are building beyond roads and bridges. We are laying the foundation for a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Philippines,” he said.