To continue our wish list for this year, we focus on the social agenda that includes welfare, inclusion, and resilience.
Government should expand social safety nets and human capital investments.
Social services must be resilient and equitable amid \\social protection through 4Ps, ensuring coverage for low-income and vulnerable sectors.
We also suggest increased budget allocations to healthcare, education, and nutrition programs aligned with demographic needs.
Government must improve digital and physical connectivity.
Legislation such as the Konektadong Pinoy Act should be operationalized to: reduce internet costs and improve digital access in rural and underserved regions; and leverage connectivity to support e-learning, telehealth, and digital entrepreneurship.
Authorities should likewise strengthen disaster risk management and climate resilience.
Given frequent typhoons and flooding, 2026 should prioritize: national disaster preparedness upgrades, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure standards; community-based climate adaptation and sustainability programs; and integrated risk financing mechanisms to support recovery after extreme events.
The administration’s foreign policy Agenda should cover security, strategic partnerships, and trade.
Government must clarify its strategic posture in the West Philippine Sea.
Ongoing disputes necessitate a calibrated yet firm approach; articulate a consistent policy that balances diplomatic engagement with defense preparedness; strengthen multilateral cooperation with ASEAN partners and external allies to uphold international law.
We also need to deepen alliances and strategic partnerships.
Public sentiment favors external partnerships to manage security challenges, particularly with the United States.
Initiatives should include regular joint exercises and capacity building with treaty allies; expanded defense diplomacy with regional partners including Japan, Australia, and ASEAN to diversify security cooperation; and continued engagement in regional forums such as ASEAN and APEC to reaffirm multilateralism.
The Marcos Jr. administration should also accelerate trade integration and market diversification to boost resilience.
Part of this should be active pursuit of comprehensive trade agreements to expand export markets; and trade facilitation reforms to ease logistics and customs processes.
A strategic wish list for the Philippines in 2026 must be grounded in the lessons of 2025: economic resilience requires credible governance; inclusive social policy strengthens stability; and a balanced foreign policy enhances national security and prosperity.
Concerted action in these areas will enhance confidence at home and abroad, positioning the Philippines to navigate regional uncertainties while promoting sustained growth and equity.
