Marcos: Gov’t seeks to expand, upgrade Phl infrastructure 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has unveiled a bold and expansive infrastructure-driven approach in the proposed 2026 National Budget, with over P1.556 trillion, equivalent to 5% of GDP, earmarked for public infrastructure under the Build Better More program. 

Marcos said this forms a key part of his administration’s commitment to creating an “enabling environment” for sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-led development.

“We seek to expand and upgrade infrastructure, including digital infrastructure; ensure affordable, reliable and clean energy; accelerate climate action and strengthen disaster resilience; ensure peace and security; enhance the administration of justice; implement good governance; and improve bureaucratic efficiency,” Marcos said in his Budget Message on Wednesday. 

The Build Better More program will receive P1.556 trillion in 2026, which is 5.0 percent of GDP, aligned with the target infrastructure spending of 5.0 to 6.0 percent of GDP.

“We are fast-tracking infrastructure development to create more livable communities, modernize transportation systems, and address long-standing challenges,” Marcos said. 

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Transportation (DOTr)—as the main agencies that will implement infrastructure programs and projects—will receive P881.3 billion and P197.3 billion, respectively.

For 2026, Marcos said the government is prioritizing 54 Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFP), including the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge Project (Php 27.9 billion); Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project (Php 22.9 billion); Phase IV of the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project (Php 7.4 billion); Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project (Php 4.8 billion); and Cebu-Mactan Bridge and Coastal Road Construction Project (Php 3.7 billion).

The Convergence and Special Support Program has been allocated Php 167.8 billion. 

Of this amount, Marcos said an amount of P69.7 billion will go to the Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Alleviating Gaps (SIPAG) programs for the construction of roads, bridges, and flood mitigation infrastructure, which will improve transportation access and promote local development in target areas.

The Rail Transport Program will receive P124.1 billion to fund key rail transport projects, such as the North-South Commuter Railway System (Php 76.1 billion) and Metro Manila Subway Project Phase I (Php 45.4 billion).

Marcos also noted the Public Transport Modernization Program of the DOTr will also be funded with P1.2 billion “to help public utility vehicle operators and drivers in upgrading their vehicles and replacing them with safer, eco-friendlier options.” 

The Land Public Transportation Program will also receive P5.7 billion, P1.7 billion of which is earmarked for the establishment of a modern public bus transport system in Davao City.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) Project, considered the first of its kind in the country’s transportation system, has been allotted P433 million to support its operations and other expenses for 2026.

The Aviation Infrastructure Program of the DOTr will receive P6.2 billion to further develop airports nationwide, including the following: New Dumaguete Airport Development Project (P2.5 billion); Tacloban Airport (P742 million); Laoag International Airport (P507 million); New Naga Airport (P445 million); Ormoc Airport (P433 million); Busuanga Airport (P415 million); New Manila International Airport (P200 million); Kalibo International Airport (P196 million); Bukidnon Airport (P150 million); Antique Airport (P100 million); Central Mindanao (M’lang) Airport (P100 million); and Catbalogan Airport (P50 million).

The Maritime Infrastructure Program will receive P8.5 billion to finance various projects that improve safety in our coastal areas and maritime territories. The Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase III will receive Php 4.2 billion from this amount to enhance the capability of the Philippine Coast Guard to respond faster to maritime accidents and emergencies.

A total of P3.8 billion from the DOTr’s 2026 budget will be allocated for the construction of the New Cebu International Container Port, a key Infrastructure Flagship Project (IFP) under the Build Better More program.

Marcos sees the project would significantly boost Cebu’s cargo handling capacity and improve the efficiency of port operations in the region.

Further, government has allocated P16.5 billion under the Basic Infrastructure Program (BIP) for the construction of roads and bridges that provide access to essential public facilities such as multi-purpose buildings for social services. 

This budget also covers the improvement of access roads to key areas, including airports (P1.1 billion), seaports (P1.7 billion), tourist destinations (P3.6 billion), and trade, industry, and economic zones (P5.8 billion).

To ensure road safety and long-term usability, P105.4 billion has been allocated for the Asset Preservation Program. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will spearhead the maintenance, rehabilitation, and upgrading of national roads to enhance their durability, safety, and disaster resilience.

Moreover, the Network Development Program will receive P114.2 billion, while an additional P40.4 billion is allocated for the Bridge Program to build, upgrade, and maintain bridges across the country.

To promote sustainable and inclusive mobility, P69 million has been allocated for the Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathways Program, which aims to make roads more accessible to cyclists and other eco-friendly modes of transportation.

“This program will fund the expansion of bicycle lanes and improvement of road safety to promote active mobility among our commuters,” said Marcos. 

Marcos noted the EDSA Busway Project—which served over 5.5 million passengers in January 2025 alone—has been allocated P89 million for its continued operations and improvements.

Meanwhile, P4.0 billion has been set aside for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Strategic Support Fund to cover expenses related to right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions, land title transfers, and other necessary costs in the implementation of major infrastructure projects in partnership with the private sector.