The Bureau of Immigration (BI) officially launched its BI Strategy 2026-2040 on 6 July, setting the agency's long-term roadmap toward a modern, secure, and globally trusted immigration system.

The strategy was formally launched during the Bureau's Monday flag-raising ceremony led by Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, who described the blueprint as a transformative framework that will guide the agency's modernization efforts over the next 15 years.

Anchored on Ambisyon Natin 2040, the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, and the National Security Policy, the BI Strategy 2026-2040 outlines the Bureau's vision of becoming a Sustainable, Modernized, Adaptive, Resilient, and Trusted (SMART) Immigration authority by 2040.

It also supports the Commissioner's seven-point agenda for a "Bagong Immigration," reinforcing the Bureau's role in safeguarding national security while facilitating legitimate travel, tourism, trade, and investment.

"Our strategy is more than a planning document—it is our commitment to every Filipino that the Bureau of Immigration will continue evolving into a world-class institution worthy of the public's trust," said Viado

"In support of President Marcos' governance agenda, we are building an immigration system that is technology-driven, intelligence-led, transparent, and responsive to emerging security challenges while ensuring efficient and humane public service."

Viado said the strategy prioritizes digital transformation, stronger border control, enhanced immigration enforcement, cybersecurity, strategic communications, human resource development, sound financial management, institutional accountability, and stronger partnerships with government agencies and international stakeholders.

Viado also recognized the Bureau's Planning and Policy Division, headed by Chief Jasmin Madrid Jamiuddin, for spearheading the formulation of the strategy through extensive planning and consultation with various BI offices.

The strategy serves as the Bureau's long-term guide in protecting Philippine sovereignty, combating transnational crimes such as human trafficking and illegal migration, promoting secure and orderly migration, and strengthening public confidence in the country's immigration system.