SONA 2026: President Marcos touts P6 trillion investments, 23 foreign trade agreements

MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday highlighted the Philippines’ expanding trade partnerships and sustained investment inflows, saying these developments have strengthened the economy and created more job opportunities for Filipinos.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address, Marcos said the Philippines has regained its position in the international community, with stronger foreign relations helping expand market access, boost trade agreements, and attract investor confidence.

He said the country now has 23 free trade agreements (FTAs) either already in effect or under active negotiations with other nations, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the upcoming Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

“As we have witnessed and proven during this difficult period, our strong foreign relations have earned us incalculable dividends. The Philippines is once again a full member of the community of nations,” Marcos said.

He added that the country’s growing exports reflect improved productivity and the increasing competitiveness of Philippine products and services in the global market.

The President said the government would continue strengthening the country’s economic advantages, improving competitiveness, and diversifying its export portfolio.

Marcos noted that the Philippines remains a key supplier of critical components to major technology companies worldwide while expanding exports of local agricultural products, including ube, coconut, bananas, tropical fruits, and newer products such as enoki mushrooms.

He also cited government reforms to improve the ease of doing business and accelerate digital transformation, saying these measures have helped attract more foreign investments.

“Foreign investments continue to pour in because of our beneficial policies, especially those promoting ease of doing business and accelerating digital transformation that curb red tape and corruption,” he said.

Marcos said more than PHP6 trillion worth of investments have been facilitated through the government’s Green Lanes Initiative over the past three years, with these projects expected to generate more than 400,000 jobs.

He added that economic zones across the country have continued to serve as a foundation for investment growth, recording consistent expansion in recent years.

The President cited the establishment of new economic zones in areas outside Metro Manila, including Dumaguete and Misamis Oriental, while noting that the government would continue promoting investment opportunities in Palawan and the halal industry.

He said the administration would also pursue strategic and emerging industries that could move the Philippines higher in the global value chain, including pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, luxury goods, technology, and logistics.

“We continue to strive for bigger and greater things, venturing into areas heretofore unimaginable,” Marcos said. (PNA) -Philippine News Agency