THE Marcos administration has embarked on a comprehensive and strategic approach to national development, addressing a wide range of priorities and challenges facing the Philippines. In doing so, it has demonstrated a multifaceted and strategic approach to driving the Philippines' national development across various key sectors. From enhancing education and health care to bolstering security and fostering global partnerships, the administration has implemented a comprehensive set of initiatives, aimed at transforming the country into a more prosperous, secure and globally competitive nation.

The birth of Bagong Pilipinas

Marcos' second year in office has seen the birth of Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), a vision of leadership and governance that aims to empower Filipinos to engage in government efforts, resulting in an accountable and dependable government. At the forefront of Marcos' second year is the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Corp., the lead entity, tasked to manage the Maharlika Investment Fund, the first sovereign fund owned by the government of the Philippines. At the unveiling of the corporation's logo last April, the use of the Philippine Flag and Philippine Eagle elements mark the rebirth and renewal of the Philippines, resonating the principles embodied in the Bagong Pilipinas initiative. The country likewise positions itself as a trusted partner and a peacemaker for regional and global unity, as gleaned from Marcos' speech during the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in support of its bid to be a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2027 to 2028. Historically, there have been Filipinos who has become presidents of UNSC: September and December 1957 under Carlos Romulo; September 1963 under Jacinto Castel Borja; July 1980 and September 1981 under Carlos Romulo; June 2004 under Lauro Baja Jr. and Delia Domingo-Albert; and September 2005 under Lauro Baja Jr. and Bayani Mercado. The administration has also forged strong international ties and relations with other nations in pursuit of promoting the country's interests such as attracting foreign investments on the global front. Various initiatives require strong collaboration among the government stakeholders, and the current administration continues to display effective teamwork as regards the enactment of policies to support national objectives.

Strong relations, high investments

The administration's efforts to strengthen international relations and attract foreign investments are expected to contribute to the country's economic growth and development in the coming years. The present administration has made significant strides in global relations and investments, strengthening economic ties and fostering partnerships with numerous countries. President Marcos' foreign visits have resulted in substantial investment commitments and collaborations across various sectors. The recent visits made in Germany and the Czech Republic have further bolstered bilateral relations and opened avenues for enhanced cooperation in identified areas: Focus on renewable energy and digital transformation with Germany, where the President's discussions with German firm, Siemens, has highlighted support for the Philippines' digital transformation and training for Filipino workers. In addition, the partnership with the Czech Republic aims to enhance trade and investment cooperation. These reflect some of the key wins that the administration have obtained from the recent visit to these two European countries. During his visit to the United States, President Marcos has secured agreements on climate resilience, internet connectivity, clean energy, pharmaceutical manufacturing and health care. This visit also marks the signing of the 123 Agreement, signaling the Philippines' commitment to integrating nuclear energy into its energy mix by 2032. The administration has also focused on enhancing relations with Australia, securing agreements on maritime, cybersecurity and trade during President Marcos' visit to Canberra. The expansion of the Victoria International Container Terminal of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. group in Melbourne is another highlight, showcasing the success of Filipino companies in advanced economies. In the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) region, President Marcos' participation in the Asean-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo has resulted in significant investment commitments and collaboration opportunities. Similarly, his state visit to Vietnam has focused on strengthening maritime cooperation, trade and investment deals between the two countries. This collaboration with Vietnam highlights the fact that there are currently 39 signed agreements between the Philippines and Vietnam in various fields. The state visit to Malaysia has also allowed Marcos to explore new avenues for cooperation in the areas of Halal industry and Islamic bank. On the ground, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual has initiated a comprehensive 4-year plan for the development of the Halal Industry, which will focus on attracting P230 billion in investments and to create 120,000 jobs over the next 4 years. A key value proposition of this endeavor is positioning the Philippines as the rapidly expanding and most Halal-friendly hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Likewise, three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed are efforts on boosting tourism cooperation between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam on mutual recognition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping certificates and on maritime cooperation. A letter of intent to renew a MoU on food security and agricultural cooperation has also been forged.

Innovation is at the heart of Bagong Pilipinas

One of the most significant steps taken by the Marcos administration is the approval of the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) for 2023 to 2032. This document outlines the country's plans for enhancing innovation governance and establishing a robust innovation ecosystem. The NIASD — approved during the fifth meeting of the National Innovation Council, led by President Marcos — includes strategies for improving innovation governance and creating a favorable innovation ecosystem. A major enabler for innovation is the establishment of digital infrastructure to support national initiatives. The administration has made substantial investments in digital infrastructure to support innovation. The launch of the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network, the longest and highest capacity domestic submarine fiber cable network in the Philippines, is a testament to this commitment. This network aims to provide fast, reliable and affordable internet services across the country, thereby fostering a digitally connected Bagong Pilipinas.

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