The government’s top economic managers took center stage on Friday, January 16, 2026, as they met with leading figures from the private sector to lay out what they described as a new wave of “big, bold reforms” aimed at strengthening governance, restoring confidence, and sustaining long-term growth.
More than 300 participants, including executives from major corporations, chambers of commerce, industry associations, and the financial sector, gathered for the flagship forum titled Big Bold Reforms: The Philippines 2026.
The high-level dialogue was designed to deepen collaboration between government and business while reinforcing investor confidence at the start of a critical year for the economy.
In his keynote address, Frederick D. Go said the administration is pushing forward with reforms grounded on the country’s strong economic fundamentals, despite the challenges of the past year. He told business leaders the briefing was meant to deliver “good news” and inspire optimism, encourage greater investment, and help both sectors move forward with confidence after what he described as an extraordinary period.
Officials stressed that the reform drive is firmly anchored on fiscal discipline and prudent spending, principles that will continue to guide policy as government and the private sector work more closely to support sustainable development.
For Eli M. Remolona Jr., the difficulties faced last year should serve as a catalyst rather than a setback. He said political leaders, economic agencies, and the business community can work together to turn challenging times into opportunities, adding that the recent crisis could be the push needed to pursue long-desired structural reforms.
Throughout the forum, Cabinet secretaries and agency heads provided concrete updates on the state of the economy, reform priorities, and strategic initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive and resilient growth in 2026 and beyond.
Infrastructure took center stage, with presentations from Vince Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Giovanni Lopez of the Department of Transportation, and Sharon Garin of the Department of Energy, who outlined investment reforms and catch-up plans to accelerate major projects.
Reforms in tourism and agriculture were discussed by Christina Garcia Frasco of the Department of Tourism, Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. of the Department of Agriculture, and Conrado M. Estrella III of the Department of Agrarian Reform, who highlighted efforts to boost productivity, modernize systems, and create more opportunities in the countryside.
On the investment and digitalization front, Cristina Aldeguer-Roque of the Department of Trade and Industry, Ceferino S. Rodolfo of the Board of Investments, and Henry Aguda of the Department of Information and Communications Technology detailed initiatives aimed at attracting high-impact investments and accelerating digital transformation across industries.
Meanwhile, regulators underscored ongoing efforts to make it easier to do business in the country. Francisco Lim of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Paolo Teston of the Food and Drug Administration, Michael Aguinaldo of the Philippine Competition Commission, and Jonas Leones of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources described reforms to streamline processes and cut regulatory bottlenecks.
The discussions also featured insights from Arsenio Balisacan of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, alongside prominent business leaders such as Teresita Sy-Coson of BDO Unibank Inc. and Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Corporation.
The event was jointly organized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Department of Finance, and was held at Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City, underscoring the administration’s push to keep lines open between policymakers and the private sector as it advances its reform agenda for 2026.