The meeting reviewed major measures rolled out in 2025 aimed at keeping the country’s economic fundamentals stable amid global and domestic pressures, with particular focus on food prices, wage management, and investment support.
Why it matters
Inflation management remains a top concern for policymakers, with food prices and wage adjustments posing risks to price stability.
EDCom’s coordinated approach signals the government’s intent to balance growth, affordability, and social protection.
Addressing food inflation
The economic team highlighted the issuance of Executive Order No. 105 in November 2025, which kept rice tariffs unchanged for the rest of the year to help stabilize prices, particularly for low-income households.
To protect domestic meat supply, the Department of Agriculture (DA) intensified coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fast-track the rollout of the African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine.
The DA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also stepped up market monitoring to ensure adequate and affordable pork supply.
Meanwhile, the Sugar Regulatory Administration implemented measures to maintain sufficient domestic sugar supply and buffer stocks.
Managing non-food inflation
EDCom stressed the need to carefully oversee wage adjustments to prevent inflationary pressures.
The committee emphasized that any proposed across-the-board wage increase should undergo thorough evaluation by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board to ensure sustainable wage setting.
The committee also directed the reallocation of fuel subsidy programs under the 2026 General Appropriations Act toward social sector initiatives.
Boosting agriculture and investments
To encourage agricultural financing, EDCom pushed for wider dissemination of key provisions of the new Agri-Agra Law (Republic Act No. 11901), which requires banks to allocate a portion of their loanable funds to agriculture and fisheries.
The panel also supported refining the Agricultural Investment Interest Subsidy Program to further stimulate investments and improve productivity.
Infrastructure and digital push
To accelerate renewable energy development, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, working with the Department of Energy, conducted System Impact Studies to ensure new projects align with grid capacity and reliability.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology also rolled out initiatives to strengthen telecommunications infrastructure, expand mobile connectivity, and promote digital inclusion, including the planned introduction of blockchain technology to relevant agencies in the first quarter of 2026.
“As we move forward, I encourage all members to build on these achievements, ensure timely implementation of ongoing initiatives, and continue identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, transparency, and impact,” Go said. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
