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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presides (center) over the 10th Economy and Development (ED) Council Meeting in Malacañang with key government officials present on July 7, 2026. (Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office)
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday approved a series of major initiatives aimed at improving public transportation, expanding workforce development, strengthening clean energy, enhancing disaster resilience and advancing artificial intelligence infrastructure during the 10th Economy and Development Council meeting.
Presiding over the meeting, Mr. Marcos and the Economy and Development (ED) Council approved several priority projects intended to support long-term economic growth and improve public services.
Among the projects approved was a proposed variation to the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) South Extension Project that will allow the interim operation of the Common Station, a move expected to improve connectivity between major rail systems and ease commuter travel in Metro Manila.
The council also approved Project BEST, or Boosting Employability in Strategic Technical and Vocational Education and Training Sectors, which aims to strengthen technical-vocational education and expand employment opportunities by aligning workforce skills with industry demand.
To support the country’s transition to cleaner energy, the council approved the Philippine Geothermal Resource Derisking Facility, an initiative designed to reduce investment risks in geothermal exploration and encourage the development of renewable energy resources.
The council likewise approved requested changes to the Philippine Seismic Risk Reduction and Resilience Project to further improve the structural safety and disaster resilience of selected public school buildings in Metro Manila.
In a separate action, the ED Council confirmed the Philippine Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Master Plan 2026–2033, establishing the country’s long-term strategy for developing AI infrastructure, expanding digital connectivity and promoting innovation.
The master plan is intended to strengthen the Philippines’ digital capabilities, support sustainable economic growth and enhance the country’s competitiveness through greater adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.
The approvals form part of the Marcos administration’s broader strategy to modernize infrastructure, improve human capital, accelerate the energy transition and expand the country’s digital economy. — Charles Dantes
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