Marcos approves 2026 investment priority plan focused on AI, cybersecurity, energy

President Marcos has approved the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), identifying key industries and emerging technologies that will be prioritized for government incentives and investment promotion. Under Memorandum Order No. 47 signed on May 21, the President approved the latest SIPP formulated by the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB). The order said the 2026 SIPP is aligned with the administration’s “Ambisyon Natin 2040,” “Agtangna 2050,” “Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan,” and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. The SIPP serves as the government’s roadmap for industries and projects eligible for tax incentives under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act. AI, cybersecurity, quantum tech prioritized Among the activities listed under Tier III or high-priority innovation sectors are artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, aerospace manufacturing, hydrogen energy, nuclear energy, wafer fabrication, and additive manufacturing technologies. The plan also prioritizes Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies, including automation, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), predictive maintenance systems, and AI-assisted manufacturing. Cybersecurity investments covering encryption technologies, digital resilience, and critical infrastructure protection were also identified as priority areas. Focus on semiconductors, energy, infrastructure The SIPP likewise includes semiconductors and electronics, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, iron and steel, telecommunications infrastructure, ports, airports, public transport, and logistics facilities under its priority sectors. Renewable energy projects, energy storage systems, liquefied natural gas facilities, and exploration and development of energy sources were also included. The government also identified electric vehicles, EV infrastructure, sustainable aviation fuel, strategic minerals processing, and green manufacturing as preferred investment activities. Digital economy, healthcare included Creative industries and IT-business process management services remained among the preferred sectors, including hyperscalers, software-as-a-service platforms, animation, game development, and engineering design. Healthcare projects such as hospitals, disaster risk reduction facilities, drug rehabilitation centers, quarantine facilities, and mobile healthcare services were also included in the plan. The SIPP additionally covers export-oriented manufacturing and service activities with at least 70 percent export output. BARMM, halal tourism included The plan also identified area-specific investment priorities, including halal tourism and Islamic banking-related investments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Under the memorandum order, all concerned government agencies were directed to ensure the synchronized implementation of the 2026 SIPP and facilitate investment projects through streamlined coordination and permitting processes.