FIRB welcomes 2026 SIPP approval to drive job creation and high-value investments

THE Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approval of the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), a key policy instrument that seeks to attract investment, generate quality jobs, and support the country’s long-term economic transformation.

“The approval of the 2026 SIPP marks a decisive step in the government’s strategy to make our country attractive for investments. We focus on ensuring the ease of doing business, reducing cost, and creating predictability,” FIRB Chairman Frederick Go said.

“These efforts are directed towards priority sectors such as clean energy, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, and logistics. Well-designed incentives move capital, build industries, and expand opportunities for Filipinos,” he added.

The approval was formalized through Memorandum Order 47, which directs all concerned government agencies to issue the necessary regulations to ensure the synchronized and integrated implementation of the SIPP, subject to relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

The SIPP serves as the government’s blueprint for identifying priority economic activities eligible for fiscal incentives under the Create Act and the Create MORE Act.

Pursuant to Section 300 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, as amended by the Create Act, the Board of Investments (BOI), in consultation with the FIRB, investment promotion agencies (IPAs), other government agencies administering tax incentives, and the private sector, formulates the SIPP for Presidential approval.

The FIRB, through FIRB Resolution 015-25 dated Dec. 15,  2025, adopted the proposed 2026 SIPP and recommended its approval to the President through the BOI.

Subsequently, the BOI, through Board Resolution 10-03 dated April 10, 2026, approved the submission of the proposed SIPP, incorporating the refinements adopted by the FIRB.

While the 2026 SIPP remains consistent with the overall intent and framework of the 2022 SIPP, it reflects the evolving priorities of the Philippine economy.

Both versions share the same core objective of generating employment opportunities for Filipinos and attracting high-quality, labor-intensive investments.

The updated SIPP, however, places greater emphasis on sophisticated, high-value projects, particularly those driven by advanced technologies and the digital economy.

The 2026 SIPP also strengthens support for industries that will drive long-term structural transformation by promoting sustainability, innovation, and research and development.

It recognizes emerging growth areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data center infrastructure, reflecting the country’s commitment to building a future-ready and globally competitive economy.

Following its approval, concerned government agencies are expected to issue the necessary implementing guidelines to ensure the effective and coordinated implementation of the 2026 SIPP.

The FIRB remains committed to supporting qualified project applications seeking fiscal incentives and ensuring the efficient and transparent administration of the incentives system.