Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go urged the Economic Development Committee (EDCom) members to build on its 2025 key achievements and strengthen interagency cooperation to manage inflation and strengthen investments during its 6th and final meeting for the year held on December 11, 2025.
The meeting highlighted significant measures undertaken by agencies under the direction of EDCom to keep the country’s economic fundamentals strong and stable.
Addressing food inflation
Executive Order No. 105 was issued in November 2025 keeping rice tariffs unchanged for the rest of the year to help maintain stable and reasonable rice prices, especially for low-income families.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) further strengthened coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fast-track the rollout of the African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the DA also closely monitored market activities to ensure a sufficient and affordable domestic pork supply for consumers.
Meanwhile, the Sugar Regulatory Administration implemented measures aimed at maintaining adequate domestic sugar supply and buffer stocks.
Mitigating non-food inflation
The economic team stressed the importance of overseeing wage adjustments to ensure that any increases remain balanced and non-inflationary. They also stressed that any proposed across-the-board increase be carefully evaluated by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) to ensure sustainable wage setting.
The committee also directed the reallocation of fuel subsidy programs from the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to support social sector initiatives.
Promoting agricultural investment and boosting productivity
Key provisions of the new Agri-Agra Law (RA No. 11901), which require banks to allocate a percentage of their loanable funds to agricultural and fisheries financing, were disseminated to relevant agencies to strengthen awareness and promote compliance.
The committee also backed the refinement of the Agricultural Investment Interest Subsidy Program to further stimulate agricultural investments.
Other initiatives to improve infrastructure, digitalization, and telecommunications
To accelerate renewable energy in the country, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), conducted System Impact Studies (SIS) to ensure proposed energy projects are compatible with the grid and that overall system reliability is maintained.
Further, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) implemented measures to enhance telecommunications infrastructure, strengthen mobile connectivity, and promote digital inclusion in underserved communities. These include the adoption of blockchain technology, to be introduced to relevant agencies in the first quarter (Q1) 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,” said Secretary Go.
He also called on the EDCom to remain proactive in addressing emerging challenges, particularly in food security, food prices, and social protection.
