As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. celebrates his 68th birthday this Friday, his administration’s signature campaign “Bagong Pilipinas” offers a compelling case study of ambitious governance in action. Launched on January 28, 2024, at Quirino Grandstand, the program represents an all-inclusive plan for economic and social transformation.
This year’s birthday wish—”Wala nang gutom na Pilipino” (No more hungry Filipinos)—reflects the core aspiration driving the administration’s flagship programs.
The vision, the programs
Bagong Pilipinas is designed around three pillars: Isip (The Filipino can prosper in the Philippines), Salita (Be truthful, not perennially negative), and Gawa (The future through Filipino efforts). The concept promotes inclusivity while dismantling structural barriers.
Build Better More Infrastructure The flagship program encompasses 194 projects across public transport, power, health, information technology, water resources, and agriculture, superseding the previous Build! Build! Build! initiative.
Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Launched in 2022 with the goal of zero informal settlers by 2028, the administration aims to build 1 million housing units annually until 2028.
Benteng Bigas Meron Na Operating through 162 locations nationwide via Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers, this program provides subsidized rice at P20 per kilo to vulnerable sectors and minimum wage earners, aiming to reach 14 million Filipinos.
Bawat Buhay Mahalaga The health program expands healthcare access through BUCAS Centers and mobile clinics, bringing medical services closer to communities, especially in remote areas.
Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair Service caravans bring essential government services directly to communities, offering free national ID registration, civil registration, police clearance, and housing loan applications. Thirteen more fairs are scheduled for early 2025.
Measurable achievements
Economic Performance The administration positioned the Philippines among Asia’s fastest-growing economies in 2024. Total revenue collection is expected to reach PHP 4.42 trillion, surpassing the PHP 4.27 trillion target. As a percentage of GDP, revenues will climb to 16.7%—the highest in 27 years.
Social Programs The KALAHI-CIDSS program achieved record performance, completing 16,320 sub-projects in 2023 benefiting 5.56 million households—more than three times the historical average.
Environmental Initiatives The “KALINISAN sa Bagong Pilipinas” campaign mobilized over 22,000 barangays to collect more than 40,000 tons of garbage in just five months.
Challenges
Despite achievements, significant challenges remain. About 63% of Filipinos consider themselves poor amid inflation that reached the highest level since 2003. Export figures have declined from their 2022 peak.
The program faced criticism from progressive groups who called the launch rally “a waste of people’s resources,” questioning the ₱24 million cost during economic challenges.
Assessment
As President Marcos marks his 68th birthday, his administration’s track record suggests a leader intent on making good on campaign commitments, even as economic realities continue to test the Bagong Pilipinas vision. His birthday wish for “no more hungry Filipinos” serves as both aspiration and accountability measure for the programs bearing the Bagong Pilipinas brand.
