MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies to reduce project costs for 2026 to eliminate overpricing and corruption, saying the savings will be used to fund socio-economic programs.

The President made the statement on Thursday before departing for Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, to attend the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting and related activities.

“So, alongside our efforts to strengthen the Philippines’ regional foothold and attract investments, we continue to cleanse our bureaucracy of corruption, because only a transparent government can build a fair economy,” he said.

Before his trip to Malaysia for the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, Marcos ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to cut construction material costs by up to 50 percent. He said the move could save at least ₱30 billion to ₱45 billion, which will be redirected to vital sectors such as health, education, and food.

“Last October 25, this Administration renewed a promise that guides all our actions: to guard every peso entrusted to us, and to return it to our people in the form of progress they can see and feel. When funds are protected and spent with discipline, prices ease, opportunities grow, and communities thrive,” he said.

The President said the DPWH is aligning its project costs with real market prices and reducing these by up to 50 percent.

“And let me be clear: The quality of what we build will not be compromised. The only thing weakened will be corruption. This is the accountability our citizens deserve,” Marcos said.

He added that the same approach will apply to all government agencies implementing infrastructure projects.

“This approach will not be limited to the DPWH but shall be the norm across government. We are reducing the 2026 costs of farm-to-market roads, irrigation, classrooms, and hospitals,” he declared.

The directive covers the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and National Irrigation Administration (NIA). These agencies are instructed to adopt the same pricing system being implemented by the DPWH.

“The savings we secure will go where they matter most: to programs that uplift families, support livelihoods, and strengthen communities. Because when our people grow in capability and confidence, the nation grows with them,” Marcos said.

“A government that honors public trust. A nation that stands firm on integrity. This is our promise. And real change for every Filipino today and all generations to come,” he added.