By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday (27 July 2026) underscored his administration’s expanded social protection agenda, citing strengthened employment assistance, housing initiatives, pension reforms, and financial security programs aimed at improving the lives of millions of Filipinos.
In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the government continues to reinforce its social safety net through coordinated programs that provide immediate assistance during times of crisis while promoting long-term economic stability through sustainable employment.
The President pointed to the government’s emergency assistance initiatives, including the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD program and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Risk Resiliency Program, which offer temporary employment and financial aid to families affected by emergencies and economic hardships.
Marcos stressed, however, that permanent and stable jobs remain the most effective means of ensuring lasting financial security. He said the administration continues to strengthen local industries to generate more employment opportunities for Filipino workers.
The President also emphasized the role of government financial institutions such as the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and Pag-IBIG Fund in safeguarding the welfare of workers by providing retirement savings, emergency assistance, and housing opportunities.
On housing, Marcos said the administration is aggressively addressing the country’s housing backlog through the expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program in partnership with local government units and the private sector. The program includes the construction of new communities, acquisition of Pag-IBIG assets, implementation of the Community Mortgage Program, resettlement projects, and rental housing initiatives.
According to the President, more than 50,000 housing units have already been completed or funded, while over 100,000 additional homes were delivered within the past year under the expanded 4PH Program.
To make home ownership more accessible, Marcos announced that the Pag-IBIG Fund has increased its housing loan ceiling to ₱10 million, enabling more Filipino families to purchase homes suited to their needs. He added that Pag-IBIG’s membership has now grown to 17 million members, strengthening the fund’s financial capacity to support affordable housing.
The President likewise highlighted expanded protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), saying nearly seven million OFWs are now covered by government insurance programs. He also cited new bilateral labor agreements with foreign governments that are expected to create additional overseas employment opportunities while noting that the minimum wage for Filipino domestic workers abroad has also been increased.
Marcos also announced improved benefits for retired uniformed personnel, including higher pensions and subsistence allowances beginning this year in recognition of their service to the country.
For Social Security System pensioners, the President said the government advanced the implementation of a 10-percent pension increase to June instead of its previously scheduled rollout in September.
The Chief Executive reported that approximately 4.4 million Filipinos have gained SSS protection since the start of his administration. Among the new members are over 80,000 workers from the informal sector, including public utility drivers, market vendors, gig workers, job order personnel, and contract-of-service employees.
Marcos said the government has also continued the engagement of job order and contract-of-service workers while providing additional compensation to cover their contributions to the SSS, Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth, along with other employment benefits.
Calling for wider participation in the country’s social protection programs, the President urged Filipinos—particularly self-employed and informal workers—to consistently contribute to the SSS and Pag-IBIG Fund to secure their future.
He also welcomed the growing number of Filipinos investing in insurance and pre-need plans, particularly affordable microinsurance products, saying these financial instruments provide additional security for families.
The President further noted that more young Filipinos are opening bank accounts and utilizing digital payment applications at an early age. He encouraged parents and educators to instill the values of saving and financial planning among the youth to prepare them for a more secure future.
Despite these gains, Marcos emphasized that education remains the government’s highest priority, describing it as the foundation for empowering Filipinos and sustaining the country’s long-term development.
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