PH pushes investment, digitalization agenda at APEC
The Philippines joined regional finance leaders at the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) on October 20 to 21, 2026 in Hong Kong, to advance cooperation on economic resilience, regional integration, and inclusive and sustainable growth across the Asia-Pacific.
Department of Finance (DOF) International Finance Group (IFG) Undersecretary Joven Z. Balbosa represented Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go to the meeting, hosted by the People’s Republic of China under the theme “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together” and priorities of “Openness, Innovation, Cooperation.”
In line with the Marcos Jr. administration’s push for investment-led and inclusive growth, Undersecretary Balbosa highlighted Philippine efforts to strengthen project financing, attract greater private investment, and harness digital transformation to expand economic opportunities.
The Philippines underscored the importance of stronger project preparation and the use of blended finance, guarantees, and other risk-sharing instruments to improve project bankability and crowd in private capital.
“Ultimately, success should not be measured only by financing committed. It should be measured by whether more bankable projects reach implementation and whether investment delivers more reliable, resilient, and inclusive digital connectivity across the region,” Undersecretary Balbosa said.
The Philippines also highlighted initiatives to strengthen household welfare and financial access, including the Social Security System’s Pension Reform Program, alongside broader efforts to improve targeted assistance for low-income households, reduce digital transaction costs, and expand access to responsible formal credit.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers’ Joint Statement, reaffirming regional cooperation on fiscal policy, digital infrastructure financing, and financial access and opportunity.
The FMM outcomes will help inform discussions at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting on November 18 to 19, 2026 in Shenzhen, China, as APEC economies carry forward cooperation on growth, connectivity, resilience, and digital transformation.
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