President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., more known among the public as PBBM, on Monday committed to complete nearly 200 power plants and expand water infrastructure in the final three years of his administration, emphasizing their role in driving economic growth and improving quality of life.
In his state of the nation address on Monday, President Marcos Jr. said the projects completed by 2028 will have the capacity to power some four million households, or the equivalent of 200,000 factories and 7,000 businesses. He did not detail the actual generation capacity but emphasized the economic impact of improved energy access.
The administration also targets full household electrification by 2028, having already connected 2.5 million homes since his first day in Malacanang. Marcos Jr. said around three million remain unserved but has prioritized particular areas that include Quezon Province, Camarines Norte, Palawan, Masbate, Samar, Negros Occidental, and Zamboanga del Sur.
Beyond 2028, the government will expand rooftop solar systems by an additional one million households under an enhanced net-metering program. The Department of Energy (DOE) and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) have been tasked with streamlining the permitting process to encourage adoption.
To address recurring outages, especially in off-grid areas like Siquijor, Marcos ordered DOE, the National Electrification Administration (NEA), and ERC to restore reliable service and investigate utility management failures.
On water services, Marcos Jr. said the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) will penalize underperforming water districts and private partners, while pursuing large-scale infrastructure projects to deliver affordable and clean water, especially in island communities.
“This is not just about providing access — it’s about ensuring quality, affordability, and accountability,” he said, positioning the initiatives as key to supporting inclusive development and investment readiness across the country.
