The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to support residents affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on Negros Island following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Patuloy pa rin po ang binibigyan ng serbisyo ayon na rin sa direktiba ng ating Pangulo,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday.

Castro said that the field offices in Western and Central Visayas are closely coordinating with the affected local government units (LGUs).

“Patuloy pa rin po ang pagbibigay ng mga provisions o family food packs and non-food items sa ating mga kababayan na naaapektuhan,” she said.

Castro also said that Malacañang will evaluate requests for additional funding from LGUs to support affected residents.

Castro said the alert level remains at Level 3 based on the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) report and reiterated the warning of LGUs to residents not to enter the six-kilometer radius danger zone to ensure safety.

Kanlaon volcano on Negros Island erupted Tuesday morning, emitting an ash plume and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). This volcanic activity is similar to the December 9, 2024 eruption, which produced a comparable plume height. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other concerned agencies to intensify their monitoring efforts to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters during the Holy Week.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced this during a briefing in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.

Castro also said the President directed law enforcement agencies to monitor the security situation during the Holy Week.

“May direktiba po sa DOTr na dapat pong paigtingin ang kanilang pagmo-monitor sa nalalapit na pag-uwi ng mga kababayan natin sa kani-kanilang mga probinsiya,” Castro said.

“Nagbigay po ng order ang ating Pangulo. Hindi lamang po sa DOTr, pero sa mga attached agencies po to ensure the safety and convenience of all the passengers who will be traveling to their hometowns or will have vacations,” she added.

Castro announced that strict inspections would be implemented at terminals, ports, and airports to prevent transport delays leading up to Holy Week.

“Alam naman po natin na may mga pagkakataon na nagkakaroon pa rin, hindi natin maiiwasan na mayroong mangyayaring mga aksyon, mga krimen. At hindi dapat matulog. Iyan po ang direktiba ng Pangulo,” Castro said.

“Kahit bakasyon ang karamihan, hindi dapat nagbabakasyon ang gobyerno. Patuloy pa rin po ang pagsasagawa ng mga monitoring at ang pagtulong sa ating kapwa Pilipino,” she added. | PND

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Tuesday warned against using the Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS) for political campaigning.

Castro was reacting to reports that the ECBS was used by an unnamed local candidate for the May 12 elections to transmit emergency alerts to residents, which included his name.

In a press briefing at the Palace, Castro stressed that the ECBS should be used strictly for emergencies.

“Huwag po sanang abusuhin itong emergency cell broadcast system dahil ito po, ‘pag sinabi pong emergency ay dapat pang-emergency lamang po,” Usec. Castro said.

The ECBS is a vital communication tool used by the government to issue critical public safety and life-saving notifications during natural disasters, security threats, and other emergencies.

The system is closely coordinated with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Castro stressed that any unauthorized use of the system is a grave violation of public trust.

“Hindi po ‘to dapat inaabuso ng sinuman para sa pansariling kapakanan,” she said.

Castro said the DICT and the NTC are investigating the alleged misuse of the ECBS. She said the government will take legal action against any individual or group found guilty of using the ECBS for non-emergency purposes. | PND

The relentless efforts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to secure the freedom of 17 Filipinos in Qatar led to the dismissal of the illegal assembly charges against them, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Monday.

Castro announced after President Marcos met with Qatari Ambassador Ahmed Saad Al Homidi in Malacañang.

“Sinabi ng Qatari Ambassador na pinalaya na ang 17 na inaresto sa Qatar at dinismis [dismissed] na rin ang mga kaso laban sa kanila,” Castro said.

“Nakikita po natin kung gaano po ba kabilis magtrabaho ang ating Pangulo, kaya parang ito po ay taliwas sa mga bintang ng iba na walang nangyayari sa ating bansa,” she added.

Quoting the ambassador, Castro said Qatar’s decision to dismiss the cases reflected the strong and friendly relations between the two countries.

The President focused on the cases of 17 Filipinos and instructed relevant government agencies to assist in securing their release and to work towards having their cases dismissed.

After their cases were dismissed, the Filipinos may return to work in Qatar or choose to go back home, according to Castro.

Last week, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced the provisional release of the 17 Filipinos.

Among those detained were 12 males, five females, and three minors. They were arrested on March 27 for participating in a rally supporting former president Rodrigo R. Duterte.

The former President is currently in detention in the International Criminal Court (ICC) facilities in The Hague while awaiting trial for his crimes against humanity. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reminded the Philippine National Police (PNP) that effective leadership in law enforcement requires commitment to the Constitution and the highest standards of integrity and justice.

During the oath-taking ceremony for the 39 star-ranked PNP officers, President Marcos said that every action taken by law enforcement must be grounded in principle, law, and moral duty.

“Let your actions always be rooted to what is right, what must be done, and what is legally ordered,” the President told the police officers.

President Marcos administered the oath to 39 newly promoted police officers, four Police Lieutenant Generals, 11 Police Major Generals, and 24 Police Brigadier Generals.

He called on the PNP to stay true to their sworn duties and serve as paragons of integrity and constitutional fidelity.

“Always carry in your hearts your oath to our great Republic—to faithfully, honestly, and unequivocally uphold and defend our Constitution,” he said.

The President said the nation looks to its uniformed personnel for protection and moral leadership, especially in times of uncertainty.

He called on the PNP’s top leadership to exemplify discipline, integrity, and principled service. | PND

The modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is vital to achieving the country’s credible defense posture, the Palace said on Monday.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is committed to modernizing the country’s military.

“Opo, gusto po talaga natin na hangga’t maaari ay mabili po natin ang kinakailangan natin for the AFP modernization,” Castro said.

Castro made the statement when asked about Palace’s confidence in achieving credible and reliable defense posture before President Marcos steps down from power.

“Lahat po iyan ay nanaisin po talaga ng ating Pangulo na magampanan po ang mga pangakong ito,” she said.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a recent regional defense forum the Philippines was considering acquiring more missile systems. This move aims to enhance the integration of air and missile defense capabilities, alongside the purchase of warships and multi-role fighter jets, to build a strong and reliable deterrent force.

Castro said the AFP’s plan to complete Horizon 3 of its modernization program relies on the budget approved by Congress.

The AFP Modernization Program consists of three phases, known as Horizons. Horizon 1 took place from 2013 to 2017, Horizon 2 ran from 2018 to 2022, and Horizon 3 is set for 2023 to 2028.

However, the Horizon 3 acquisition list was overhauled to Re-Horizon 3, which was approved in January 2024, with a duration of 10 years. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. encouraged local and foreign tourists to enjoy “experiential tourism” by sampling diverse delicacies as they explored various country regions.

President Marcos made the pitch during the Filipino Food Month (FFM) or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino National Kick-Off Celebration in Quezon province on Friday.

Speaking during the event at the Quezon Provincial Capitol Grounds in Lucena City, the President explained how Filipino cuisine has evolved throughout the country’s history.

“Sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino, ginugunita natin ang ating mga kusina bilang santuwaryo ng ating kasaysayan, ng ating kultura, at pagkatao bilang Pilipino,” he said.

The President said of the Filipino Food Month: “Ipinagdiriwang natin ang linamnam ng ating mga putahe at ang lalim ng ating kakayahan bilang isang bayan.”

“Mahalaga ang lahat ng ito sa ating isinusulong na tinatawag na experiential tourism,” he also said.

The President noted that most tourists seek more than just relaxing on the beach; they desire joyful and enriching activities rather than merely sightseeing.

“Napakalaking halaga na ipakilala natin ang pagkaing Pilipino. Dahil kapag nakakain na ang isang dayuhan nang masarap, kahit ano man na klaseng Filipino food, basta’t natikman na niya, malaki na ang kanyang pag-unawa sa kultura ng Pilipino” he said.

The President stated that tasting regional delicacies is the quickest way to appreciate Filipino culture and discover the culinary skills of Filipinos in creating delicious dishes.

He specifically cited Ilocos region’s “bagnet”, Pampanga’s “sisig”, Cebu’s “lechon”, Quezon’s “pancit habhab,” Bicol region’s “laing”, Lucban’s “longganisa,” and Mindanao’s “piyanggang manok.”

The President shared that he, too, sampled “pancit habhab” before inaugurating the Filipino Food Month.

“At siyempre po, dito naman sa Quezon – natikman po natin kanina ang pancit habhab—pansit na kinakamay at kinakain na diretso mula sa sariwang dahon ng saging. Mas lalo pa sumasarap ito ‘pag nilagyan pa natin ng topping ng ano pa? Longganisang Lucban na may tamang asim at masarap na bawang,” the President said.

“Mga kababayan, sa pamamagitan ng ating mga pagkain, matutuklasan natin ang ating pagka-Pilipino—malikhain, matatag, at may malasakit sa kapwa,” he added.

Presidential Proclamation No. 469 designates every April as FFM to conserve, promote, and popularize Filipino cuisine as a national culinary heritage.

The month-long celebration includes activities like the KAINCON Filipino Food Conference and the AngSarap! Philippine Food Festival and other events. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the government’s unwavering support for soldiers, law enforcers, and the people is vital to achieving lasting peace in the Philippines.

“May tamang paraan para tiyakin ang kapayapaan. ‘Yan po ay tuluyang pagsuporta sa ating mga kababayan, sa ating mga law enforcements, sa ating mga sundalo, sa atin pong lahat po na nagserebisyo sa tao,” President Marcos said.

The President spoke during the Alyansa campaign rally in Antipolo on Friday.

He said continued development can be sustained by a system that upholds and protects the people’s rights, not through bloodbaths and violence.

“Sa laban naman kontra sa krimen at sa droga, wala po sa amin ang naniniwala na kailangan pong pumatay ng libo-libo na Pilipino para lutasin ang problema na ‘yan. Ang kailangan po ay dapat po tulungan po natin ang ating mga kapulisan, suportahan po natin, suportahan po natin ang ating mga LGU,” President Marcos said.

“Yan po ang solusyon. Hindi and karahasan na nakita natin na dapat ay huwag natin uulitin at Hindi naman kailangang gawin. May paraan po para matuklasan natin o mabigyan natin ng solusyon ang problema sa kontra droga, ang problema sa krimen. ‘Yan po ay ang aming paniniwala, ‘yan po ang aming ipaglalaban,” he added.

On the economy, President Marcos said the government will not allow a return to the era when illegal gambling flourished in the Philippines, mainly through Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

He said employment opportunities, livelihood programs, and government support for the Filipino people are the genuine solutions to economic challenges.

Bagong Pilipinas Para sa Bagong Pilipino Citizens Movement Youth Representative Hanna Lane Garcia supported the President’s call to back the Alyansa slate fully.

“We defer to his wisdom in his choices of these candidates,” Garcia said.

“We realize that the President needs all the support that he needs in the Senate for his program in next three years, the Bagong Pilipino Para sa Bagong Pilipinas Citizens Movement is here to give full support to him and his administration,” she added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the launching of a job fair in Antipolo City on Friday for beneficiaries of government aid programs.

During the launching of the “Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the President said the job fair was meant to employ 2,000 beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), who are also graduating the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The government agencies participating in the job fair were the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“Kaya po lahat po ng departamento, lahat po ng ahensya ay sinasama po namin sa lahat ng mga programa na ganito,” President Marcos said during the launching of the job fair.

“Kaya po ‘yan po ang patuloy naming ginagawa. At hindi lang po namin ginagawa rito sa Rizal, kundi sa lahat ng iba’t ibang lugar sa buong Pilipinas,” he said.

A centralized hub of government agencies called “one-stop shop” was established to provide job seekers with the necessary documentary requirements for job applicants.

Among the government agencies included in the one-stop-shop were the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Ten local employers offered over 700 jobs in various sectors, including administrative and support services, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and financial insurance.

The event’s medical missions provided free services such as ECG, X-ray, consultations, laboratory, and free anti-dengue vaccinations and medicines.

Since January 2025, the government has recorded 351 applicants hired on the spot, including over 250 beneficiaries of the 4Ps program. This figure is based on eight organized Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas events.

Between July 2022 and January 2025, the government organized over 4,000 job fairs nationwide, resulting in more than 160,000 people hired on the spot.

President Marcos thanked national agencies, the local government of Antipolo, and the private sector for participating in the job fair. | PND

The President and other high-ranking officials enjoy executive privilege and are not required to appear before congressional hearings, according to a Palace official.

This was in response to Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa‘s statement complaining about the non-appearance of executive officials during the second Senate hearing on the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

“Dapat malaman din po ni Senator Bato na patungkol po sa executive privilege ay matagal na po na inayunan ng Supreme Court,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a Malacañang briefing.

Castro pointed to Supreme Court rulings supporting Malacañang’s stand in invoking executive privilege, answering questions from lawmakers, and attending congressional investigations.

“Kung saan po ang executive privilege ay patunay lamang po, according to the Supreme Court decisions, na ito po ay maaaring pong i-invoke ng ating Pangulo at kanyang mga high-ranking officials, especially kung ito ay patungkol sa deliberative process privilege, Presidential communications privilege, or state secrets privilege,” Castro said.

“So, sana po mabasa niya ang mga kasong ito para siya ay maliwanagan,” she said.

Dela Rosa urged the Senate to subpoena the Cabinet officials who refrained from attending the second hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Dela Rosa claimed their absence from the hearing by invoking executive privilege could trigger a constitutional crisis.

However, Castro reminded the senator that he was absent during the first Senate hearing.

“Hindi po ba niya natatandaan na nagkaroon na ng first hearing? Siya po yata ang wala. That was an opportunity para sa kanya para magtanong,” Castro said.

“So, huwag niya pong sisihin kung ngayon po ay hindi umatend ang mga Cabinet officials natin sa pangalawang hearing po,” she said.

Castro said the Cabinet officials attended the first Senate hearing for six hours. She added that the senator could have questioned them if he had participated in the hearing.

Castro said it was up to Dela Rosa to have the Cabinet officials subpoenaed, telling the lawmakers that he should be certain that he, too, would attend. | PND