During a courtesy call in Malacañang on Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed his sincere appreciation to High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas for the European Union’s continued and steadfast support for the Philippines.

The President welcomed the establishment of the Philippines-EU Security and Defense Dialogue, underscoring the importance of addressing geopolitical challenges with those who share similar values and adherence to the rules-based international order.

Kallas is currently in Manila for a two-day official visit.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that Kallas’ trip to Manila is her first visit to the Philippines since her appointment on December 1, 2024.

The DFA said her visit represents a significant step forward in strengthening diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the European Union, emphasizing their mutual commitment to open political dialogue and deepen collaboration for peace, stability, and sustainable development. | PND

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will embark on an official visit to the Philippines from June 4 to 5, 2025, at the invitation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reflecting the warm and enduring ties between the two nations.

Prime Minister Wong’s visit to Manila marks his first bilateral trip since his reappointment in May this year, serving as an important introductory visit that reaffirms the strong and longstanding partnership between Singapore and the Philippines.

President Marcos and Prime Minister Wong are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on June 4, where they are expected to discuss the strengthening of Philippines-Singapore relations and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation across various sectors.

During the bilateral meeting, the two leaders will discuss key areas of cooperation such as health, climate change mitigation and civil service cooperation.

President Marcos and Prime Minister Wong are also expected to exchange views on key political and economic developments in the region, reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and prosperity.

Singapore ranked as the Philippines’ eighth largest trading partner in 2024, reflecting the robust economic ties between the two nations. Approximately 220,000 Filipinos currently reside in Singapore, further strengthening the people-to-people linkages.

The upcoming visit marks the first by a Singaporean prime minister to the Philippines since 2017, underscoring the significance of this renewed high-level engagement. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday directed newly appointed Philippine National Police Chief, P/Gen. Nicolas Torre III, to enhance the PNP’s service by cleansing its ranks, intensifying the anti-drug campaign, and strengthening police presence in communities to help prevent crime.

President Marcos instructed the new PNP leadership to prioritize the needs and welfare of the public at the center of their law enforcement campaigns.

“Let your badge be your daily pledge, not to command, but to serve with integrity. Let every decision uphold the law and let every gesture reflect the quiet dignity of true public service,” President Marcos said during the formal change of command ceremony in Camp Crame on Monday.

“May the PNP become a source of hope and reassurance to every community you protect,” the President said.

The Chief Executive directed the PNP to continue engaging with communities and partnering with local governments and stakeholders.

“Above all, center every initiative on the needs, rights, and welfare of each Filipino,” the President stressed.

President Marcos told Torre to expedite the investigation of cases against erring police officers and deliver justice as soon as possible.

“Hamon ko sa’yo: Panatilihin mong malinis at marangal ang hanay ng kapulisan. Bilisan ang imbestigasyon sa mga kaso laban sa mga pulis na lumabag sa batas upang maibigay natin ang hustisya sa lalong madaling panahon,” President Marcos said.

Ordering the police force not to abuse their privileges, the President said law enforcers should be instruments of righteousness, peace, and prosperity.

“Iwasan ninyo ang paggamit ng pribilehiyo para sa pansariling benepisyo. Maging instrumento kayo ng katuwiran, kapayapaan, at kaunlaran,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos reiterated his order for the PNP to increase police visibility on the streets to ensure public safety and a quick response in case of crimes.

“Siguruhing mas maraming pulis na umiikot sa mga kalsada at nagbabantay sa mga komunidad, lalo na sa lugar na madalas ang krimen at kaguluhan. Kapag kailangan ng taumbayan, dapat may pulis na agad nagre-responde,” said the President.

“Iparamdam natin sa mga Pilipino na may pulis na handang dumamay at magtanggol sa kanila sa lahat ng oras. Hindi dapat natatakot ang estudyante, manggagawa, motorista, o magulang na maglakad sa kalsada—umaga man o gabi,” President Marcos stressed.

President Marcos ordered the PNP to continue its campaign against illegal drugs, together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

“Magsagawa kayo ng drug seizures at tiyakin na sasampahan ng kaso ang mga drug dealers. Patuloy din kayong magmatyag sa ating mga komunidad para kahit ang small time drug peddlers, walang ligtas,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday called on new Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III to lead efforts to restore the trust of the people in the police force and improve its service to the public.

“Your leadership will help define what kind of police force we continue to build: one that acts with precision, responds with compassion, and stands as a pillar of accountability,” President Marcos told the new PNP chief during the change of command ceremony at Camp Crame.

PGen. Torre succeeded PGen. Rommel Marbil, who bowed out of police service after a four-month term extension.

Marbil reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 on February 7, 2025, but President Marcos extended his service until last Sunday.

Marbil, a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Sambisig Class of 1991, served as the 30th PNP chief from April 1, 2024, to June 1, 2025.

“Your assumption of command comes at a time that calls for clarity, for courage, and for conviction. These challenges that we face are evolving—we have transnational crimes, cyber threats, extremist violence, and even police misconduct,” the President said.

“At the same time, the opportunities to earn trust and improve public service have never been more reachable,” President Marcos said.

Amid the glitz and glamor at the turnover ceremony, applause and cheers were given to Torre by men and women in gala uniforms and guests in formal attire.

But one group seemed to applaud Torre more heartily and the loudest, despite being a small number — they were Torre’s own personnel at the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Torre was the CIDG chief before his appointment as the top cop.

Sporting their simple gray barongs, the handful of CIDG personnel came to support their boss as he took over a higher assignment — leading the 220,000-strong police force.

“Masaya po kami, kasi nakita namin siya mismo magtrabaho. Napaka-hands on niya at hindi titigil yan si sir hanggang hindi natatapos,” one CIDG police officer told the Presidential News Desk.

“We were not expecting (Torre to be chosen as PNP chief), but hoping, kasi nakikita nga namin yung trabaho ni Sir,” the officer added.

“Hindi pa natin masabi kung maiiwan nga kami, kasi puwede rin kaming dalhin ni sir (to the Office of the PNP Chief),” another officer said. | PND

In an effort to improve irrigation systems and increase farm productivity, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the turnover of more than 200 units of machinery for irrigation operations and maintenance nationwide on Monday.

During the turnover ceremony in Taguig City, President Marcos handed over symbolic keys to representatives of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) field offices for a total of 229 specialized vehicles, worth PHP 799.568 million, which were distributed under the third and final tranche of the NIA’s re-fleeting program.

“Sa tulong ng mga sasakyan, backhoe, dump trucks, excavators, umaasa tayo na mas bibilis ang pagsasaayos ng mga nasirang irigasyon at ang pagpapatayo ng mga bagong proyektong patubig,” President Marcos said during the event.

“At kapag maayos ang irigasyon, mas malaki ang ani, mas magandang kalidad ang ating mga produkto, mas mataas ang kita ng ating mga magsasaka,” the President added.

President Marcos recognized the critical role of Filipino farmers and reiterated the government’s support aimed at improving their livelihood.

“Buong puso po ang pasasalamat namin sa inyo. At hindi po titigil ang Administrasyong ito sa pagpapatupad ng mga programa na magpapabuti ng iyong mga kinabukasan,” the President said.

In line with President Marcos’ directive to fast-track the development of irrigation projects, NIA is currently upgrading its fleet to enhance operational efficiency, support field activities, and ensure the timely implementation of irrigation projects nationwide.

The President also led the distribution of irrigation equipment during the first two tranches of the re-fleeting program.

Under the first tranche, 141 units of wheeled excavators, valued at PhP776 million, were turned over to NIA field offices nationwide in December 2023.

The second tranche involves the government turning over 148 units of new excavators, trailer trucks, and dumper trucks, valued at PhP782 million, in August 2024.

The third and final tranche of machinery consisted of new wheel loaders with backhoes, motor graders, tractor crawlers, excavator crawlers, self-loading trucks, and mini dump trucks. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed the country’s gratitude to now-retired P/Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil for leading the Philippine National Police (PNP) and bringing the police force closer to the people.

“General Marbil, you led the Philippine National Police with a compass firmly set on integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights,” President Marcos said during the formal turnover of command ceremony in Camp Crame on Monday.

“In your (Marbil) stewardship, the PNP became a more people-centered, structured, and regulated institution. You guided your officers to serve with integrity and in doing so, you restored the people’s confidence in the uniform that the police wear,” the President added.

“Naging sandigan ng pamahalaan ang kapulisan sa paghahatid ng tulong, pagbibigay ng proteksyon, at pagtataguyod ng karapatang pantao,” the President said. “Ipinakita ng PNP na walang katumbas ang buhay ng tao—mga buhay na nailigtas, napag-lingkuran, at natulungang makabangon. And for this, General Marbil, we are truly grateful.”

Marbil bowed out of service after leading the PNP for 14 months.

Marbil assumed the top PNP post on April 1, 2024. President Marcos extended Marbil’s term when the latter reached the compulsory retirement age of 56, on February 7, 2025.

During Marbil’s term, the PNP took on the task of carrying out an anti-drug campaign that saw the arrests of several high-profile drug suspects and the seizure of record amounts of illegal drugs.

At President Marcos’s orders, the PNP also focused on making the streets safer through enhanced police visibility.

President Marcos hailed Marbil’s leadership during crucial times, from disaster response to crisis management, as well as ensuring general public safety and the peaceful conduct of the recent May 12 elections. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday reiterated his administration’s commitment to boosting agricultural resilience amid worsening climate change, emphasizing the need for swift and lasting solutions to irrigation issues and greater preparedness for both droughts and heavy rains.

During the ceremonial turnover of the third tranche of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) re-fleeting program in Taguig City, President Marcos said the initiatives are more than just a logistical upgrade.

The President said the third tranche of the NIA operations and maintenance equipment and vehicles re-fleeting is a vital lifeline for Filipino farmers confronting the harsh realities of today’s climate crisis.

“Napakahalaga ng re-fleeting program ng NIA lalo na po sa panahon ngayon. Mabigat ang pagsubok na kinakaharap ng ating mga magsasaka dahil nga sa dinudulot ng climate change,” President Marcos told key NIA officials and personnel.

The President said the government must stay one step ahead of unpredictable weather patterns that threaten the country’s food supply.

With climate-driven droughts and floods damaging crops nationwide, President Marcos said irrigation systems must be prepared and responsive at all times.

“Kaya ating tinututukan ang kahandaan sa anumang hamon ng kalikasan—tagtuyot man o tag-ulan. Kung may kailangang ayusin sa irigasyon, dapat may agarang aksyon at matibay na solusyon,” the President said.

Calling for accountability and stewardship, President Marcos urged NIA employees to take full responsibility for the new resources entrusted to them.

“Kaya po ang hiling ko sa lahat ng kawani ng NIA: ingatan, alagaan, at gamitin ninyo ang mga sasakyan at pasilidad nang wasto,” President Marcos said.

The refleeting program marks a significant boost to NIA’s operational capabilities, with modernized equipment and vehicles ensuring faster response times and improved maintenance of irrigation facilities nationwide.

This latest re-fleeting tranche is aligned with the broader goal of President Marcos in achieving long-term agricultural productivity and food security through innovation, infrastructure, and institutional support. | PND

Renewing his call for improved public service, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday urged the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to take a more proactive role by reaching out to farmers directly and addressing their concerns on the ground.

President Marcos stated that NIA personnel should not wait for farmers to come to them with complaints, but instead should proactively seek out farmers and address their concerns immediately.

“Saksi ako sa inyong sipag sa paglilingkod sa ating mga magsasaka. Ngunit hiling ko sa inyo na pag-igtingin pa ang pagsisilbi. Makinig sa kanilang mga hinaing,” President Marcos said as he led the turnover of about PhP800 million worth of new equipment and vehicles to NIA field offices.

As the last and third tranche of NIA’s re-fleeting program, the PhP799.5 million worth of machinery would be used to repair and maintain irrigation systems.

“Huwag hintayin na sila ang lumapit sa inyo. Kayo na ang umikot sa ating mga magsasaka. Pabilisin ang tugon sa kanilang problema. At higit sa lahat, maglingkod nang tapat,” the President stressed.

President Marcos reminded NIA officials and personnel to honor the public’s trust by ensuring their duties are carried out with integrity and efficiency.

At the same time, the President asked NIA to ensure that all equipment, such as backhoes, dump trucks, and excavators, is properly used and maintained to ensure the continued operation of irrigation systems and facilities throughout the country.

With the proper irrigation system, President Marcos said farmers could boost their production, ensure a high-quality harvest, and earn a higher income.

The President also underscored the importance of NIA’s re-fleeting program in the face of threats posed by climate change to farmers.

“Mabigat ang pagsubok na kinakaharap ng ating mga magsasaka na dulot ng climate change—mas matinding init, mas malalang ulan, at pabago-bagong panahon,” President Marcos said. “Sa pamamagitan ng mga sasakyan at gamit na ito, may pagkain sa hapag at mas matatag na sektor ng agrikultura.” | PND

For Danilo Catacutan, a member of an irrigators’ association in Ibaan, Batangas, the turnover on Monday of PhP799.5 million worth of equipment to National Irrigation Administration (NIA) field offices signals improved irrigation and better income for farmers.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of the NIA-procured operations and maintenance equipment and vehicles in Taguig City to increase farm productivity and ensure food security.

The turnover of equipment was the third and last tranche under the NIA’s re-fleeting program, in which Catacutan expressed optimism that they would benefit from.

“Opo naman, napakalaking tulong upang makaganda ‘yung aming irrigation lalo kasi marami nang sira eh. Kasi kung ‘yan ay gagamitin sa patubig, malaking tulong,” the farmer noted. “Maraming salamat po kay Pangulo at nakaraming biyaya ang dumating sa aming mga farmers.”

He noted that the water supply from the irrigation system is not adequate to meet the needs of Ibaan farmers, who cultivate palay and vegetables due to poor infrastructure.

Catacutan added that flood water initially inundates and eventually destroys the irrigation gate made only of “coco-lumber.”

With the new equipment, he expressed belief that irrigation infrastructure could be rehabilitated and improved, lessening the impact of floodwater.

Speaking during the event, NIA Administrator Eddie Guillen said that with Monday’s turnover, the government could show the farmers all over the country that it is working for their welfare.

Guillen said government service is not measured by the number of hours spent in the office, but by the presence of NIA personnel who actively visit and engage communities.

The NIA chief expressed gratitude to the President for backing the agency’s re-fleeting program.

“Mula sa puso, nagpapasalamat kami kay Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at sa Kongreso, lalo na kay Speaker Romualdez at sa lahat ng tumulong sa programang ito. Dahil sa inyo may panibagong pag-asa ang libu-libong pamilya sa kanayunan,” Guillen said.

The success of the program is also the success of Filipino farmers who wake up every day and toil to provide families with food on their tables, Guillen said. | PND

Giving importance to spending quality time with loved ones, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday spearheaded the launching of Pamilya Pass 1+3 Promo in the Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3 and Light Rail Transit (LRT)-1 and LRT-2, where one ticket is good for four passengers.

Speaking at the launch held at the GMA-Kamuning MRT-3 station, President Marcos emphasized that the initiative aims to encourage families and friends to spend quality time together on Sundays, which he described as a cherished family day for many Filipinos.

“As you can see, we have come today to help inaugurate this new promotional program for our public transport system. Alam niyo kasi ang kultura ng Pilipino ang Linggo para sa pamilya ‘yan. Para sa mga mahal sa buhay na magsama, na makapag-bonding nang kaunti,” the President said.

“Kaya ginawa namin ay gumawa kami ng programa tinatawag na 1+3 program. Ibig sabihin ‘pag Linggo basta’t bibili ka ng isang ticket, plus three ang puwede mong isakay. Ibig sabihin sa isang ticket, apat ang puwedeng sumakay,” the President added.

Under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) program, passengers who purchase one ticket will receive three free tickets, helping to reduce travel expenses for families, friends, and groups traveling together.

Earlier, President Marcos instructed Cabinet members and agency heads to focus on government projects that address the daily needs of Filipinos.

“Para naman mabigyan natin ang pagkakataon yung ating mga pamilya, mga magkabarkada na magkasama,” the President noted.

President Marcos even joked that since they are a family of five, his eldest son, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, had to buy his own ticket.

“Pero kami lumagpas kami doon sa 1+3 kaya si Congressman Sandro nagbayad ng sarili niyang ticket,” President Marcos quipped.

“Sana naman ay mabigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang ating mga kababayan na maramdaman nila ‘yung Linggo. Kasi alam naman namin napakahirap ng oras ng commuter,” President Marcos said before boarding the MRT train north bound with First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos and their children Rep. Sandro, Joseph Simon, and William Vincent.

Other government officials, led by DOTr Secretary Vivencio Dizon, joined the President and his family in taking the elevated train.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz also joined the First Family.

They alighted at the North Avenue station. | PND