A vendor praised the PhP20-per-kilo rice offered under the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, noting that the cooked rice remains flavorful and high-quality despite its affordable price.

In an interview with the Presidential News Desk on Sunday, Brigida Mesa, 68, expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for delivering on his promise to lower the price of rice.

Mesa described the Kadiwa rice as “masarap” and “maalsa,” noting that some customers have shared the same positive feedback.

Mesa said many residents are taking full advantage of the affordable and high-quality Kadiwa rice sold in her store at the Kadiwa Store in Mandaluyong Public Market II.

“Maganda naman po ‘yung bigas kasi ‘yung presyo lang naman ang bumaba pero ‘yung quality nandoon pa rin,” Mesa said.

She added that the PhP20-per-kilo rice is comparable to other rice varieties that cost at least PhP35 per kilo.

Mesa said the President’s Kadiwa ng Pangulo program is a big help to ordinary families who need to make ends meet.

According to Mesa, the affordable rice has allowed residents to save significantly.

She likened purchasing two kilos of rice at PhP20 each to getting a buy-one, take-one deal.

“Dahil sa Kadiwa ng Pangulo, malaking bagay at malaking tulong talaga sa mga tao dito sa nasasakupan namin sa barangay. Kasi biruin mo ba naman ‘yung 20 pesos, makakabili pa sila ng ibang bagay pa na sa savings nila … hindi na masyadong maghirap ‘yung mga tao kasi malaki ang matitipid nila,” she said.

“Marami talaga ‘yung nabili kasi biro mo ba naman ‘yung 20 pesos, parang mag-avail na sila ng two kilos na tig-40 pesos. Saka from 29 to 20 pesos, napakalaki ng binaba ng presyo, same quality naman tapos ‘yun din ‘yung ibinaba ng price,” she explained.

Mesa affirmed the invaluable service provided by the Kadiwa program to lower-income residents.

“Grabeng laking tulong sa mga tao. Saka kahit ikaw na nagtitinda, masaya ka na na-a-avail nila ‘yung mababa kasi masaya din sila kaya nga nagdagsaan ng pila,” Mesa said.

The PhP20-per-kilo rice became available on May 13 at Mandaluyong Public Market II in Barangay Addition Hills.

The Kadiwa program aligns with President Marcos’ directive to make rice and essential food items accessible, particularly to vulnerable groups. | PND

Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 valedictorian and summa cum laude Second Lieutenant Jessie Ticar Jr. expressed his deep gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the continued support to the PMA, which provides its free and quality education program.

In an interview with the Presidential News Desk on Saturday shortly after the graduation rites at Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City, Ticar said his military service would be his way of giving back to the nation.

“Malaking bagay po sa amin ang libreng edukasyon dito sa PMA, at alam naming hindi ito magiging posible kung wala ang suporta ng gobyerno,” Ticar said.

Thanking President Marcos, Ticar said, “Pinatapos n’ya kami sa pag-aaral at binigyan n’ya kami ng pagkakataong makapaglingkod sa bayan.”

President Marcos’ words in his speech to the PMA graduates that their homes served as the “first boot camp” resonated with Ticar.

The new PMA graduate said the discipline and values he learned at home prepared him for the rigors of life inside PMA.

“Sa bahay pa lang, natuto na ako magdisiplina ng sarili—maghugas ng pinggan, maglaba, tumulong sa pamilya. Yung mga aral na ‘yun ang naging pundasyon ko dito sa PMA,” he said.

“Dinidisiplina pa rin nila ako kahit mahirap ang buhay. At kahit limitado ang resources, hindi nila ako pinabayaan,” Ticar said of his parents and family.

Ticar said his journey was not easy, but faith, family support, and government assistance gave him the strength to persevere.

“As a future young officer of the Philippine Army, I just want to remain steadfast in my commitment na mag-serve. Ngayon ‘yung commitment ko, I will do my best kagaya ng ginawa ko dito sa PMA,” he said.

“I hope in the future, five years from now, yung determination ko na magserve is hindi mawala at bagkus ay mas umigting pa,” Ticar added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hailed the PMA Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 as “a class of many firsts” and urged them to prepare for modern warfare—fought in cyberspace, through information protection, environmental defense, and crisis response.

“These (preparing for modern warfare) are all important. But what is also important, and possibly the most important, is your love of country. That is, an officer who knows how to love his or her country despite its flaws, in the most sincere way,” President Marcos said during the PMA commencement exercises at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City on Saturday.

The President recognized the 266 graduating cadets as the first to be trained in Pag-asa Island amid China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

President Marcos also lauded the Siklab-Laya Class cadets for bringing honor to the PMA in international fora and competitions, including academic conferences in Palermo, Italy, and international sailing regattas in Italy and India.

“But beyond recognition, the most important lesson you carry is the understanding that warfare today goes beyond land, seas, and skies. We have battles that are invisible to radar—ones that take place in cyberspace, in protecting information, in safeguarding the environment, and in helping communities during crises,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

“Physical strength and agility are no longer enough. What we need just as much—are your mental sharpness and your compassion,” President Marcos continued.

After directing the PMA last year to review the curriculum in the face of emerging challenges, President Marcos noted that the cadet training now includes courses “once unseen in the military academy,” such as artificial intelligence, drone operations, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership.

“Our country needs men and women who put their country and others above themselves; who sacrifice for the good of all; and who overcome odds because they believe in the bright future ahead,” the President added.

The President awarded the Presidential Saber to class valedictorian, Cadet First Class Jessie R. Ticar Jr., who is only the fourth cadet to graduate summa cum laude in PMA’s history.

The Commander-in-Chief called Ticar an example of grit, discipline, and love for the country.

As part of tradition, the President granted a ceremonial pardon of punishment, officially sending off the PMA Siklab-Laya Class to serve the nation.

The PMA said that of the 266 graduating cadets, 137 will join the Philippine Army, 71 will serve in the Philippine Navy, and 58 will become part of the Philippine. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. celebrated the inspiring journey of Lieutenant Jessie R. Ticar Jr., the valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab-Laya Class of 2025, describing him as a shining example of perseverance, discipline, and patriotism.

Ticar, only the fourth summa cum laude in PMA history, surmounted poverty and hardships of family separation, and topped his class of 266 graduates.

The story of this brilliant cadet from Quezon City moved the Commander-in-Chief and the crowd of proud families and dignitaries.

“Sa pagnanais niyang makatapos ng pag-aaral at mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang kaniyang mga magulang, nagsikap siyang maging sundalo,” President Marcos said in his speech during the PMA graduation ceremony on Saturday at Fort del Pilar, Baguio City.

This year’s graduating class of 266 cadets will be deployed across the three major branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): 137 will join the Philippine Army, 71 will serve in the Philippine Navy, and 58 will become part of the Philippine Air Force.

The graduates also reflect a wide range of educational backgrounds— two are college graduates, 143 are college undergraduates, and 121 completed senior high school, showcasing the diverse paths that have led them to this shared milestone of national service.

All 266 graduates earned the degree of Bachelor of Science in Security Management.

President Marcos also thanked Ticar’s parents—a taxi driver and a street vendor—for their unwavering support and selflessness in entrusting their son to serve the nation.

“Alam kong may pag-aalinlangan sa kanilang puso, ngunit pinili nilang ibahagi kayo sa ating bayan,” the President said.

Beyond individual achievement, the President recognized the graduates’ transformative journey, which was built on discipline, sacrifice, and a deep sense of country.

In recognition of his outstanding performance, Ticar received multiple awards, such as the Presidential Saber, Philippine Army Saber, JUSMAG Saber, and the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday paid tribute to the families and supporters of the graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab-Laya Class of 2025, recognizing their vital role in shaping the cadets’ journey of service and sacrifice.

In his speech, President Marcos acknowledged the quiet but profound contributions the families and supporters made behind the scenes—from instilling discipline and values at home to enduring long periods of absence and silence during the cadets’ rigorous training.

“If the child is strong, upright, patriotic, then of course it is because their family and loved ones are so,” President Marcos said during the graduation ceremony at Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City.

“Sigurado po ako na kayo ang unang nagsanay sa kanilang mga disiplina. Mula sa paghuhugas ng pinggan, hanggang sa pagtupi ng kumot. Kung tutuusin, siguro bago pa kayo sumabak dito sa PMA, dumaan na kayo sa mas mahigpit at mas mahirap na boot camp ni nanay at tatay sa bahay,” he added, eliciting loud cheers and applause from the audience.

President Marcos said that each award earned by the graduates is a tribute to their families’ strength and unwavering support.

“Every award and medal that we give today, there is a corresponding sacrifice from you,” the President said.

The President urged the 266 graduates to carry that love and resilience into their military careers, reminding them that they serve the nation and the people who raised and cared for them.

“Serve with dignity; serve with honor, serve with love,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday encouraged more women to join the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), as he lauded the 54 female graduates of the PMA Siklab-Laya Class of 2025.

During the graduation rites at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City, President Marcos said he was elated that 54 of the 266 graduates are women.

“Ang mga kababaihang kadete ng PMA ang patunay na ang tapang, talino, at galing ay hindi nakaaayon sa kasarian,” the President said.

“Nawa’y magsilbi kayong inspirasyon sa bawat batang babae nangangarap na magkaroon ng mahalagang papel sa ating bansa,” he added.

This year’s 266 graduates will be deployed across the three major branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): 137 will join the Philippine Army, 71 will serve in the Philippine Navy, and 58 will become part of the Philippine Air Force.

In March 2025, the AFP joined the nation in celebrating National Women’s Month and underscored the AFP’s renewed commitment to gender advocacy and its dedication to sustaining the progress made in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment within the organization and beyond. | PND

Malacañang on Friday urged former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to refrain from using his asylum petition as a means to sidestep the legal processes related to the human trafficking allegations against him.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Roque should come home and face charges that he and 10 others allegedly engaged in human trafficking in connection with a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced earlier that it may seek the assistance of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to serve the warrant of arrest issued by the Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 118 to Roque.

“Hindi po siya (Roque) dapat magtago sa kanyang petition for asylum,” Castro said during Friday’s press briefing.

Castro denied that Roque is being politically persecuted.

“Iyan po naman talaga ang kaniyang magiging naratibo, kaniyang depensa pero hindi po niya sinasagot nang mabuti kung nasaan nga ba iyong mga dokumentong kaniyang ipinangako sa House of Representatives at that time na nagkaroon po hearing sa QuadCom,” she said.

“Hindi po niya natutugunan iyon at kung anuman iyong mga sinasabing diumano hidden wealth niya ay hindi pa rin niya po natutugunan. So paano po kaya magkakaroon ng political persecution? At tandaan po natin, korte mismo ang nag-issue ng valid warrant of arrest patungkol po sa kaso ng qualified human trafficking,” Castro also said.

Roque left the Philippines in September last year and later resurfaced in the Netherlands, where he said he filed a petition seeking political asylum.

Roque fled after four committees of the House of Representatives investigating POGOs cited him in contempt for lying and failing to attend the public hearings. | PND

Malacañang on Friday reaffirmed its openness to dialogue with the legitimate opposition while pointing out that criticism without any basis merely derails programs that benefit the public.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said persistent obstructionists with selfish interests would derail the government’s programs and services for the public.

“Ang mga lehitimong oppositionists ay welcome dahil kailangan po iyan sa isang demokratikong bayan. Ang atin lamang hahadlangan ay iyong mga obstructionists na walang ginawa kung hindi manira at kahit maganda ang proyekto ay hahadlangan,” Castro added.

Castro noted Malacañang’s comment against obstructionists was not directed at any individual or group, but a call for constructive engagement from legitimate political opposition.

“Wala tayong pinapangalanan kung sino man. Ito po ay pangkalahatan,” Castro said. “Ang nais po natin sa taumbayan ay huwag maging obstructionist, para magtuloy-tuloy po ang magagandang proyekto at programa ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon,” Castro said.

While the administration recognizes the value of checks and balances and respects the opinion of opposing voices, Castro said persistent obstruction without any basis merely derails programs that benefit the public. | PND

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the campaign against human trafficking, the Philippines has strengthened its cooperation with Cambodia to combat trafficking syndicates, forced labor in scam hubs, and ensure border security.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Friday said the Philippines and Cambodia have concluded a high-level Regional Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange designed to boost collaboration and share best practices against human trafficking and other forms of criminal activities affecting the two countries.

“Bilang tugon sa direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na mas paigtingin ang regional cooperation para protektahan ang mga biktima ng human trafficking, labanan ang mga sindikato, at siguraduhin ang seguridad sa ating mga border, nagkaroon ng high-level dialogue ang Pilipinas at Cambodia,” Castro told a press briefing in Malacañang.

Castro said both countries sought to enhance their partnership and collaboration in sharing best practices and responding effectively to emerging forms of human trafficking, such as forced labor in scam hubs.

The Philippine delegation consisted of members of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). They recently met with their counterparts from the Cambodian National Committee for Counter-Trafficking.

Government agencies have warned the public against falling for online job offers abroad, since a number of Filipino overseas workers have been victimized by working for online scam syndicates.

Last month, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that some Filipino trafficking victims were sold between online scam syndicates in Cambodia. | PND

Malacañang on Friday appealed to the newly elected officials to set aside political differences and work together to address the country’s problems and improve Filipinos’ lives.

“Dapat lahat po ng nahalal ay magkaisa-isa, magkaroon po ng kooperasyon,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

The Palace Press Officer emphasized that centering the discussion solely on politics would be unproductive and detrimental to the public interest.

“Ito naman po ay para sa taumbayan. Huwag naman po sana laging pulitika ang pinag-uusapan at hindi po tayo makakilos at makakausad kung puro pamumulitika at pang-iintriga ang gagawin natin sa pamahalaan.”

Castro said that in the aftermath of the May 12 elections, President Marcos hopes that the newly elected senators and congressmen will support his legislative agenda for programs and projects that benefit the people.

She noted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomes constructive suggestions that align with his administration’s development priorities.

“Kung ito naman po ay may valid reason, ito naman po ay pakikinggan ng Pangulo. Pero sana po kung anuman po iyong hiling ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon para sa taumbayan, huwag naman po sana nila hadlangan dahil lamang sa pulitika,” Castro said. | PND