President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed Manila on Monday for a five-day state visit to India to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as defense, agriculture, health, science and technology, and tourism.

Speaking at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City before his departure, President Marcos highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between the Philippines and India, grounded in shared democratic values and mutual aspirations.

“I travel to India knowing that our commonalities will lead us to a deeper, broader, and more meaningful bilateral cooperation, both in the immediate future and up to our longer-term horizons, that will ultimately serve the peace, the stability, and prosperity for our two nations and the wider Indo-Pacific region,” the President said.

Building upon this strong foundation, President Marcos noted vast opportunities to enhance cooperation that will benefit both nations.

“There is much potential for cooperation with India that will mutually benefit our peoples. We intend to explore these by charting a plan of cooperation across a broad spectrum of shared interests: from defense, to trade, investment, health, pharmaceuticals, connectivity, agriculture, tourism, and many other areas,” the President said.

To turn this vision into reality, President Marcos will engage in high-level meetings with key Indian leaders, business forums, and investment discussions in New Delhi and Bengaluru – India’s premier technology and innovation hub.

“I will personally lead a business delegation to New Delhi and Bengaluru to meet with the captains of their industries, especially in the IT sector, to explore potential investment opportunities for both sides,” the President said.

President Marcos also noted the presence in the Philippines of several Indian multinational companies in sectors such as IT-BPM, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications industries — an indication of deepening economic ties between the two nations.

In line with the administration’s commitment to delivering direct benefits to the Filipinos, the President underscored the tangible benefits he hopes the visit will achieve.

“I want this visit to bring concrete benefits to the people, such as more affordable medicine and greater connectivity and food security,” President Marcos said.

Further reinforcing people-to-people ties, the President announced the recent granting of visa-free privileges for Indian travelers, which is expected to boost the country’s tourism and foster closer mutual understanding with the said country.

“It is incumbent upon us, now more than ever, to maximize the opportunities in trade and investment with the world’s fourth largest economy,” the President said.

“India has been a long valued friend of the Philippines… I look forward to a productive visit and much closer Philippines-India relations,” the President added.

President Marcos’ state visit comes at the formal invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and India, established in November 1949. | PND

Hundreds of Filipinos living and working in the United Arab Emirates availed of the services offered by more than 10 Philippine government agencies through the Serbisyo Caravan of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The Dubai World Trade Center’s Exhibition Hall 8 hosted the Serbisyo Caravan today, August 3. The venue can be easily reached using the Dubai Metro Red Line.

Among the Philippine government agencies that offered their services were the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG or the Home Development Mutual Fund, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).

The Serbisyo Caravan also included the Philippine Consulate General.

First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos launched the Serbisyo Caravan in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on July 18 to provide overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) access to multiple government services such as legal aid, financial support, and welfare counseling, through a one-stop platform.

The Filipino Social Club extended its assistance to the Serbisyo Caravan in Dubai by deploying volunteers from its member organizations. The club’s officers and board members were at the venue to help manage the program flow.

The next Serbisyo Caravan will be conducted in Saudi Arabia on August 8 in Jeddah and on August 15 in Al Khobar. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a week of focused governance characterized by anti-corruption measures, expanded social programs, and concrete actions in public service delivery.

The week began with President Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, where he outlined initiatives to improve delivery of government services to the people.

“Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Filipino!” said the President in denouncing corruption in flood control projects as entire communities were displaced by the recent widespread flooding during the storm-enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat).

President Marcos ordered a comprehensive audit and transparency measures, and called for legal action against those who misused public funds.

The President also warned that he would veto any proposed national budget for 2026 that did not align with the government’s priority programs, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of public finances.

The President’s directives included action against water districts and their partner private companies responsible for poor water delivery services to over six million households nationwide; a PhP60 billion allocation for free public college education and technical-vocational programs; and zero-billing for PhilHealth members in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals.

On July 30, the President welcomed the World Bank Group’s Philippines Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2031 for supporting the administration’s development agenda particularly in healthcare, education, and job creation.

On August 1, President Marcos traveled to Zamboanga del Norte to distribute essential support for education and health services.

The President visited Camul Elementary School in Tampilisan town and personally tested the effectiveness of two donated units of Starlink satellite internet service.

In Dipolog City, President Marcos distributed 106 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to local government units (LGUs) to serve their constituents especially those living in remote areas.

On August 2, President Marcos launched the multi-sectoral Bayanihan sa Estero campaign to clear Metro Manila’s heavily-polluted waterways to prevent recurrent flash floods during the rainy season.

The President said flood control projects alone would not prevent floods if the esteros and other waterways remain clogged with trash or water hyacinths. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has formally declared the province of Sulu as part of Region IX or Zamboanga Peninsula and no longer under the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following the Supreme Court’s final ruling.

President Marcos ordered the uninterrupted delivery of government services in Sulu through Executive Order No. 91, which he signed on July 30 along with Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin.

The declaration follows a 2024 Supreme Court resolution that affirmed with finality Sulu’s exclusion from the BARMM. In the 2019 plebiscite, Sulu voted against the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law that established BARMM.

The Supreme Court had also ruled that decisions, policies, and actions taken while Sulu was part of BARMM for a specific period shall not be summarily nullified by its resolution. Instead, the high court addressed the impacts on governance, financial allocation, and the administrative framework within the province.

President Marcos cited an urgent need to effectively implement and address the impacts of the Supreme Court resolution, including Sulu’s regional affiliation, while ensuring uninterrupted governmental operations and delivery of essential government projects, programs, and activities in the province.

“During the interim period, which covers Fiscal Year 2025, the Provincial Government of Sulu, along with its component LGUs (local government units), and relevant National Government Agencies (NGAs), shall make all reasonable efforts to facilitate a phased and seamless transition,” the President said.

“Further, the Bangsamoro Government, the Provincial Government of Sulu and its component LGUs, may, in accordance with relevant laws, rules, and regulations, enter into appropriate institutional arrangements or mechanisms aimed at sustaining the implementation and financing of PAPs (programs, activities, and projects), thereby ensuring the continuity and uninterrupted delivery of government services to their respective constituents,” the Chief Executive also stated.

President Marcos ordered relevant national government agencies to include Sulu under Zamboanga Peninsula for regional administration, development planning, investment programming and budgeting, and other appropriate purposes.

The Chief Executive also ordered the creation of a technical working group (TWG) chaired by the Department of Budget and Management, with national government agencies, agencies of the BARMM government, and the governor of Sulu as members.

The TWG was ordered to oversee the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling, work out the transition, resolve issues and concerns, and perform other functions as the President or Executive Secretary may direct. | PND

Malacañang has commended the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for surpassing its Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) revenue target by 100.2 percent for July 2025.

In a Palace press briefing on Friday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said BOC collected PhP84.5 billion in July, surpassing its revenue target of PhP84.4 billion by PhP140 million.

BOC’s July performance marked its highest monthly collection this year and reinforced President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ administration’s commitment to sound fiscal governance.

Castro said the BOC’s July collection also represented a significant increase from the PhP77 billion collected in June and the PhP80.4 billion posted in July 2024.

“Mas mataas din ito sa July 2024 collection na PhP 80.4 billion. Sa tala ng BOC, ito na ang pinakamataas na koleksyon sa loob ng isang buwan ngayong 2025,” Castro said.

Year-on-year, the agency registered a 5.2 percent growth rate—substantially outperforming the 1.2 percent average during the first semester of 2025-despite a weeklong work suspension within the month.

The BOC’s performance reflects not only improved administrative efficiency but also the steady progress of fiscal reforms under the Marcos administration.

DBCC members set the BOC’s revenue target, particularly for the collection of custom duties, excise taxes, and other other indirect taxes.

The DBCC is composed of the Department of Budget Management (DBM), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Office of the President (OP). | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday said flood control projects on their own would not prevent floods if esteros or waterways remain clogged with trash or water hyacinths.

The President called for full cooperation from all sectors in the cleanup of heavily silted and polluted waterways in Metro Manila to prevent recurring flashfloods.

“Kailangan natin magsama-sama, magkaisa, at pagtulungan ito. Dahil alam naman natin ang matinding usapan sa nakaraang ilang araw ay ‘yung flood control projects,” President Marcos said during the launch of the Bayanihan sa Estero campaign in Buli Creek in Pasig City.

“Kahit magandang-maganda na lahat ng flood control projects natin, kapag ganito pa rin ang ating estero, wala rin, mababaha pa rin tayo dahil walang madaanan ‘yung tubig,” the President added as he remarked on the ongoing cleanup of Buli Creek that is heavily congested with water hyacinth.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address last Monday, President Marcos denounced corruption in flood control projects in light of recent widespread flooding amid the enhanced monsoon rains.

The Chief Executive ordered an audit of flood control projects in the past three years and said the government would hold accountable those responsible for anomalous and non-existent projects.

During the Bayanihan sa Estero launch on Saturday, President Marcos said heavily clogged and silted waterways contribute to recurring flashfloods during heavy rains.

“Wala tayong magagawa dahil sa dami ng bagsak ng tubig. Ngunit makikita natin kapag malinis ang mga estero, mabilis din mawala ang baha.

“Kaya naiiwan ang baha dahil walang madaanan ng tubig at tatagal talaga na may tubig sa mga bahay-bahay lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga nakatira dito sa tabi ng mga creek natin,” the President said.

A multi-sectoral undertaking led by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Bayanihan sa Estero campaign involves national agencies, local government units, and civil society groups in the cleanup of major esteros in Metro Manila.

Of the 23 prioritized esteros, 12 have undergone cleanup while five, including Buli Creek, are currently undergoing cleanup.

The MMDA has targeted to complete cleanup operations for all 23 priority esteros by the third quarter of the year. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the creation of an Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to lead the country’s preparation for its historic hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup (FFWWC) 2025.

Through Administrative Order (AO) No. 35, President Marcos directed the formation of the IATF, which will serve as the central coordinating body for all government efforts related to the planning, organization, and execution of the prestigious international tournament.

The Philippines will make history by hosting the FFWWC for the first time, from November 21 to December 7, 2025, with Pasig City in Metro Manila and Victorias City in Negros Occidental serving as the host venues for 16 top women’s national teams competing for the title.

The task force, chaired by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), will coordinate efforts across national government agencies, local government units, and private stakeholders to ensure the successful staging of the globally renowned event.

“The hosting of the FFWWC 2025 aims to advance the development of futsal in the country, inspire greater sports engagement among Filipinos, elevate the Philippines’ standing in the international sports arena, and generate economic and tourism opportunities through a globally recognized event,” the AO read.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will serve as the Vice-Chair of the IATF while members agencies include the departments of Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Budget and Management, Health, Information and Communications Technology, Public Works and Highways, Transportation, Presidential Communications Office as well as the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Immigration, and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

The PSC will also serve as the Secretariat, providing administrative and technical support to the task force.

The IATF is mandated to develop and implement plans, activities, and programs, including the procurement of materials and equipment needed for the tournament.

It is also tasked with ensuring coordination of all plans and activities and forming an executive committee, if necessary, to oversee and guide the task force’s operations.

The IATF is also authorized to accept donations, contributions, grants, and gifts from both domestic and international sources, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

All national government agencies, state universities, and colleges, government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and other instrumentalities are directed to extend full support and assistance to the task force.

Local government units (LGUs) and private sector partners are likewise strongly encouraged to support the initiative.

The task force is also directed to carry out additional duties assigned by the President or the Executive Secretary.

The funds necessary to implement the order shall be charged to the available funds of the concerned agencies, in compliance with existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws and regulations.

The hosting of the FFWWC 2025 is aligned with the constitutional mandate to promote sports as a means to foster patriotism, accelerate social progress, and support human development.

The AO, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on July 30, will take effect immediately. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday launched a multi-sectoral campaign to clear Metro Manila’s heavily-polluted esteros or waterways to prevent recurrent flashfloods during the rainy season.

President Marcos launched the “Bayanihan sa Estero, Malinis na Estero, Mamamayan Protektado” program during the ongoing cleanup of Buli Creek in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City.

Invoking the Filipino trait of bayanihan, President Marcos said national and local government agencies and officials, as well as civil society groups should be involved in the cleanup of esteros.

“Nandito tayong lahat, kailangan talaga nating hanapan ng solusyon ito at hindi na maaari na basta’t pababayaan natin na every year na lang, ganito ang nangyayari sa ating mga kababayan na binabaha sila, kailangan i-evacuate,” the President said.

“Kaya gumawa tayo ng paraan, mayroon na tayong paraan, pagbutihan na lang natin ang ating paglinis sa ating mga estero,” added the President.

President Marcos remarked on the severe siltation and overgrowth of water hyacinth in Buli Creek, noting that the buildup was so dense that cleanup workers could stand on the vegetation and walk across the water.

The Bayanihan sa Estero campaign is spearheaded by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and involves various national agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Education (DepEd), as well as local government units and civic groups.

The MMDA has identified 273 rivers, tributaries, esteros and open canals that were meant to serve as natural drainage system connecting to larger bodies of water like the Manila Bay.

Waterways that are clogged by trash and water hyacinth are unable to drain water from heavy rains, resulting in major flooding in low-lying communities.

The Bayanihan sa Estero campaign has prioritized 23 esteros for cleanup due to significant siltation, heavy accumulation of solid waste and poor water flow that results in recurrent flooding.

President Marcos said the cleanup of 12 esteros was completed before the recent typhoons hit, which mitigated the impact of the heavy rains and resulting floods.

The MMDA said the cleanup of five esteros, including Buli Creek in Pasig City, is ongoing. | PND

Malacañang expressed regret over the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) decision to postpone the decommissioning of what would have been the final batch of its combatants.

“Nakakalungkot po na balita iyan dahil alam naman po natin na ang gobyerno po ay talagang naglalaan ng pondo para sa magandang kinabukasan ng mga nagnanais na bumalik at magkaroon ng normal na buhay,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Friday.

In a press briefing, Castro said the government had alloted P100,000 cash assistance for each decommissioned MILF combatant, and more than Php4 billion for socio-economic programs.

She said the government would seek further dialogue with the MILF. The government is ready to present its report on efforts to reintegrate previously decommissioned combatants into society, Castro added.

“Makikipag-usap po ng mas masinsinan para po mas maging maganda ang resulta,” Castro said.

On Thursday, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) said the MILF Central Committee postponed the decommissioning of 14,000 combatants and 2,450 firearms after claiming that the government has not delivered substantially on its socioeconomic commitments.

The OPAPRU reiterated the government’s sincerity in its commitment to the Comprehensive Agreement in the Bangsamoro, as shown by the significant accomplishments made in the normalization and political tracks of the peace agreement.

The OPAPRU stressed the need for the MILF to undergo the final phase of the decommissioning.

“In the spirit of continued partnership, we formally invite our partners in the MILF leadership to reaffirm our shared vision: a BARMM free of armed groups and illegal firearms, where the rule of law prevails and peace reigns,” OPAPRU said.

“This is our joint commitment to fulfilling the letter and spirit of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” it added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially designated a 50,000-square-meter parcel of land within the De La Salle University Science and Technology Complex in Biñan, Laguna, as a Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology (KIST) Ecozone.

Under Proclamation No. 985, the new zone will be known as the De La Salle University Innovation Hub, located at Leandro V. Locsin Campus, Laguna Blvd., Barangay Malamig, City of Biñan, Laguna.

The creation of KIST Ecozone aims to harness the potential of academic institutions in advancing research, skills development, commercialization of R&D, and techno-entrepreneurship, particularly within state universities and colleges.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the proclamation on July 30.

The newly designated ecozone is subject to compliance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7916 or the “Special Economic Zone Act of 1995” as amended by Republic Act No. 8748, its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and relevant PEZA Board Resolutions, including Resolution No. 23-113 (s. 2023), and previous supporting resolutions.

The proclamation followed the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

The area covered is legally defined under Lot 2708-B-7-B-2, Psd-04-268517, covered by TCT No. 060-2011000244, with specific boundaries and location details stated in the proclamation. | PND