President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged graduates of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to uphold their institution’s legacy by serving the nation with dedication and bringing honor to the country.

In his speech, President Marcos reflected on the proud history of the PMMA, acknowledging that the maritime institution began its journey in 1820 as the Escuela Nautica de Manila in Intramuros.

“Dalawang daang taon ng paghahanda at pagbibigay direksyon sa mga kabataang Pilipino na tatawid sa dagat upang maglingkod at magdala ng dangal sa ating bayan. Sa loob ng mahigit dalawang siglo, ilang libo na ang mga marinong hinubog ng PMMA sa iba’t-ibang parte ng mundo,” President Marcos said during the commencement exercises of the PMMA Kadaligtan Class of 2025.

“Sa bawat pagtatapos, mayroong bagong angkan ng mga magpapatuloy ng pamana ng institusyong ito. Ngayon, kayo ang bagong henerasyon,” the President added.

President Marcos said the 252 graduates will serve either in the Philippine Navy or the Coast Guard, while others will join the merchant marine.

The PMMA Kadaligtan (Kawal ng Dalampasigan, Liwanag ng Karagatan) Class has 252 members, 144 of whom received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, while 108 graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering.

The 205-year-old PMMA is a government-funded pioneer institution in maritime higher education, which produced the finest Filipino merchant marine officers serving in marine and maritime-related industries globally.

“Each path is different, but you carry the same compass guiding you towards excellence and service,” President Marcos continued.

“The seas are rife with danger. It will test you; it will push you to your limits, but above all, it will shape you into the mariner you are meant to be,” the Chief Executive said.

President Marcos said the government plans to have a National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test to measure whether young people are ready to take maritime courses in college.

The government also plans to have a Ladderized Maritime Education and Training Program, so that there will be continuous development in non-degree and degree programs.

The MARINA also created different ways to increase opportunities for onboard training. ǀ PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. acknowledged the sacrifices made by the parents of the graduating class of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), calling them true heroes who provided support for their children.

“Para naman sa inyong mga magulang at pamilya, kayo po ang tunay na bayani sa likod ng bawat kadete,” President Marcos said in his speech during the commencement exercises of the PMMA Kadaligtan Class of 2025.

“Marahil ngayong araw, naiisip ninyo ang lahat ng payo at sakripisyo ninyo sa inyong mga anak, sa inyong mahal sa buhay na kadete upang matulungan ang ating mga kadete na makarating dito,” the President added.

The President urged the 252 members of the PMMA Kadaligtan graduating class to uphold the tradition of excellence for which their 205-year-old institution is known.

“To our cadets, do not forget to carry your mission and carry on the tradition of excellence of the PMMA,” said President Marcos.

The event was held in the mess hall of the PMMA in San Narciso, Zambales.

Midshipman Cadet First Class Marc John Castañeto graduated as class valedictorian.

The 205-year-old PMMA is a government-funded pioneer institution in maritime higher education, which produced the finest Filipino merchant marine officers serving in marine and maritime-related industries globally.

In his speech, President Marcos told the graduates that they must live up to their graduating class name.

“May this day inspire you to live up to your class’ name, bringing your own light even in the darkest of seas,” the Chief Executive said.

President Marcos reminded the graduates that in all their voyages, they carry with them the dignity and love of the nation.

“Mga kadete, malawak ang abot-tanaw ninyo. Dadalhin kayo ng inyong mga barko sa iba’t-ibang dako ng mundo. Tandaan ninyo na sa bawat paglalakbay, bitbit ninyo ang dangal at pagmamahal sa bayan,” the President said.

“Dalhin ninyo ang pangalan ng PMMA, ng ‘Kadaligtan,’ at ng Pilipinas sa bawat pantalan at bawat karagatang inyong tatawirin,” President Marcos said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged young Filipinos to be discerning about what they read online, stressing that critical thinking, nationalism, and standing for truth are vital in protecting the country’s sovereignty.

During the “Usap Tayo, Bayan Muna” forum at Centro Escolar University (CEU) Manila, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro engaged junior and senior high school students- “Escolarians” – in discussions on national issues, genuine love of country, and an appreciation of their role in national development.

“Sabi nga ng Pangulo, hindi niya isusuko kahit isang pulgadang bahagi ng Pilipinas. Pero kailangan niya ang tulong natin — kailangan niya ang taumbayan,” Castro told the CEU Manila Community.

“Tayo at kayong mga kabataan: Maging mapanuri sa mga nababasa online, buhayin ang nasyonalismo sa ating mga puso, tumindig para sa bayan at tumindig para sa katotohanan,” the Palace Press Officer said.

CEU Manila was the second venue of the “Usap Tayo, Bayan Muna” forum, following the successful launch at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).

At the CEU Manila’s Librada Avelino Auditorium, the high school students participated in the forum with energy and enthusiasm.

When asked if they were willing to sacrifice for the country in their own way, their resounding “yes” came with bright smiles and determined voices.

Their lively engagement in the open forum and post-discussion quiz spoke volumes about their attentiveness, curiosity, and genuine passion for the topics tackled.

Castro said the “Usap Tayo, Bayan Muna” forum was an important initiative that aims to directly bring discussions on national issues to schools to instill in the youth a genuine love of country and an appreciation of their role in the nation’s development.

Castro said the forum continues to strengthen youth participation in national discourse, from the responsible use of information to active involvement in programs that will help improve the nation’s future.

“Kaya kailangan nating buhayin yung nasyonalismo sa mga puso niyo, lalong lalo na sa inyong mga kabataan. Dalhin niyo ito hanggang sa pagtanda niyo, iisa lang ang bansa natin, hindi dapat mawala,” Castro urged.

“Kailangan tayo maging Pilipino sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Meron kayong katungkulan bilang kabataan. Utang natin sa mga heroes, bayani kung ano ang tinatamasa natin ngayon,” Castro stressed. ”Huwag natin isuko yung ating freedom,” she added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday held his first telephone conversation with His Excellency President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea (ROK), reaffirming the strong and enduring Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and ROK.

President Lee assumed office on June 4, 2025.

During their conversation, President Marcos conveyed his warm congratulations and expressed his full support for President Lee’s administration.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Strategic Partnership, emphasizing cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, defense and security, and people-to-people ties.

President Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ appreciation for the ROK’s longstanding support for the country’s development and advocacies.

The President took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of continued international support for the Philippines’ maritime interests and regional stability, in line with international law.

President Marcos likewise expressed his eagerness to meet with the newly elected leader during the upcoming high-level events, such as the 2025 APEC Summit to be hosted by the ROK later this year. President Lee expressed support for deeper ASEAN-ROK engagements as the Philippines assumes ASEAN chairmanship in 2026.

The Philippines and the ROK established diplomatic relations on March 3, 1949, marking 76 years of formal ties in 2025. Relations between the two countries were elevated through the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership on October 7, 2024, reflecting a shared commitment to enhance cooperation across key sectors, including political, security, economic, and socio-cultural.

In 2024, the ROK ranked as the Philippines’ 4th largest trading partner, 5th export destination, and 4th biggest import source, with total bilateral trade reaching USD 13.2 billion.

Philippine exports to the ROK is valued at USD 3.6 billion, while its imports from ROK totalled USD 9.6 billion.

In 2024, the ROK was the Philippines’ leading source of foreign tourists, making up 26.37 percent of total arrivals. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in the Philippines, Arnaud Peral, in a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace on Thursday.

Peral assumed his position as UNRC in the Philippines on Feb. 5, 2025.

The courtesy call by the new UN representative aimed to strengthen the collaboration between the Philippines and the international body for the government’s national development priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

President Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to multilateralism and willingness to work with the UN during its 80th anniversary. The Philippines is one of the 51 founding members of the UN.

Peral was appointed as UNRC in the Philippines on Feb. 1, 2025 by UN Secretary General António Guterres.

Peral, a native of France, had previously served as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tunisia since 2020.

Peral also served as UNRC and then as United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Resident Representative in Ecuador, UNDP Country Director in Colombia, and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in México and Brazil.

The UN’s programs in the Philippines include public-private partnership projects that provide easy and affordable access to water supply and renewable energy, improve food security, promote low-carbon industrial parks, and support women’s employment and poverty reduction.

The international body is also working with Philippine authorities for disaster risk mitigation and adaptation, and supporting business owners, particularly women entrepreneurs, with the help of the latest artificial intelligence (AI) platforms. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the blacklisting of contractors behind anomalous flood control projects from securing new government contracts, Malacañang said on Thursday.

President Marcos issued the directive to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Thursday.

“Ayon kay Pangulong Marcos Jr., dapat na may managot sa ganitong uri ng kapabayaan, katiwalian at panloloko, at tiyakin na mananagot sa batas ang lahat ng may sala. Nakakadismaya at nakapagtataka kung bakit napupunta sa mga pabayang contractors ang mga ganitong proyekto,” Castro said in a press briefing.

“Hindi puwede na tapos lang sa papel ang mga flood control projects na kung maitayo man ay sira din agad at wala nang silbi. Hindi rin puwedeng mababang klase ang proyekto para sa taumbayan,” she emphasized.

Castro said the President was dismayed that billions of pesos in public funds had gone to flood control projects but these did not mitigate flooding during typhoons and heavy monsoon rains.

“Iang taon na ang lumipas at paulit-ulit pa rin ang dinaranas ng taumbayan,” Castro quoted President Marcos as saying.

The Chief Executive also ordered the DPWH to identify the individuals responsible for acquiring the services of the blacklisted contractors.

These individuals will be ordered to explain why the contractors continued to secure major government projects despite dismal record, Castro said.

President Marcos gave the order to the DPWH on Wednesday after visiting Iloilo City, where he inspected flood control projects and conducted an aerial survey of some areas affected by massive flooding.

The President also reiterated his call for the public to report anomalous flood control projects via the sumbongsapangulo.ph website.

From August 11 to 13, the interactive website had 84,892 total views, received 1,148 reports, and received 823 comments or reactions as feedback. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the expansion of the Benteng Bigas Meron Na coverage, and the extension of the program to benefit about 60 million Filipinos until the end of his term in 2028, Malacañang announced on Thursday.

President Marcos instructed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to broaden the program’s reach to cover 15 million families, or about 60 million Filipinos, by next year, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.

“Ipinag-utos din ng Pangulo sa ahensiya na siguruhing tuluy-tuloy ang rollout ng murang bigas hanggang sa pagtatapos ng kanyang termino sa 2028,” Castro said in a press briefing.

Malacañang announced that 18 warehouses of the National Food Administration (NFA) in Central and Northern Luzon are now selling rice at PhP20 per kilo to farmers in those regions.

Farmers are qualified to buy the PhP20 per kilo rice if they work two hectares or less of rice fields, based on the DA’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). Qualified farmers can purchase up to 10 kilos per month, or up to 50 kilos of Benteng Bigas from this month to December.

Aside from farmers, the Benteng Bigas is also available to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program, senior citizens, persons with disability, solo parents, and minimum wage earners.

Castro said the Marcos administration will sustain its programs against poverty and hunger, such as the Benteng Bigas Meron Na, Walang Gutom Program, and school feeding program, to uplift the lives of the country’s vulnerable sectors.

“Hindi po ito titigilan hanggang sa mas maramdaman po ng mas marami pang Pilipino ang kanilang pag-angat sa buhay,” Castro said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed all relevant government agencies to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation into a series of alarming incidents of school-based violence reported in Luzon and Mindanao over the past week.

“Kailangan po talagang maimbestigahan ito lalo po’t may mga menor de edad na nasasangkot po dito at nagiging issue na talaga ‘yung mental health sa mga kabataan,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Thursday.

In a briefing at the Palace, Castro announced that the President has ordered the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to work together in investigating these recent incidents.

Castro said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been directed to assist in the evaluation of the implementation of child protection policies in schools nationwide.

The President’s directive came following a series of violent school-related incidents that have drawn national attention.

On August 7, a shooting incident happened inside a classroom in Nueva Ecija, where a 15-year-old female student was shot by her ex-boyfriend, who then took his own life. The victim initially fell into a coma and later died from her injuries.

On August 4, a teacher at Balabagan Trade School in Lanao del Sur was allegedly shot and killed by a Grade 11 student, who was reportedly upset over failing grades.

On August 10, a 9-year-old Grade 3 student from Maria Cristina Falls Elementary School was allegedly mauled by five high school students. The victim, who sustained serious injuries and was confined in the Intensive Care Unit, has reportedly awakened from a coma.

“Hindi po ito tutulugan at aaksyunan po ito ng mga concerned agencies, agad-agad din po,” Castro said.

In response to the incidents, Education Secretary Sonny Angara issued a memorandum on August 8 instructing all schools to tighten security measures. The directive includes mandatory bag inspections, increased visibility of security personnel, and stricter control of school entry and exit points.

DepEd also called on schools to strengthen their mechanisms for reporting and addressing incidents involving child abuse, bullying, violence, exploitation, discrimination, and gang-related activity on campus. | PND

Malacañang on Thursday called on Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to submit evidence to substantiate his claim of having information about irregularities in flood control projects.

During a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro urged Magalong to show evidence against individuals involved in corruption in flood control projects, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered to be investigated.

“At kung ano po ang maitutulong ni Mayor Magalong, mas maganda po na ito’y mailahad niya sa Pangulo,” Castro said when asked to comment on Magalong’s accusation that some lawmakers pocketed kickbacks of 30 to 40 percent of flood control and infrastructure project funds.

“Iyong sinasabi nilang 67 congressmen, at mukhang sila ay identified na ni Mayor Magalong, hindi po ba mas maganda na ibigay na niya ang report na ito sa ating Pangulo? At kung kinakailangan ma-idemanda o makasuhan ng may sapat na ebidensiya, agad-agad na din pong gawin,” Castro said.

On Magalong’s offer to lead the investigation, Castro said President Marcos has already given orders on the mechanism and system for the investigation, ensuring a fair and transparent process.

“Unang-una po naibigay na po ng ating mahal na Pangulo ang mekanismo, ang sistema kung papaano ito maimbistigahan. At nagbigay na rin po siya ng direktiba sa Regional Project Monitoring Committees,” Castro said, referring to the mechanisms under the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).

“Kung ano po ang meron siya, kung ito po ay kumpleto maari niya po ito isumite agad-agad sa ating Pangulo,” Castro reiterated.

“Dahil ang sinabi niya po ay marami niya po siyang nalalaman. So mas maganda po na ito ay detalyado. Hindi po pwede muli na tayo ay magturo lamang,” Castro added. ǀ PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered urgent measures to safeguard the country’s banana industry in order to protect farmers’ livelihoods and preserve the Philippines’ standing in the global market.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that following the President’s directive, the Department of Agriculture has already requested funding to assist banana farms, especially those operated by smallholder growers.

“Nagkaroon na rin po ng direktiba ang Pangulo patungkol po dito at humingi na rin po ang Department of Agriculture ng pondo para po sa pest and diseases para sa banana farmers,” Castro said during a press briefing on Thursday.

Banana growers’ concerns include pests and diseases threatening banana farms.

Castro said the government is working to resolve high seasonal tariffs in Japan—currently at 8 percent during summer and 18 percent during winter—which have hindered the competitiveness of Philippine bananas in one of its key markets.

She emphasized that the administration is expanding the production of the Cardaba variety for export to Australia, the United States, the Middle East, and other potential markets, while also promoting the export of steamed and frozen bananas alongside banana chips.

“Pinapalakas pa rin po ang production ng Banana Cardaba for exports… at pinapalakas na rin po ang pag-export ng steamed and frozen bananas, maliban pa po sa banana chips,” Castro said.

Banana is one of the most economically essential fruit crop commodities in the Philippines. The majority of banana varieties grown in the country are Cavendish, followed by Saba and Lakatan. The Saba/Cardaba variety is usually processed into banana chips for export, while Lakatan is consumed mainly as fresh fruit in the local market.

The President’s directive to address the concerns of the banana industry signifies significant efforts not only to recover market share in Japan and China but also to open new trade opportunities that will benefit farmers and ensure the industry’s long-term resilience. | PND