President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday provided PhP5 million in financial assistance for the upgrade of the Cebu Provincial Hospital (CPH) in Balamban municipality and led the distribution of essential medical equipment and medicines to enhance healthcare services in the province.

Through the distribution of financial aid and equipment, President Marcos underscored his dedication to enhancing healthcare access and reliability in far-flung communities.

Aside from the PhP5 million from the Office of the President, CPH-Balamban also received 20 wheelchairs and PhP60,000 worth of medicines from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

CPH branches in Bogo City and Danao City, the Daanbantayan District Hospital, and the Juan B. Dosado Memorial Hospital each received an x-ray machine and an ultrasound machine.

During his visit, President Marcos also toured several facilities of the hospital and observed the implementation of the zero balance billing policy through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

As of January 14, around 120 patients are admitted at the CPH–Balamban.

Under the 2026 national budget, PhP17.39 billion was allocated for the zero balance billing program.

While the zero balance billing policy is implemented in basic and ward accommodation services of Department of Health (DOH) hospitals, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa earlier announced that PhP1 billion would be allocated this year to implement the zero balance billing policy in select secondary and tertiary local government unit (LGU) hospitals.

President Marcos will also launch the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program in Cebu to further expand Cebuanos’ access to essential medicines.

In an interview, CPH-Balamban Chief of Hospital Dr. Olivia A. Dandan said the equipment will surely help the patients, especially the victims of past earthquakes in the province.

Dandan also expressed gratitude to the President for visiting their hospital, adding that it was the first time in the history of the institution that the President checked on them.

“Nagpapasalamat din kami sa kanya para ‘yung oras para personal na makita at suriin ang aming hospital. Hindi lang sa salita but mayroon siyang ginawa,” she added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday highlighted the Philippines as one of the world’s largest shipbuilding nations, emphasizing that the administration is fully committed to strengthening the industry.

“We are one of the world’s largest shipbuilding nations,” President Marcos said in his speech during the historic naming and delivery ceremony for the KAMSARMAX SC-443 held at the West Cebu Estate in Balamban, Cebu, regarded as the shipbuilding capital of the Philippines.

Named Brave Pioneer, the KAMSARMAX SC-443 is the world’s first methanol dual-fueled bulk carrier.

As of November 2025, the Philippines has over 130 registered shipyards nationwide, employing over 11,000 workers, of whom 70 percent are skilled professionals such as welders and fitters.

In 2024, the country constructed 484 vessels, from fishing boats to passenger and cargo ships.

“These only prove that this industry is vibrant, dynamic, and growing,” President Marcos said.

The President said his administration remains fully committed to strengthening the shipbuilding and ship repair industry by enhancing its competitiveness, sustainability, and strategic capacity.

The Chief Executive cited the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law, which provides fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to encourage modernization, adoption of low-carbon technologies, and higher-value manufacturing.

“May the delivery of this methanol-fueled KAMSARMAX vessel stand as a symbol of what we can achieve when innovation meets purpose,” said President Marcos, who also urged the country’s partners and industry stakeholders to continue investing in skills development, technology and high-value employment for Filipino workers.

“By continuing to invest in green technologies and advanced manufacturing, we are shaping the Philippines into a future-ready maritime hub that can meet the evolving demands of global trade,” the President emphasized.

“So together, let us shape a Bagong Pilipinas that champions economic growth, industrial self-reliance, and national security—and continue to proudly showcase Filipino excellence to the rest of the world,” the President also said.

As the world’s first methanol dual-fueled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier, the Brave Pioneer is designed to significantly reduce emission of carbon dioxide by 10 percent, nitrogen oxides by 80 percent, and sulfur oxides by 99 percent compared to conventional models.

A dual-fueled vessel is equipped with engines and fuel systems that allow it to run on methanol and conventional marine fuel such as heavy fuel oil.

The KAMSARMAX SC-443 was launched on July 17, 2025 in Balamban, Cebu by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc. (THI), a joint venture between Japan’s Tsuneishi Group and the Philippines’ Aboitiz Group. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday offered prayers for the victims of a tragic landfill incident in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City last January 8.

“Before we start, let us take a moment of silence for the victims of the landfill incident in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City, last January 08,” President Marcos said during the naming and delivery ceremony of the world’s first methanol dual-fuel KAMSARMAX bulk carrier held at the West Cebu Estate industrial economic zone in Balamban, Cebu.

“As search and rescue operations continue, we offer our prayers for the souls of the departed and strength to their grieving families,” the President continued.

President Marcos emphasized the government is dedicated to ensuring safety, accountability, and compassionate assistance.

“Please be assured that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure safety, transparency, accountability, and compassionate assistance,” the Chief Executive said.

President Marcos also assured that the government is extending burial support and other forms of aid to those who have been affected by the tragedy. As of January 13, the death toll has risen to 13 while 23 others remain missing.

“Let us stand in solidarity with our fellow Filipinos during this difficult time,” President Marcos said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued an immediate cease-and-desist order to the operator of the Binaliw sanitary landfill in Cebu City following the fatal trash slide.

The DENR offered its condolences to the affected families and vowed to conduct an impartial, evidence-based investigation to ensure full accountability and implement changes to prevent such incidents from happening again. | PND

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the increased budget allocation under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), following the President’s approval of the Php6.793 trillion national budget.

Officials from both institutions also thanked the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), as well as the Senate and the House of Representatives, for their role in legislating the budget.

Speaking during a press briefing at Malacañang on Wednesday, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. General Rommel P. Roldan, PAF, assured the public that the men and women in uniform would continue to serve and sacrifice for the country’s peace and security.

“Mula po sa Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas, sa pangkalahatan partikular sa aming Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., nais kong ipahatid on behalf of your Filipino soldiers ang aming pasasalamat sa pamahalaan sa pamumuno po ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” Roldan said.

Roldan also expressed appreciation to lawmakers for passing a national budget that significantly increased allocations across government agencies, particularly for the AFP’s basic pay and subsistence allowances.

“Nais ko pong ibigay ang assurance na patuloy ang inyong Sandatahang Lakas na magbibigay, magsasakripisyo para sa ating bayan,” he added.

Roldan said the increased budget serves as recognition of the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families.

“Ito rin ay pagkilala sa sakripisyo namin at ng aming pamilya. Dahil rito, alam po ninyo naman na patuloy na propesyunal ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas. At ito ay patuloy na magbibigay inspirasyon sa amin upang gawin nang mas mabuti, patuloy ang aming role bilang inyong kasundaluhan,” Roldan said.

PNP Acting Chief Lt. General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. likewise thanked the President for approving the budget, Congress for its passage, and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla for his guidance in strengthening the PNP’s efforts toward peace, public safety, and good governance.

Nartatez disclosed that the PNP’s budget increased from PhP205 billion last year to PhP226 billion this year, an increase of 10 percent.

“Rest assured that this budget that corresponds to the various programs, activities and projects of the PNP will be geared towards building of a safer community and a better police service for all Filipinos,” Nartatez said.

He emphasized that the PNP remains committed to its reform agenda under the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas. Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman” banner. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. returned on Wednesday from a two-day working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), successfully advancing Philippine interests and deepening bilateral relations with the Middle Eastern country.

President Marcos participated in discussions on a “future-ready world’ with other Heads of State and Government in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) that staged the biggest gathering of world leaders to discuss global sustainability challenges.

“I had productive dialogues focusing on the important sectors of energy, water, finance, food, and the environment—matters which affect every Filipino, both here and abroad,” stated the President.

“I assured them that the Philippines is committed to finding solutions and to implementing the policies needed for a sustainable future for the people,” the President said, adding that he took note of how fellow government leaders are responding to complex global issues.

President Marcos congratulated His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the people of the UAE for hosting an important forum addressing issues of great consequence to the whole world.

A major outcome of the visit was the signing of two agreements of paramount importance to the country: the Philippines–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation.

The CEPA marks the Philippines’ first free trade agreement (FTA) with a country in the Middle East. According to the President, the agreement will expand Philippine market access in the Gulf region and diversify both sources and markets of essential goods.

“A significant feature of this FTA is the further liberalization of trade in services in the UAE, including professional services, health, construction, and IT, among others,” President Marcos said.

“This enhancement of market access by the UAE for Filipino service providers is a clear recognition of the professional competence and excellence of Filipinos in these fields. It is also an acknowledgement of their invaluable contributions to the UAE’s economy,” added the President.

President Marcos also underscored the strategic importance of the MOU on Defense Cooperation, saying it would support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“The MOU on Defense Cooperation will serve as a strong platform for collaboration with the UAE on advanced defense technologies, particularly in unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, and naval systems, which are crucial for modernizing and enhancing the capabilities of our Armed Forces,” said the President.

The agreement shall further strengthen Philippines-UAE defense and military relations through education and training, intelligence and security sharing, and cooperation in anti-terrorism, maritime security, and peacekeeping operations, the President pointed out.

According to the President, the signing of these agreements reflects the strength of Philippines–UAE relations, anchored on decades of strong people-to-people ties forged by Filipinos with the people of the UAE.

“In my meetings with the President and the Prime Minister of the UAE, I expressed confidence in the future of our relations and its contributions to our shared advocacies,” said President Marcos, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to strengthen bilateral relations with other countries to pursue economic growth, peace and stability. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday commended the Filipino community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their significant contributions to both their host country and the Philippines, calling overseas Filipinos a “source of pride and honor” for the nation.

Addressing around 700 members of the Filipino community at the InterContinental Hotel in Abu Dhabi, President Marcos underscored the vital role Filipinos have played in the UAE’s development since the country’s founding in 1971.

“Kayo po ang nagbibigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng inyong kontribusyon sa United Arab Emirates, sa magandang ehemplo na inyong ipinakita sa inyong trabaho, sa inyong mga kapwa Pilipino, sa pamahalaan ng UAE, sa iba’t ibang mga lahi na naninirahan dito, at sa kontribusyon ng inyong ibinigay sa ekonomiya sa ating minamahal na Pilipinas,” the President said, adding that the UAE is now home to one of the largest Filipino communities in the Middle East.

President Marcos praised the resilience and industriousness of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) — not just in UAE but all over the world — noting that their dedication has earned respect from employers, communities, and even leaders worldwide.

The President assured OFWs that the Philippine government remains committed to protecting their welfare and advancing programs that address their needs.

“We envision a future where every Filipino, at home or abroad, has a chance to succeed,” the President said, highlighting efforts to expand employment opportunities and strengthen economic ties with the UAE through trade and investment cooperation. Such initiatives aim to provide Filipino workers and entrepreneurs access to broader markets and diverse industries, according to the President.

President Marcos also encouraged lifelong learning and skills development, calling on Filipinos to sustain the spirit of bayanihan by supporting one another and growing together as a community.

During his two-day working visit to the UAE, President Marcos witnessed the signing of the historic Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation was also signed during the President’s trip.

The President said the two agreements are crucial in strengthening trade, security, and partnership between the Philippines and UAE.

Meanwhile, President Marcos reiterated that the government continues to address pressing national issues through careful study, planning, and targeted interventions to advance inclusive growth and long-term prosperity under the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas.

In closing, President Marcos expressed his gratitude to OFWs for their dedication and resilience, and thanked the UAE government for its continued support and hospitality toward the Filipino community.

“Your achievements bring honor to the nation – a nation that is truly and genuinely proud and grateful to all of you. I also thank, of course, the United Arab Emirates for being a benevolent sponsor to all of you,” the President said.

Also present during the event were First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Finance Acting Secretary Frederick Go, Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, and Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver.

Earlier, an OFW Serbisyo Caravan was held at the InterContinental Hotel’s Al Bateen Room, offering a wide range of government services, including passport renewal, license updates, membership registration, contract verification, legal and civil registration assistance, as well as health and social security support.

Participating agencies included the DMW, OWWA, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, Social Security System (SSS), and the Philippine Embassy’s Consular Office.

According to Secretary Cacdac, a total of 694 overseas Filipinos were served, with 2,387 transactions recorded during the caravan.

Around 117 cancer patients also received financial assistance during the event, which was attended by the First Lady, along with Secretary Cacdac and Administrator Caunan.

Throughout the program, the crowd warmly welcomed President Marcos and his delegation with cheers, smiles, and waving flags, brimming with excitement, unity, and Filipino pride. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met on Tuesday with the top executives of DAMAC Digital to discuss planned investments in the Philippines, including the establishment of a data center in Laguna.

President Marcos, accompanied by several Cabinet secretaries, met with Mr. Hussain Sajwani, founder and chairman of DAMAC Digital, and other officials at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, President Marcos and Mr. Sajwani discussed opportunities for collaboration in the Philippines’ digital infrastructure sector, underscoring the country’s potential as a hub for data centers, cloud services, and AI-driven technologies.

President Marcos expressed excitement for the planned investment to establish the biggest data center in the country, which will position the Philippines as one of the data center hubs in the region.

The President guaranteed to extend DAMAC Digital high priority as they are investing in a sector the Philippines wants to develop.

The business meeting is part of the President’s two-day working visit to Abu Dhabi, which also included his participation in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 Summit and the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Among the key Cabinet officials present during the meeting are Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, Finance Acting Secretary Frederick Go, Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver, and Special Envoy of the President to the UAE for Trade and Investment Kathryna Yu-Pimentel.

DAMAC Digital is the digital infrastructure and data center arm of the Dubai-headquartered DAMAC Group. Originally launched in 2021 as EDGNEX Data Centres, the company was rebranded in June 2025 to reflect its expanded global ambitions and alignment with DAMAC Group’s strategic vision to become a leader in digital infrastructure.

The company designs, builds, and operates data centers that support hyperscale wholesale, retail colocation, cloud services, and AI- intensive workloads, with emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity. It also aims to provide infrastructure that meets high-density computing needs and future digital demand.

Since its launch, DAMAC Digital has grown into an international platform operating in 11 countries, including the UAE, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Southeast Asia, and Europe, employing over 100 professionals and targeting a global capacity of 4,000 megawatts (MW) by 2025 and 55 MW in the Middle East by the end of 2025.

As part of its Southeast Asia strategy, DAMAC Digital has committed over US$3 billion in investments, aiming to achieve 250 MW of operational capacity by 2026. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnessed on Tuesday the historic signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during his two-day working visit to Abu Dhabi.

Alongside UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President Marcos witnessed the signing and exchange of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed on behalf of the Philippines by Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque at the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 Summit held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

The CEPA is the Philippines’ first free trade pact with a Middle Eastern country, marking a milestone in expanding the nation’s global trade footprint.

The agreement aims to reduce tariffs, enhance market access for goods and services, increase investment flows, and create new opportunities for Filipino professionals and service providers in the UAE.

It also covers strategic sectors such as digital trade, MSMEs, sustainable development, intellectual property, competition and consumer protection, government procurement, and technical cooperation.

Philippine exports expected to benefit include bananas, pineapples, canned tuna, electronics, machinery, and other high-demand products.

Bilateral trade between the two nations reached nearly US$1.83 billion in 2024, with the UAE ranking 18th among the Philippines’ trading partners and accounting for nearly 39 percent of Philippine exports to the Middle East.

Preliminary studies indicate the CEPA could boost Philippine exports to the UAE by 9.13 percent, generate consumer savings, and strengthen overall trade linkages with the Gulf region.

On services, the agreement ensures a stable, non-discriminatory environment for Filipino firms, including MSMEs, across sectors like IT-BPM, tourism, healthcare, education, construction, and professional services.

The CEPA is also expected to further complement the Philippines’ network of FTAs with Japan, South Korea, European Free Trade Agreement, and regional agreements within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and trade partners, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

It will also reinforce existing Philippines-UAE agreements, including the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and cooperation on trade, energy, logistics, innovation, and tourism.

Also present during the signing ceremony were First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Finance Acting Secretary Frederick Go, and Special Envoy to the UAE for Trade and Investment Kathryna Yu-Pimentel.

The signing ceremony was followed by a brief meeting between the two leaders, marking their second engagement since November 2024 and signaling a deepening partnership between Manila and Abu Dhabi. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration is strengthening and empowering local government units (LGUs) to restore public confidence in government following recent controversies, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said.

In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Remulla said the President is giving LGUs greater resources and authority in the implementation of key projects, including classrooms construction and housing programs for the poorest sectors.

“Ang ating Pangulo ay nagbigay ng bagong prayoridad para sa local government. Hinggil ito sa sigaw ng tao para maibalik ang tiwala ng mga mamamayan para sa ating mga pamahalaan,” the DILG chief said.

“Ngayon na nakita natin kung ano ang depekto ng ating budget, ang depekto ng ating gobyerno, ginagawa lahat ng ating Pangulo para pumarehas ang laban – tinatama niya ang mali sa DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), tinatama niya ang mali sa national government at pinapalakas niya ang lokal na gobyerno,” Remulla added.

The DILG Secretary said by empowering LGUs, the administration of President Marcos aims to reduce inefficiencies in government operations.

“Ang tawag namin diyan ay ‘friction cost.’ Mas mataas ang friction cost sa national government kaysa local government kaya magbibigay siya ng malaking kakayahan sa ating local government sa pamamagitan ng Local Government Support Fund at iba pang mga paraan,” Remulla added.

Remulla said the construction of classrooms and rural and urban housing for the poorest sectors would be implemented through local government units.

He noted that the setup could reduce classroom construction costs by at least 40 percent while also stimulating local economies.

“Ito ang kakayahan ng local government, ito ang kakayahan ng Local Government Code pero sa ilalim ng ating Pangulo pinalakas niya ito, nilagyan niya ng pondo at binigyan ng tiwala na ang local government mismo ang siyang mag-uusad ng national development,” said Remulla. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed on Monday for a working visit to the United Arab Emirates to finalize two key agreements to strengthen economic and defense cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE, and to join global leaders in advancing sustainability initiatives during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

President Marcos will be on a working visit to the Emirates upon the invitation of UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During the visit, the two countries will seal two important agreements- the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation.

“The signing of these two agreements is a testament to the deep bilateral ties between our two countries, and more importantly, between Filipinos and Emiratis,” President Marcos said.

As the Philippines’ very first free trade agreement (FTA) with a country in the Middle East, the CEPA will expand the market access of the Philippines in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf Region.

Meanwhile, the MOU on Defense Cooperation will serve as a strong platform for collaboration with the UAE for advanced defense technologies, said the President.

The Chief Executive noted that the UAE is home to around 900,000 Filipinos, about the population of a mid-sized province in the Philippines, thus, any mutually beneficial arrangement will not only benefit Filipinos at home, but also Filipinos in the UAE.

President Marcos will attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), where he will join other heads of state and government in the discussions and collaborative efforts to advance global sustainability.

“The forum will endeavor to find solutions to the challenges of the present and of the future, to which a unified approach by the community of nations is required,” the President added.

President Marcos said the Philippines will actively participate in the dialogues to find answers to the complex and interconnected issues on energy, water, finance, food, and the environment, and expects to gain valuable insights from the views of other world leaders.

“As we start the new year, the Philippines will further pursue its goal to forge collaborations with new partners who share our vision of a sustainable world, and will endeavor to further enrich our relationships with other important partners,” the President said.

“I am confident that upon my return, I will bring good news on the new heights of our friendship and collaboration with the UAE, as well as on the shared vision and strategy with our global partners on sustainability, for the benefit of the Filipino people,” the President added. | PND

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