President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met on Monday with United States Defense officials to discuss efforts aimed at accelerating the Philippines–United States defense partnership.

President Marcos had a meeting with Undersecretary of War for Policy Eldridge Colby and his delegation in New York.

The meeting focused on strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and improving interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States military through joint operations such as Exercise Balikatan, which will begin next month.

Both sides also reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty and to continue working together for a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.

Exercise Balikatan is the largest annual, bilateral military drill between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military, strengthening the alliance, enhancing interoperability, and boosting regional security.

The U.S. Department of War is now officially the Department of Defense (DOD). Its mission is to provide military forces necessary to protect the security of the United States. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated the country’s adherence to multilateralism and commitment to the United Nations Charter, underscoring the importance of the rule of law and respect for human rights.

“All our efforts will mean little nor will they endure without the rule of law and respect for human rights,” President Marcos said in a special address to the UN General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday.

“The Philippines has consistently affirmed its resolute commitment to the rule of law and the promotion, protection and respect, of human rights,” the President added.

The decision of the Philippines to join the United Nations 80 years ago, President Marcos said, was anchored on the belief that the rule of law is the beacon that guides the journey towards peace, security and shared prosperity.

With its commitment to multilateralism and the UN Charter, President Marcos said the Philippines, as a responsible State Party, abides by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“We are steadfast in our dedication to diplomacy, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the constructive management of differences to prevent escalation of disputes,” President Marcos pointed out.

“We remain faithful to the principles of territorial integrity and the sovereign equality of all states,” the President said.

The nation’s faith and commitment to the United Nations has never wavered in the eight decades of its membership, President Marcos added, noting the country has always risen to the occasion whenever it is called.

President Marcos is in New York to rally support for the country’s candidature to a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). | PND

The Medical Glove Company’s (USMGC) planned investment in the country could create 2,000 jobs for Filipinos, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said after he met company officials in New York on Monday (New York time).

In a social media post earlier, President Marcos said, “I met with the US  Medical Glove Company to discuss their plans to build a medical glove manufacturing facility in the country.   The project could create more than 2,000 jobs for our kababayans.”

“It will also allow us to produce essential medical supplies locally and open new opportunities in the growing global medical manufacturing industry,” the President further said.

The Chief Executive’s meeting with USMGC officials took place on the sidelines of his participation in a United Nations event, where he delivered a national statement at the Commission on the State of Women.

The investment of the American company is important in strengthening local capacities for medical-grade supplies, with the government expressing support to industries that enhance health security and supply chain stability.

The Philippines is in a good position amid the USMGC planned investment considering its young workforce and industrial base.  PND

Kung mabibigyan ng pagkakataon ang Pilipinas na maging miyembro ng United Nations Security Council (UNSC), hindi lamang para sa sariling interes ng bansa ang gagampanan nitong papel kundi para rin sa kapakanan ng iba pang mga bansa, ayon sa isang opisyal ng Palasyo.

“Ang pagiging miyembro at mabigyan ng non-permanent seat sa UN Security Council ay hindi ibig sabihin na sariling interes lang ng Pilipinas ang ipaglalaban o madidinig na boses mula sa Pilipinas,” pahayag ni Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro sa isang media briefing sa New York noong Lunes (oras sa New York).

Dagdag pa ng opisyal ng Palasyo na ang boses at layunin ng bansa ay itaguyod ang pandaigdigang kaligtasan, kapayapaan, at seguridad kasama ang iba pang mga kasaping estado ng United Nations.

Maaari rin anyang talakayin ng Pilipinas sa Security Council ang sarili nitong mga isyu hinggil sa pambansang seguridad.

“Tayo naman ay mayroon ding sariling isyu patungkol sa ating kapayapaan at seguridad, kaya hindi maiiwasan na ito ay matalakay,” ani Castro. “Pero ang Pilipinas ay hindi lang pang-sarili, kundi pang-kalahatan. Dahil ito ay hindi lang pribilehiyo—ito ay responsibilidad. Hindi lang para sa isang bansa, kundi para sa lahat ng bansa, lalo na sa Asia.”

Ang Pilipinas ay naghahangad na makakuha ng non-permanent seat sa United Nations Security Council para sa termino ng 2027–2028, kung saan nakatakdang ganapin ang halalan sa Hunyo 3, 2026.

Bilang pangunahing sangay ng United Nations na may tungkuling panatilihin ang pandaigdigang kapayapaan at seguridad, ang UN Security Council ay nangangasiwa rin sa mga sitwasyong nangangailangan ng peacekeeping operations sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo. | PND

Nakipagpulong si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. noong Lunes kay António Guterres, Kalihim-Heneral ng United Nations, sa UN Headquarters sa New York City upang talakayin ang iba’t ibang isyu, kabilang ang kandidatura ng Pilipinas para sa isang non-permanent seat sa United Nations Security Council.

Ang bilateral na pulong nina Pangulong Marcos at Secretary-General Guterres ay muling nagpapatibay sa matagal nang ugnayan at pakikipagtulungan ng Pilipinas at ng pandaigdigang organisasyon.

Ang kandidatura ng Pilipinas para sa isang non-permanent seat sa UN Security Council (UNSC), kung saan gaganapin ang halalan sa Hunyo 3, 2026, ay magsisilbing karagdagang pagpapatibay ng matibay na ugnayang ito.

Huling nagkita sina Pangulong Marcos at Secretary-General Guterres noong Oktubre 2025 sa sidelines ng Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit at Related Summits na ginanap sa Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Kasama ni Pangulong Marcos sina Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo, Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, and Acting Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave M. Gomez. | PND

NEW YORK – Recognizing the role of women in global development, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed the Philippines’ readiness to work with all nations to empower, protect, and advance the interests of women.

Addressing the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday (New York time), President Marcos highlighted women’s participation in decision-making in government, business, science, diplomacy, and in peacebuilding.

“The Philippines stands ready to work with all nations to advance this cause.

Because when women rise, societies rise with them. When women lead, nations move forward,” the President Marcos said.

“And when every girl – no matter where she is born – can stand with confidence and say that her future is truly her own, then we will know that we have built not only a more equal world…. but a better one for all humanity,” the President added.

The 70th session (CSW70) has for its priority theme: “Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers.”

According to President Marcos, the work of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) remains as vital today as it was seventy years ago, noting that countries must strive to educate and to economically empower women.

“Education must remain at the center of all our efforts. When a girl is educated, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. They strengthen families, uplift communities, and expand the possibilities of entire nations,” the President pointed out. “Economic empowerment is equally essential. Women must have access to employment, to finance, to entrepreneurship, and to leadership.”

In addition, President Marcos said nations must remain united in confronting violence against women in all its forms, as violence erodes dignity, weakens communities, and undermines the very foundations of justice.

Attitudes and assumptions that continue to limit women’s roles must be addressed, the President pointed out, stressing true equality requires not only policy change, but cultural change.

As to the Philippines’ efforts to empower women, the President said: “Filipina women have always stood at the center of our national life: as leaders in government and business, as innovators, educators, health workers, entrepreneurs, and as the steady strength within families and communities.”

“Their contributions continue to shape our democracy, our economy, and our national character. Our country has worked consistently to translate this belief into policy — strengthening protections for women, expanding opportunities for education and employment, and promoting women’s leadership across all sectors of society,” President Marcos noted.

The CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women, and is instrumental in advancing women’s and girls’ rights, documenting the realities of their lives worldwide, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

The CSW70 is chaired by Maritza Chan Valverde, the Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations in New York.

Joining President Marcos were First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr., Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave M. Gomez, and Philippine Commission on Women Chair Ermelita V. Valdeavilla. | PND

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Monday that the ASEAN Business Environment Forum (ABEF) 2026 will focus on policy discussions to enhance the region’s investment climate and create more jobs and economic opportunities across the bloc.

At a press briefing ahead of ABEF 2026 on March 11, DTI–Foreign Trade Service Corps Executive Director Benedict Uy said the event will provide a platform for public and private sectors to collaborate and turn policy discussions into concrete initiatives that benefit regional businesses and communities.

“The forum is really for the private (sector) and the government to work together and discuss areas where we can really concretize policy into something that’s really tangible and something that not only the Philippines but other ASEAN countries can work on,” Uy said.

Uy said discussions during ABEF 2026 will center on improving the ease of doing business, strengthening public-private collaboration, leveraging digitalization to promote transparency and efficiency, and exploring green and sustainable development initiatives.

Uy said these efforts benefit policymakers, businesses, and citizens by attracting investment, supporting local enterprises, and creating jobs.

ABEF 2026 gathers opinion leaders and high-level officials who will share insights and best practices to help ASEAN position itself as an attractive destination for foreign investment.

Uy said the ABEF 2026 is strategically organized as a side event of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Retreat to ensure that discussions directly support ministerial-level policy conversations.

The forum will be hosted by DTI through the Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (CBIP) in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Uy added that the topics to be discussed at the ABEF Forum will echo key themes raised at the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. attended on February 24, 2026.

During the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum, Uy said President Marcos emphasized the importance of positioning the private sector as a full partner in economic development, while pushing for reforms to improve the ease of doing business, eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies, and harness digitalization to reduce corruption and accelerate government services.

Discussions during the same event highlighted the need to maintain policy stability, lower the cost of doing business, and deepen regional economic integration to strengthen intra-ASEAN trade.

Uy added that the panelists recognized tax incentives can attract initial investment, but long-term economic growth relies on strong collaboration with local enterprises, strategic planning, and leveraging each country’s competitive strengths. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in New York, United States on Sunday for a working visit on March 9 and 10, during which he is expected to address the United Nations (UN) and promote the Philippines’ candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the body.

In his statement, President Marcos said he would present the Philippines’ best practices on gender equality and women’s empowerment during the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

“My participation in the CSW signals the strong commitment of the Philippines to gender equality and women’s empowerment,” President Marcos said.

“It is an opportunity to share the best practices of the Philippines, the challenges we face on women’s rights, and the lessons that can be learned from our own journey towards peace.”

The Philippines signed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1980 and ratified it in 1981, becoming the first country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to do so.

The President said his visit to New York aims to advance the Philippines’ candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.

“This candidature is about shared responsibility. It is about ensuring that the voice of the Philippines– and of developing countries – is heard at the highest forum of global peace and security,” he said, adding it’s an opportunity to discuss global issues with UN officials.

“During this trip, I will also be addressing the 193 Member States of the United Nations in a special session to be convened by the President of the General Assembly, just for the Philippines,” the President added.

Through the platform, the President said he hopes to convey the aspirations of the Filipino people for peace and solidarity, while calling for restraint, dialogue, and respect for international law.

The President emphasized that the Philippines continues to support multilateralism firmly anchored in international law.

From its consistent advocacy for the peaceful resolution of disputes to its support for the rule of law at sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, President Marcos said the Philippines has remained an active participant in peacekeeping efforts across continents.

The Philippines has also demonstrated itself to be a trusted partner, an innovative pathfinder, and a committed advocate for peace—one that other member states of the United Nations can confidently work with. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the government is looking into improving the delivery of assistance to senior citizens, including the possibility of removing lengthy public presentations and simplifying the distribution process to ensure aid reaches beneficiaries more efficiently.

In BBM VLOG 278: Sagot sa Polisiya, the President read a suggestion from a netizen who raised concerns about the current process of distributing aid to senior citizens.

“Mula kay Geraldo Buena: Mr. President, ‘yung mga senior citizen natin kapag binibigyan ng ayuda, bakit naman po kailangan pang magpunta sa court at maghihintay pa nang matagal bago ibigay ang anumang pinagkakaloob sa kanila? Madalas kailangan pang antayin ‘yung pulitiko na dumating dahil isa-isa pang silang magsasalita sa harap at paulit-ulit lang naman na ipinapakilala ang kanilang mga sarili. Nakakarindi sa pandinig ito. Puwede bang tapusin na ang ganiyang kalakaran? Sayang ang tanggapan ng barangay kung hindi sila puwedeng gamitin upang ihatid sa bawat bahay ng mga benepisyaryo ang ayuda para sa kanila,” the President read.

In response, President Marcos emphasized that assistance funded by the national government should not be used for political activities or self-promotion by officials.

“Alam niyo po, basta’t ito ay mga programa ng national government. Ang mga speech at iba pang pang-epal bago ng distribution, hindi na pupuwede ‘yan. Hindi puwedeng gamitin ang government services sa pamumulitika o pagpo-promote ng sarili,” the President said.

The Chief Executive added that existing policies already prohibit such practices, citing guidelines under a memorandum circular of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and provisions in the General Appropriations Act governing the proper use of public funds.

President Marcos also said the government is exploring ways to digitize the distribution of assistance to make the process more efficient.

“Sa distribution naman, pinapag-usapan na ang pag-digitize ng proseso. Baka puwedeng Gcash. May ibang mga LGU na gaya ng Makati na sinusubukan na ang ganitong sistema. Dapat tingnan pa rin ng mga local government unit ang modelong ito. Aralin ang sistema at unti-unting ma-implementa. Basta’t sa national government nanggaling ‘yan, mabilis na. ‘Di ka na kailangan makinig sa mahabang speech ng mga pulitiko,” the President emphazied. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday ordered the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to further simplify and speed up the processing of civil registry documents, particularly the correction of birth certificates, as part of the government’s broader push for digitalization and improved public service.

President Marcos addressed public concerns and suggestions regarding the challenges in obtaining documents and applying for identification card (ID) s, especially for the vulnerable sector and those living in Geographically Isolated Areas (GIDAs).

In his BBM Vlog 278: Sagot sa Polisiya, uploaded on YouTube, President Marcos emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the country’s digital services, particularly the implementation of the eGov app, a one-stop-shop mobile platform that makes transactions with various government agencies easier.

“Sa tingin ko, sa mga nagagawa na nating improvement gamit ang eGov at internet, dapat ay isa na ito sa mga serbisyong hindi na natin inaalala. Napaka-basic naman niyan at ilang oras ang kakainin sa inyong araw para lang pilahan ang iisang dokumento,” the President said.

“Gamitin natin nang gamitin at kami naman sa national government, dapat ay padadaliin namin ang proseso. Kaya PSA, padaliin niyo na, pabilisin niyo na,” he added.

The President also noted that the PSA recently launched its PSA e-Certificate service, allowing Filipinos to apply for digital copies of their birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other civil registry documents.

President Marcos said this service should eventually become standard across all PSA offices, adding that even requests for physical copies should be allowed at any PSA branch for greater convenience.

The President also underscored the need for all government agencies to recognize digital documents as a valid document.

“Kung tutuusin, marami na tayong serbisyo sa eGov na kailangan lang fully ma-integrate sa workflow ng iba’t ibang opisina. We need to be open in integrating so our digitization program can succeed,” the President said.

Although the President acknowledged that physical appearance may still be necessary in some processes to prevent fraudulent birth registration, citing Alice Guo’s case as an example. “Ayaw natin naman masama sa ganiyan,” the President said.

Addressing concerns of individuals who may not qualify for IDs due to a lack of documentation, the President pointed out the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) ongoing efforts to assist the marginalized sectors in obtaining identification and civil registry documents, by providing Pag-abot ID for street dwellers, which can be used as a supporting document when applying for other IDs.

The DSWD also has a Co-Location program that brings PSA assistance to DSWD payout sites, allowing beneficiaries to secure documents such as birth certificates and national IDs.

“Pinadali na rin ng PSA ang proseso ng pagkuha ng National ID. Tinatanggap na po ng PSA ang kahit na anong dokumento na may pangalan, araw ng kapanganakan, address, litrato, o lagda, o thumbmark katulad po ng Barangay Clearance,” the President said.

“Sa mga kababayan po natin na kabilang sa marginalized sector o nakatira sa mga GIDA, kung may Barangay Clearance kayo, maaari na po ninyong makakuha ng National ID,” he added.

For other citizens not in the poorest sector, the President encouraged them to use government digital services, such as PSA’s e-certificate program. | PND