Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Biyernes ang inagurasyon ng isang mahalagang bahagi ng Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project na titiyak sa tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng tubig para sa Metro Manila at mga kalapit na probinsya.

Ayon sa Pangulo, ang Tunnel No. 5 ay isang malaking tagumpay tungo sa layunin na mabigyan ang bawat Pilipino ng maaasahan at sapat na suplay ng tubig.

Pinalalakas ng bagong tunnel ang deka-dekada nang Umiray–Angat–Ipo–La Mesa system, na nagsisilbing gulugod sa paghahatid ng tubig mula sa Angat Dam patungong Metro Manila at Mega Manila.

“This is why the establishment of Tunnel No. 5 is not only important, it is essential,” sinabi ng Pangulo sa inauguration ceremony na ginanap sa Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Compound sa Norzagaray, Bulacan.

Pinasinayaan ng Pangulo ang project marker sa Bigte Basin sa Barangay Bigte, kasama nina Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael Lotilla, MWSS Administrator Leonor Cleofas, Maynilad President at CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez, at ni Manila Water President at CEO Jose Victor Emmanuel A. De Dios.

Ang Umiray–Angat–Ipo–La Mesa ang nagdadala ng halos 90 porsyento ng tubig na ginagamit ng mahigit 20 milyong residente sa Metro Manila, Bulacan, at ilang bahagi ng Cavite at Rizal.

“These numbers show how important it is to keep the Angat system strong, reliable, and future-ready,” ayon sa Punong Ehekutibo.

Ayon sa Pangulo, ang Tunnel No. 5 ay may kakayahang magdala ng higit sa 1.6 bilyong litro ng tubig kada araw, na nagpapataas sa kapasidad ng sistema mula 6 bilyon tungo sa halos 8 bilyong litro kada araw.

“Ibig sabihin, mas maraming pamilya ang magkakaroon ng tuloy-tuloy at maaasahang suplay ng tubig sa kanilang mga tahanan,” ang sabi ng Pangulo.

“Maisasaayos ang mga dati nang tunnels dahil may backup ng puwedeng pagdaanan ng tubig. ‘Yung mga tunnel po na sinara dahil kailangan nang mag-maintenance, maaari na ngayon natin buksan – balikan ulit, baka may pag-asa pa, baka may rehab pa para magamit pa rin natin,” punto pa ng Pangulo.

Ang mas pinahusay na daloy ng suplay ng tubig ay makatutulong din sa paghahanda ng mga komunidad laban sa tagtuyot at iba pang epekto ng climate change, at lalo pang magpapatatag sa sistema ng tubig ng bansa.

Pinuri ni Pangulong Marcos ang walang sawang suporta ng mga concessionaire na Maynilad at Manila Water, gayundin ang mga inhinyero, manggagawa, at lahat ng nagbigay ng kanilang husay at pagsisikap para sa proyekto.

“This project reminds us that we can accomplish what – when the government and the private sector, and the LGUs are anchored on a shared vision,” ang sabi ng Punong Ehekutibo.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let this milestone encourage us to value the resources that we are blessed with, use them responsibly, and take part in building a more inclusive, sustainable future for everyone.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated on Friday a key component of the Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project that secures the continuous water supply for Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

President Marcos said Tunnel No. 5 of the Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project represents an achievement toward the goal of providing every Filipino dependable access to water.

The new tunnel strengthens the decades-old Umiray–Angat–Ipo–La Mesa system, the backbone that delivers water from Angat Dam to Metro Manila and to Mega Manila.

“This is why the establishment of Tunnel No. 5 is not only important, it is essential,” said the President during the ceremony held at the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Compound in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

The President unveiled the project marker at the Bigte Basin in Barangay Bigte, witnessed by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael Lotilla, MWSS Administrator Leonor Cleofas, Maynilad Water Services Inc. President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez, and Manila Water Company Inc. President and CEO Jose Victor Emmanuel A. De Dios.

The Umiray–Angat–Ipo–La Mesa system conveys almost 90 percent of the water used by nearly 20 million people in Metro Manila, Bulacan, and parts of Cavite and Rizal.

“These numbers show how important it is to keep the Angat system strong, reliable, and future-ready,” the Chief Executive underscored.

President Marcos said Tunnel No. 5’s raw water conveyance tunnel can carry over 1.6 billion liters of water per day, which increases the system’s transport capacity from 6 billion to almost 8 billion liters of water per day.

“Ibig sabihin, mas maraming pamilya ang magkakaroon ng tuloy-tuloy at maaasahang suplay ng tubig sa kanilang mga tahanan,” the President said.

“Maisasaayos ang mga dati nang tunnels dahil may backup ng puwedeng pagdaanan ng tubig. ‘Yung mga tunnel po na sinara dahil kailangan nang mag-maintenance, maaari na ngayon natin buksan – balikan ulit, baka may pag-asa pa, baka may rehab pa para magamit pa rin natin,” the President pointed out.

The improved water transmission would also help communities prepare for droughts and other effects of climate change, and strengthen the country’s water system.

President Marcos acknowledged the steadfast support of concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water, as well as the engineers, workers, and all those who poured their skill and effort to the project.

“This project reminds us that we can accomplish what – when the government and the private sector, and the LGUs are anchored on a shared vision,” the Chief Executive said.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let this milestone encourage us to value the resources that we are blessed with, use them responsibly, and take part in building a more inclusive, sustainable future for everyone,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ warm ties with Ukraine in a call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday.

President Marcos and President Zelenskyy discussed potential cooperation in food security, agriculture, and digitalization.

“I spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today to reaffirm our warm relations and discuss areas where our countries can work together. We focused on cooperation in food security, agriculture, and digitalization,” President Marcos said in a statement.

President Marcos added that they also explored opportunities to bolster the engagement between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Ukraine as Manila assumes the bloc’s chairship next year.

“As the Philippines assumes the Chairship of ASEAN, we also discussed ways to strengthen ASEAN–Ukraine engagement for the benefit of our peoples,” President Marcos said.

Zelenskyy visited Malacañang in 2024, where he announced the opening of a Ukrainian Embassy in Manila.

The Philippines and Ukraine officially established diplomatic ties in 1992. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn during a courtesy call in Malacanan Palace on Thursday.

Dr. Kao is on a working visit to the Philippines from November 27 to 28 to provide full support for the preparations for the Philippines’ Chairship of ASEAN in 2026.

Dr. Kao paid a courtesy call on President Marcos to discuss key priorities and deliverables for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship under the theme, “Navigating our Future, Together.”

Joining the President during the courtesy call were Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, Communications Secretary Dave M. Gomez and Undersecretary Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Director General for Operations of the ASEAN National Organizing Council.

During his working visit, Dr. Kao is also scheduled to meet with Lazaro, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

The ASEAN Secretary-General is also scheduled to meet with the Chair of the 2026 ASEAN Business Advisory Council.

During the formal launch last November 14 of ASEAN Philippines 2026, President Marcos said the Philippines’ leadership of the 11-nation bloc will focus on three priorities, namely peace and security anchors; prosperity corridors; and people empowerment.

The official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo features the rice stalk representing food security; the weave pattern symbolizing interconnection; a wave signifying maritime security and cooperation; and the traditional Filipino boat called illustrating ASEAN’s collective journey. | PND

“Napakagandang modelo itong ginawa ninyo.”

Pinasinayaan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Huwebes ang San Lazaro Residences, isang 20-palapag na socialized in-city vertical housing project sa Sta. Cruz, Maynila, na inaasahang magiging modelo rin para sa ibang lokal na pamahalaan.

Humigit-kumulang 400 pamilya ang makikinabang mula sa proyekto na matatagpuan sa kanto ng Alvarez at Quiricada Streets.

“Sa lahat ng aming ginawang housing sa national government, lagi po naming sinasabi hindi sapat na magtatayo ka lang ng bahay o magbibigay ka lang ng unit. Dahil ang buhay ng tao ay hindi pabahay lamang,” ang sabi ni Pangulong Marcos.

Nagpasalamat ang Pangulo kina Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, at sa Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Maynila sa implementasyon ng urban housing ordinance na naglalayong matulungan ang mga residente at kawani ng gobyerno.

“Dahil ang ginawa nila ‘yung Manila Urban Housing Ordinance na ginawang opisyal ang pabahay para sa mga mahihirap na Manila resident at empleyado ng gobyerno na Salary Grade 18 at pababa,” ayon sa Pangulo.

“Pagka nakita ng ibang LGU ito, gagayahin ito, asahan mo dahil napakagandang modelo itong ginawa ninyo.”

Pinuri ni PBBM ang mabilis na pagtatayo ng mga pabahay at binigyang-diin ang kahalagahan ng koordinasyon sa pagitan ng pambansa at lokal na pamahalaan na kapaki-pakinabang sa mga mamamayan.

“Kahit hindi national government project po ito ay gusto kong ipakita sa lahat ng taumbayan na ito ang maaari nating gawin,” ayon sa Punong Ehekutibo.

“Basta’t maganda ang ugnayan, basta’t maganda ang pag-coordinate ng national at saka local government ay marami tayong magagawa.”

Sinabi ng Pangulo na layunin ng proyekto ang pagbuo ng isang komunidad na may kasamang mga pasilidad para sa kalusugan, edukasyon, palakasan, at iba pang serbisyo.

Sa halagang PhP1.9 bilyon, naglalayon ang San Lazaro Residences na magbigay ng ligtas, sapat, at maayos na tirahan para sa mga mahihirap na residente ng Maynila sa pamamagitan ng dekalidad na disenyo at pagsunod sa tamang construction standards.

Itinayo ito gamit ang pautang mula sa Land Bank of the Philippines at may 382 yunit, na binubuo ng dalawang silid-tulugan, living at dining area, kusina, at banyo.

Ilan pa sa mga pasilidad dito ay ang Manila Public Health Laboratory, administration office sa ground floor, swimming pool, function room, outdoor activity area, paradahan, elevator, at mga commercial space.

Itinakda ang buwanang hulog sa PhP2,000 para sa mga kwalipikadong tenant na minimum wage earners at kawani ng gobyerno na Salary Grade 8 pababa, habang PhP3,000 naman para sa mga kumikita nang higit sa minimum wage at mga kawani na may Salary Grade 9 hanggang 18.

Kabilang sa iba pang natapos na in-city vertical housing projects sa Maynila ang Tondominium 1 at 2 sa Tondo; Binondominium 1 sa Binondo; Pedro Gil Residences sa San Andres; at San Sebastian Residences sa Quiapo.

Ipinapanukala rin ng Maynila ang pagtatayo ng Binondominium Projects 2 at 3, pati na rin ang apat na tore ng Bureau of Plant Industry in-city vertical housing. | PND

“Napakagandang modelo itong ginawa ninyo.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday inaugurated a socialized vertical housing project in Sta. Cruz, Manila, which he hoped could be replicated by other local government units (LGUs).

The 20-storey San Lazaro Residences, located at Alvarez and Quiricada Streets in Sta. Cruz will benefit close to 400 families.

“Sa lahat ng aming ginawang housing sa national government, lagi po naming sinasabi hindi sapat na magtatayo ka lang ng bahay o magtatayo ka lang ng bahay o magbibigay ka lang ng unit. Dahil ang buhay ng tao ay hindi pabahay lamang,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos thanked Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, and the City Council for implementing an urban housing ordinance for Manila residents and government employees.

“Dahil ang ginawa nila ‘yung Manila Urban Housing Ordinance na ginawang opisyal ang pabahay para sa mga mahihirap na Manila resident at empleyado ng gobyerno na Salary Grade 18 at pababa,” the President said.

“Pagka nakita ng ibang LGU ito, gagayahin ito, asahan mo dahil napakagandang modelo itong ginawa ninyo.”

The President commended the city government for the speedy construction of housing projects, stressing that good coordination between the national and local governments can really benefit the people.

“Kahit hindi national government project po ito ay gusto kong ipakita sa lahat ng taumbayan na ito ang maaari nating gawin,” said the Chief Executive.

“Basta’t maganda ang ugnayan, basta’t maganda ang pag-coordinate ng national at saka local government ay marami tayong magagawa.”

The Chief Executive underscored the project’s goal: to build a community by incorporating health, education, sports facilities, and other features.

With a contract cost of PhP1.9 billion, the housing project will provide safe, adequate, and comfortable shelter as well as facilities for underprivileged Manila residents, improving living conditions through quality design, compliance with construction standards, and efficient project delivery.

Constructed through a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines, the facility has 382 units, each unit consisting of two bedrooms, a living and dining area, a kitchen, and a toilet and bath.

Other amenities and facilities include the Manila Public Health Laboratory, a primary city-level diagnostics, surveillance, and public health support facility; an administration office on the ground floor; a swimming pool; a function room; an outdoor activity area; parking areas; an elevator; and commercial spaces.

The monthly contribution of qualified tenants was set at PhP2,000 for minimum wage earners and government workers with Salary Grade 8 and below, and PhP3,000 for those earning above minimum wage and government workers with SG 9 to 18.

Other completed in-city vertical housing projects include the Tondominium 1 and 2 in Tondo; Binondominium 1 in Binondo; Pedro Gil Residences in San Andres; and San Sebastian Residences in Quiapo.

The Manila city government is also proposing the construction of Binondominium Projects 2 and 3 and the Bureau of Plant Industry in-city vertical housing, with four towers. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday emphasized the need to strengthen the collaboration between local and national governments to enhance the country’s healthcare system and deliver improved services to the public.

During the visit to the Baseco community and the rehabilitated President Corazon C. Aquino General Hospital at the Baseco Compound in Port Area, Manila, President Marcos announced an additional PhP15 million funding for the hospital from the Office of the President.

“Ito ay ginawa ng ating local government. Kami naman sa national government… ay lahat ng suporta, lahat ng benepisyo na maaaring gawin ng pamahalaan ay gagawin natin,” the President said.

Having served as Ilocos Norte governor for nine years, the President said he understood the situation of local government units (LGUs) and the need for closer coordination and cooperation between LGUs and the national government to deliver public services.

The Manila city government opened the President Corazon C. Aquino General Hospital, also known as Baseco Hospital, last September 5 to serve the residents of Baseco Compound, one of the city’s poorest communities.

President Marcos said he was impressed by the facility, which serves an average of 200 to 220 patients each day. As of November 24, the hospital has served around 7,300 patients.

Currently an outpatient department, the facility is preparing to be a full Level 1 hospital.

President Marcos said around 20,000 Baseco residents have been registered with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) so they could avail of the medical services.

The President also highlighted the government’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), an enhanced primary care services package from PhilHealth.

Baseco Hospital is a PhilHealth-accredited YAKAP clinic that provides free consultations, primary care check-up and diagnostic and screening tests.

The President recognized the service provided by Barangay Health Workers (BHW), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and district city personnel in promoting PhilHealth programs.

President Marcos reiterated his administration’s priority to strengthen the healthcare system.

“Kaya’t ang administrasyon pong ito ay ginagawa ang lahat upang mapatibay natin ang ating tinatawag na healthcare system,” said the President.

“Nandito po ang pamahalaan para tumulong sa inyo, para hindi ninyo na kailangan maubos ang inyong inipon na pera, na maubos dito sa healthcare. Kami na po ang bahala.” ǀ PND

Inaasahang makakabawi ang ekonomiya ng bansa pagsapit ng 2026, kasunod ng pulong sa pagitan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona nitong Miyerkules kung saan tinalakay ang desisyon sa monetary policy nitong nakaraang Oktubre at ang kasalukuyang economic outlook.

Ayon sa BSP, bumaba ang inflation sa 1.7 porsiyento, habang ang inflation para sa bottom 30 porsiyento ng mga kabahayan ay nasa –0.4 porsiyento.

Dahil dito, ibinaba ng Monetary Board ang policy rate sa 4.75 porsiyento upang suportahan ang mas abot-kayang pangungutang para sa mga pamilya at negosyo.

Ipinaliwanag ni Remolona na ibinaba nila ang policy rate upang pasiglahin ang mas mataas na demand.

Patuloy naman ang magandang inflation outlook, kaya kampante ang Pilipinas sa pagrepaso at pagbabawas ng policy rate. Para sa 2026, ang inflation forecast ay nasa humigit-kumulang 3.1 porsiyento na pasok sa target, habang sa 2027 inaasahang nasa 2.8 porsiyento ang inflation outlook.

Sinabi ng BSP na nakikita ang pagbangon sa 2026 at ang pagbabalik sa target range ng pamahalaan pagsapit ng 2027.

Muling tiniyak ni Pangulong Marcos ang kanyang pangako na pangalagaan ang katatagan ng ekonomiya at lumikha ng mga kondisyon para sa mas matatag at mas malawak na paglago para sa lahat ng Pilipino. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona on Wednesday to review the October 2025 monetary policy decision and the country’s economic outlook.

The BSP reported that inflation has eased to 1.7 percent, with inflation for the bottom 30 percent of households at –0.4 percent, allowing the Monetary Board to cut the policy rate to 4.75 percent to support more affordable borrowing for families and businesses.

The BSP Governor explained that they reduced the policy rate to stimulate more demand.

The good news is, the inflation outlook was good enough for the Philippines to be confident about reducing the policy rate. For 2026, the inflation forecast is about 3.1 percent, which is basically the target. In 2027, the inflation outlook is about 2.8 percent.

Although there was poor growth in 2025, the economy is expected to recover by 2026 and return to the government’s target range by 2027.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding economic stability and creating conditions for sustained, broad-based growth for all Filipinos. | PND

Muling kinilala ni Pangulong Marcos nitong Miyerkules ang mga local government units (LGUs) at mga regional office ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-ROs) sa kanilang kahusayan sa pagpapatupad ng mga lokal na proyekto sa imprastraktura at pampublikong serbisyo sa seremonya ng SubayBAYANI Awards 2025 sa Manila Hotel.

“Keep up the good work. Continue to show that the public can trust and rely on public servants,” ayon sa Punong Ehekutibo.

Ibinigay ang parangal sa siyam na LGU bilang Top Overall Performers, 126 bilang Exemplars, at tatlong DILG Regional Offices bilang pagkilala sa kanilang matatag na kolaborasyon, tapat na proseso, at maagap na pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng bayan.

Hinikayat ni Pangulong Marcos ang mga lokal na opisyal na patuloy na maging tapat at masigasig sa paghahatid ng de-kalidad na serbisyo dahil ang mga tapat na lingkod-bayan ang pundasyon ng tagumpay ng anumang pampublikong proyekto.

“High quality remains our standard. A government worthy of its people does not settle for mediocrity, does not cut corners, and does not waver,” ayon sa Pangulo. “We strive for excellence because that is what our citizens deserve, and that is what our country deserves.”

Ayon sa Pangulo, ang mga dedikado at tapat na public servants ay may malaking papel sa tagumpay ng proyekto ng gobyerno.

“Kayo po ang magandang halimbawa na matatag pa rin ang puso ng serbisyo publiko sa ating bansa,” ayon sa Pangulo.

Sinabi ng Pangulo na ang tagumpay ng Bagong Pilipinas ay bunga ng sama-samang pagkilos, hindi lamang ng iisang lider o sektor.

“Ito ay binubuo ng bawat kawani ng pamahalaan na tapat na naglilingkod sa ating kapwa at bawat mamamayan na handing makibahagi sa mga proyekto ng gobyerno,” pahayag pa ni PBBM.

Kabilang sa mga Top Overall Performers ang sumusunod na LGU at ang kanilang mahahalagang proyekto:

Mountain Province – Upgrading ng Ampawilen-Sadanga Provincial Road

Aklan – Rehabilitation at improvement ng Balete-Arcanghel-Ogsip-Calamcan-Julita-Libacao Road (Phase 3)

Zamboanga Sibugay – Concreting ng Pangi-Guitoan-Gomotoc-Malagandis Provincial Road

Pasig City – Major improvement sa Mega Dialysis Compound

Science City of Muñoz – Konstruksyon ng multi-purpose building

Victorias City – Konstruksyon ng two-storey evacuation center at multi-purpose building

Victoria, Oriental Mindoro – Konstruksyon ng health station

Sumilao, Bukidnon – Konstruksyon ng multi-purpose building sa Barangay Kisolon

Magpet, Cotabato – Konstruksyon ng Basak Water System Level III sa Barangay Basak

Kinilala rin ang tatlong DILG Regional Offices mula sa National Capital Region (NCR), Eastern Visayas (Region VIII), at SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII) dahil sa kanilang makabago at epektibong monitoring initiatives para sa mga LGU infrastructure projects.

Nagpasalamat din si Pangulong Marcos sa Manila Water Company Inc. bilang katuwang ng gobyerno sa pagtataguyod ng participatory governance, citizen engagement, at evidence-based monitoring.

Itinatag noong 2021 ng DILG ang SubayBAYANI Awards upang kilalanin ang mga LGU na matagumpay na nagpapatupad ng mga proyekto habang isinusulong ang transparency, pananagutan, at aktibong partisipasyon ng mamamayan.

Ang mga parangal ay ibinibigay sa lahat ng mga lalawigan, lungsod, at munisipalidad na may mga proyektong nakarehistro sa SubayBAYANI Portal. | PND