President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday pushed for substantial allocations for key programs of the Department of Education (DepEd) as the agency revealed the reduction in its budget for 2025 could worsen the country’s problem on teacher shortage.

The President took notice of the budget gaps of various projects of DepEd for this year despite education as one of the Chief Executive’s top priorities.

“We have to be able to show that that’s (education) the priority,” President Marcos stressed when he met Education officials to review their 2025 budget.

For DepEd, from its proposed P748 billion appropriations, Congress only approved PhP737 billion.

Allocations reduced by Congress were for the creation of new school personnel positions, the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF), and the implementation of the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP).

The lower budget for new school personnel positions will “exacerbate the teacher shortage,” according to DepEd.

It added the requirement from previous years remains partly addressed, further compromising the delivery of quality education.

The DepEd proposed PhP12.379 billion for its DCP but was only given PhP2.43 billion. It said the decrease will affect the delivery of much-needed learner and teacher tools, such as laptops, smart TVs, and satellite-based internet.

As a result, DepEd was forced to cancel about PhP4 billion out of the PhP7 billion worth of DCP projects that already underwent early procurement activities.

The reduced BEFF will also affect the construction of school buildings.

Meanwhile, President Marcos concurred with TESDA’s plan to study options for financing its unfunded programs.

While TESDA’s budget increased by PhP20.73 billion in the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) from the previous PhP18.50 billion in the FY 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP), some of its key programs were not funded this year.

This included the creation of Enterprise-based Training Office and the establishment of New Regional Office for Negros Island Region. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is intent on recovering funds for foreign-assisted projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Congress has substantially cut appropriations for DPWH programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) in the 2025 national budget.

The President met with DPWH officials on Thursday at the Malacañan Palace to discuss the result of the agency’s budget review under the Fiscal Year 2025 General Appropriations Act vis-à-vis the FY 2025 National Expenditure Program.

“Because we asked for PhP70 billion and they (lawmakers) gave us PhP23 billion,” the President said. He emphasized the focus should be on projects that “will make a difference to people’s lives.”

He also wanted DPWH to prioritize maintenance of agency projects, feasibility studies, and right of way issues.

Under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), budget reductions in the DPWH’s programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) included payments of right-of-way (ROW); contractual obligations, Value Added Tax, and other taxes; pre-feasibility study (FS), feasibility study, and primary and detailed engineering; public-private partnership strategic support fund; and KAlsada TUngo sa PAliparan, Riles, at DaungAN (KATUPARAN) Program.

The outlay was also reduced for the agency’s Bridge Program, Network Development Program, Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP), Roads Leveraging Linkages of Industry and Trade (ROLL-IT) Program, and foreign-assisted projects.

Despite this, total budget of the DPWH increased by PhP188.80 billion, or 20.98 percent from the proposed PhP900 billion in the FY 2025 National Expenditure Program to PhP1,088.80 billion in the FY 2025 GAA. | PND

Leaders from the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) gathered Wednesday for the media launch of the upcoming Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) on February.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman led the delegates in a press briefing highlighting the aspects of PH-OGP as a key platform to promote open governance, underscoring its integration into government priorities under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In his opening remarks during the media launching, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said: “Today, we stand united in our commitment to fostering a government that is not only transparent but also accountable and responsive to the needs and aspirations of our citizens.”

“This monumental event is truly a pivotal step in our shared journey toward enhancing democratic governance and empowering the Filipino people.”

Bersamin invited the participants from the media, civil society organizations, and public sector to actively engage in the important activity, noting the promotion of open government is not just the government’s responsibility but a collective mission that requires the participation of all stakeholders.

This will be the first time since the OGP’s founding in 2011 that the Philippines will host the two-day regional meeting starting February 5.

President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 31, s. 2023, that established the OGP as a key platform for transparency, accountability and citizen engagement, marking the historic step to institutionalize the OGP under the Marcos administration.

Among the participants in the event included Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte; PH-OGP co-Chair Aurora “Araw” Reyes Chavez; Rudi Bormann, OGP Communications, Content, and Community Engagement Director; Sandino Soliman, CODE NGO Executive Director; Dr. Annie Enriquez Geron, President of Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK); and Dr. Francisco Magno, Director of the La Salle Institute of Governance.

Around 700 local and international delegates are expected to attend the APRM, which includes heads of states; government officials; civil society leaders; and policymakers.

The objective of the APRM is to discuss best practices and innovative solutions for governance challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

The OGP aims to promote its principles of transparency, accountability, and civic participation. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed Japan Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday.

During the courtesy call, Iwaya called for strengthened cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, particularly in security and global affairs.

“I would like to ask for Your Excellency’s continued support in strengthening cooperation between Japan and the Philippines on security issues and other global affairs,” Iwaya told President Marcos.

Japan’s Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received and conveyed the best regards of Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru to the Philippine government.

Iwaya highlighted that Japan shares core values and principles with the Philippines, particularly at a time when there are divisions and complexities in the international community.

He emphasized that enhancing cooperation between the two nations is critical for promoting a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

President Marcos welcomed Iwaya’s visit, which came shortly after his recent trilateral phone conversation with Prime Minister Ishiba and US President Joe Biden on Monday.

“I think that it is good that we continue these discussions and also I hope that we would be able to have a chance for the Philippines to explain and to show what has been done in terms of agreement since the signing of the tripartite agreement,” the President said.

The President also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening economic ties with Japan to foster mutual prosperity.

Foreign Minister Iwaya is set to hold a bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo to further discuss Philippine-Japan relations and the trilateral partnership involving the Philippines, Japan and the US.

They are also expected to address regional developments. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. committed to provide adequate funds for the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to support the country’s irrigation programs.

In a meeting with NIA officials at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, President Marcos emphasized the importance of constructing large dams not only for irrigation but also for other purposes.

Under NIA’s 2025 programs, activities and projects (PAPs), the agency allocated PhP20.84 billion for the Pump Irrigation Sub-Program and PhP7.88 billion for Stage 2 of the Ilocos Norte-Ilocos Sub-Abra Irrigation Project (INISAIP).

Earmarked for the Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase II in Tarlac was PhP2.49 billion while PhP99.5 million was set aside for the Special Irrigation Sub-Program.

“The big dams. We need to have that,” President Marcos said, referring to NIA funding under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“The PhP22 billion, that’s in the GAA, PhP22.882 [billion], that’s in the GAA. Palagay ko mayroon pa tayong savings diyan,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos met with NIA officials to discuss the agency’s strategic plans and projects for 2025.

NIA Administrator Eduardo Eddie Guillen outlined the agency’s objectives to enhance irrigation efficiency, ensure continuous operation of existing irrigation service areas and maintain current irrigated lands.

Guillen also highlighted plans to improve service roads along irrigation canals.

The PAPs will incorporate technological interventions and modernization of irrigation systems to mitigate the effects of climate change, he said.

Present during the meeting were Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan was also present during the meeting along with Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go and PCO Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez. | PND

Recognizing the importance of preparing for another possible global pandemic, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed strong support for the continued construction of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) building.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has requested funding for the project to prevent delays and avoid structural deterioration of the VIP Administration Building.

“I think in the immediate future, okay. We prepare for the big one, the big pandemic, President Marcos told Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. on Wednesday.

“But really it’s for the animals and the plants,” the President said. The VIP was established to conduct research on viruses and viral diseases.

The Chief Executive made the remarks during a meeting with DOST to discuss the agency’s 2025 budget and its upcoming programs and projects.

Solidum noted the 2025 national expenditure program of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) did not allocate a budget for the VIP.

In response, President Marcos assured the government will find ways to secure funding.

“We find money for this when we are able to identify the specific items as you know not ready for implementation. Yung hindi kumpleto ang papeles,” he told Solidum.

Solidum assured the VIP would not be limited to human health concerns, but would also address viruses affecting animal and plant health.

He told the President the VIP needs P680 million to pursue its plans including the development of vaccines for humans, animals and plants.

“There are more balikbayan scientists [now] na gusto tumulong sa atin. We just need this facility (VIP),” he added.

The VIP is envisioned to be the country’s foundation for research and innovation on human, animal and plant viruses. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to reinstate the PhP400 million branding budget for the Department of Tourism (DOT).

“Restore the PhP400 million branding budget of DOT to sustain the momentum,” President Marcos ordered the DBM during a meeting with Tourism Secretary Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday.

The funding will be sourced from the President’s contingency fund.

President Marcos said the Philippines is off to a strong start in boosting its international image, citing recent accomplishments by Filipino talents, including two-time gymnastics world champion Carlos Yulo and The Voice US champ Sofronio Vasquez, both of whom brought pride to the country.

The President stressed the government can’t afford to lose the momentum.

“We have to maintain the momentum. There is already momentum. It doesn’t hurt that we have people like Sofronio winning The Voice and that we had Caloy Yulo winning the Olympics,” President Marcos said.

“All of these things that our people are doing that is great for the Philippines. And then we’re still living off the wonderful performance of Filipino health workers during Covid. Hindi na makakalimutan ‘yon,” he added.

Frasco echoed President Marcos’ sentiments and expressed full support for the administration’s initiatives to promote Philippine tourism.

In her presentation, Frasco said insufficient funding for the DOT would lead to reduced engagement with target audiences, fewer trade and consumer activation opportunities, and the absence of global media placements, among other setbacks.

Owing to the government’s global campaign to boost Philippine tourism, Frasco said the country gained PhP760 billion in international visitor receipts from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

She added foreign tourists in the Philippines stayed longer at an average of 11 nights in 2024 as compared to only nine in 2019.

The DOT has formally requested the reinstatement of the PhP400 million branding budget to support its campaign efforts. | PND

US Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of maintaining the steadfast support of the United States for the Philippines, particularly in light of China’s continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

“Indeed, and I will tell you from my first visit to Manila and our first conversation, it is extremely important to me and to the United States that we reaffirm the commitment to the defense of the Philippines including the South China Sea,” Vice President Harris told President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the two leaders’ phone call late Tuesday.

The call between Harris and President Marcos came just a few days after a trilateral phone conversation involving US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on Monday.

Harris reflected on her historic visit to the Philippines, especially her trip to Palawan in November 2022, which she said underscored “the vulnerability in the region.”

She noted the visit strengthened President Biden’s resolve to support the Philippines in terms of both security and prosperity.

“I know there is bipartisan support within the United States Congress and within the US for the strength of this relationship and the enduring nature of it in terms of security, but again prosperity and to your point of people-to-people ties,” Harris told President Marcos.

In response, President Marcos expressed gratitude for the US Vice President’s sentiments, highlighting the robust and productive partnership between the Philippines and the United States.

“Madame Vice President, before I came to this call I was going through all of the things that we had discussed in the past couple of years. And it is remarkable how much work we have been able to do and how much it has progressed and developed the relationship between our two countries. Already very strong relationship but evolving and evolving for the modern challenges that we face, both for us and the South China Sea and for the United States around the world,” President Marcos said.

“As I told President Biden when I spoke to him, I said that, I remember … just before we signed the trilateral agreement in Washington, that, I said to President Biden that this will change the dynamic of the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific. And it certainly has done that,” he added.

President Marcos also emphasized the ties among the Philippines, the US and Japan have gained recognition within ASEAN, strengthening their collective position on pressing issues in the West Philippine Sea.

He further acknowledged Vice President Harris’ significant contributions to the Philippines, stating that her efforts have provided a strong foundation for continued collaboration between the two nations.

The President particularly noted the economic, diplomatic, defense and security levels, which he described as “terribly encouraging.”

President Marcos said he hopes “to build on that and continue to work” on what the two nations have begun grounded on shared values and international law.

Before the telephone call concluded, President Marcos invited Harris to visit the Philippines again.

President Marcos had a meeting with Harris before the beginning of the APEC conference in San Francisco in November 2023.

The meeting centered on the Philippine assessment on the situation in the West Philippines Sea.

They met previously when Harris visited Manila in November 2022; the Vice President hosting President Marcos at the Naval Observatory in May 2023; a bilateral meeting on the margins of the East Asia Summit in Jakarta in September 2023; and a trilateral meeting with Japan Prime Minister Kishida in Jakarta in September 2023.

The Philippines and the US established formal diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946.

The United States is the Philippines’ oldest and only treaty ally. Bilateral defense and security engagement remains the key pillar of PH-U.S. bilateral relations and is carried out within the framework of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and other bilateral agreements.

In 2023, the US ranked as the third top trading partner of the Philippines with total trade valued at US$19.96 billion. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed optimism in maintaining the strong and dynamic relationship between the Philippines and the United States, even beyond the leadership change in the US.

During a telephone call with US Vice President Kamala Harris, President Marcos highlighted the significant progress achieved in the bilateral relationship, particularly in the areas of economics, diplomacy, and defense and security.

“As typical with the relationship between the Philippines and the US, it’s on every level, in every facet: on the economic level, on the diplomatic level, and defense and security,” President Marcos said.

“And the progress that we have made is terribly encouraging and we just hope to build on that and continue to work on what we have begun and continue to stand for our shared values and the rule of international law,” he added.

Formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States were established on July 4, 1946.

The US is the Philippines’ oldest and only treaty ally. Bilateral defense and security engagement remains the key pillar of PH-US bilateral relations and is carried out within the framework of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and other bilateral agreements.

Vice President Harris, in turn, emphasized the “bipartisan support” within Congress and Washington for strengthening ties with the Philippines, especially in terms of security, economic prosperity and people-to-people connections.

Harris also emphasized the importance of the trilateral ties between the Philippines, the US and Japan.

“As we discussed with (US) President (Joe) Biden on Sunday, the trilateral cooperation with Japan is a very important way to deepen our economic cooperation and build secured supply chains as well as promote security across the region,” she said.

“And I echo the President’s conversation with you about the work that you will do with the next administration in terms of reinforcing the importance of that trilateral cooperation and the critical nature of it to maintain security in the South China Sea,” she added.

President Biden and Vice President Harris have been engaging in calls with allies and partners ahead of the conclusion of their terms on January 20.

President Marcos earlier participated in a trilateral telephone conversation with President Biden and Japan Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on Monday. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday welcomed the intention to elevate the ties between the Philippines and India the bilateral relations amid the current geopolitical condition.

Receiving Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita in a Palace courtesy call, President Marcos hoped the two countries could continue strengthening relations.

Last November marked the 75th anniversary of the two nations’ diplomatic relations.

“The interactions between India and the Philippines have certainly increased in the past few years. And certainly we would like to continue that closeness,” the President told Margherita.

“Well, the plan to elevate the bilateral relations is very interesting because in terms of geopolitical issues. Whereas we used to speak of Pacific or Asia Pacific. It’s now Indo-Pacific. And that’s why I think that the alliances and the partnerships that we make become more and more important.”

Margherita said he wants to convey to the Chief Executive the respect from the people of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“On behalf of ( the Indian people and Prime Minister), I am here to convey our deep regards to the great nation of the Philippines and to you. It is a milestone that we have to mark our 75th year of diplomatic relations of our great nations,,” he said.

The Philippines and India established formal diplomatic relations on November 16, 1949.

In 2023, total trade with India reached US$3.08 billion, with exports valued at US$1.1 billion and imports at 1.98 billion.

India ranked as the Philippines’ 15th top trading partner.

There are 53 signed agreements between the Philippines and India in the fields of trade, investment, science and technology, maritime, air services, taxation, culture, energy, agriculture, and defense, among others. | PND