To enhance aviation education in the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12255, declaring the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA) as the national professional institution for aviation and renaming it as the National Aviation Academy of the Philippines (NAAP).

Under RA 12255, the NAAP is mandated to develop leaders in the Philippine aviation and aerospace industries, both in the private sector and government, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its three main branches- the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Army- as well as the uniformed personnel.

To achieve this goal, the NAAP shall provide world-class academic and professional training, offer advanced professional studies and specialization for aviation, intensify technological research and development, and offer industry-driven programs.

The NAAP shall offer short-term, technical-vocational, undergraduate, and graduate courses on specialization in aviation and related programs, such as Bachelor of Science in Air Transportation specializing in Commercial Pilot; Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, including Drone Technology; Associate in Aircraft Maintenance Technology; and Associate in Aircraft Electronic Technology leading to Baccalaureate in Aircraft Maintenance Technology and Baccalaureate in Aircraft Electronics Technology.

The NAAP shall also provide education in Aviation Safety and Security, Supply Chain Management specializing in Aviation Logistics, and Aviation Information Technology.

“The NAAP shall utilize the expertise of its community members and other individuals concerning the country’s goals towards national development in the primary areas of aviation and other related fields for the improvement of the quality of life, growth of the economy, and transformation of the society,” RA 12255 read.

President Marcos signed RA 12255 on September 5, 2025. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has designated the two members of the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), created to investigate corruption in flood control projects over the past decade, citing their proven competence and integrity.

President Marcos appointed former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo as the two Commission members, Malacañang announced on Saturday.

The President also named Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as Special Adviser who will act as an investigator of the Commission.

Under Executive Order No. 94 issued on September 11, President Marcos created the ICI to investigate and recommend appropriate charges against government officials, employees, or individuals involved in anomalies in flood control and related projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) within the last 10 years.

“To lead this task, the President has appointed individuals of proven competence, integrity, and deep familiarity with infrastructure, finance, and institutional reform,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing in Malacañang on Saturday.

Castro said President Marcos himself will announce the chairperson of the ICI in the coming days.

Castro said Singson brings decades of direct experience in both the planning and execution of major government infrastructure projects, having served as head of the DPWH from 2010 to 2016 and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) from 1998 to 2002.

“As former Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways, he led one of the most significant reform efforts in the agency’s history, introducing systems to promote transparency, eliminate ghost projects, and ensure proper use of public funds,” said Castro.

“His technical understanding of how projects are designed, procured, and implemented will be essential to this commission’s work,” she added.

Currently the Country Managing Partner of SGV and Co., the Philippines’ largest professional services firm, Fajardo has over three decades of experience in auditing internal controls and risk management, “especially in identifying weaknesses in financial system and operational processes,” said Castro.

The Palace Press Officer said Fajardo has worked across both public and private sectors to “help organizations detect fraud, strengthen governance and build more accountable institutions.”

“Her technical insight and financial acumen are critical in following the trail of public funds and determining where leakages and irregularities may have occurred,” Castro stressed.

Meanwhile, Magalong has handled sensitive, high-impact investigations and helped lead institutional reforms in law enforcement, having served as Deputy Director General of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and former Director of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

“His experience in leading difficult investigations, uncovering internal wrongdoing, and enforcing compliance makes him a strong asset to this commission,” Castro said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday officially opened the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, marking the first time the Philippines is hosting the tournament since its last staging in Asia by Japan in 1998 and 2006.

President Marcos stood as the guest of honor at the opening ceremonies of the 21st edition of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, which is taking place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City from September 12 to 28.

President Marcos officially opened the games by making a ceremonial serve on the court.

The FIVB or International Volleyball Federation is the sole governing body for all forms of volleyball globally.

The Philippines is only the second Asian country to host the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, after Japan organized the games in 1998 and 2006.

It will be the first edition of the World Championship under the new format and periodicity.

The FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship used to be played once every four years. Now it will be three years from the previous edition, after which the World Championship will be held every two years.

For the first time, 32 national teams will participate in the tournament. ǀ PND

College graduates no longer need to travel far to secure their academic credentials, as these documents can now be accessed through the eGovPH Super App for job applications.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday officially launched the Electronic Certification, Authentication, and Verification (eCAV) System, a digital platform designed to streamline students’ access to academic records such as diplomas, transcripts of records (TOR), and other certificates necessary for their job applications.

During the launch event held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, President Marcos said college graduates no longer have to physically visit their school, as academic credentials can now be accessed anytime and anywhere through the eGovPH Super App.

The eGovPH Super App is a mobile application that integrates various national and local government services, eliminating the need to visit multiple agencies for a transaction.

“Hindi na kailangang bumiyahe nang malayo pa. Sa pamamagitan ng eGovPH Super App, maaari nang makakuha [ang] estudyante o bagong graduate ng academic credential para sa kanilang job application,” President Marcos said.

Key features of the eCAV system include online payments, real-time tracking, timely updates of application status, and a downloadable copy of the applicant’s certificates from their account or email.

Under Republic Act No. 11261, or the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, first-time jobseekers can be exempt from the CAV fee by providing a barangay certification.

Alongside the event, President Marcos also announced various government assistance given to college students, including full or partial tuition fee aid, subsidy, grant, and reimbursement opportunity.

These various forms of assistance are provided under the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Scholarship, which aims to strengthen the education system to achieve a stronger and globally competitive workforce. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed implementing agencies to strengthen and broaden the reach of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), ensuring that more students will receive the support they need to complete their college education.

The UniFast is a government initiative aimed at providing tuition fee assistance to qualified students from state and Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-recognized local universities and colleges across the country.

In his speech during the awarding of the CHED UniFast scholarships and official launch of the Electronic Certification, Authentication, and Verification (eCAV) System in Pasay City on Friday, President Marcos emphasized the importance of education in creating a competitive workforce for a stronger economy.

“Our assistance to our students proves that the returns are immeasurable when the government invests in people. When we strengthen education, we also strengthen our workforce and we forge a better future for our economy, for our country,” the President said.

“Kaya ito ang aking direktiba: Palawakin pa natin ang saklaw ng UniFAST. Tiyakin natin na malinaw ang guidelines na naipapaalam ito sa mga magulang at mag-aaral bago pa magsimula ang pasukan,” the President ordered.

President Marcos also ordered concerned agencies to intensify the dissemination of accurate information regarding the program to prevent misinformation.

The Chief Executive likewise called on all state and local universities and colleges, private higher education institutions, local governments, and partners to continue working with the government for the betterment of the country’s education sector.

“I also call on Congress to help us strengthen UniFAST so that we can implement it fully as intended in the letter of that law,” President Marcos said.

The President vowed to continue improving the country’s education system to ensure Filipinos can compete with the best in the world. | PND

“Walang kabataan din ang dapat maapektuhan ang pag-aaral dahil sa kahirapan.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. thus announced on Friday full or partial tuition assistance for qualified college students nationwide under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) to help more Filipinos complete their education.

During the awarding of the CHED UniFAST Scholarship alongside the official launch of the Electronic Certification, Authentication, and Verification (E-CAV) system held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, President Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to easing the burden of parents struggling to send their children to school.

“Sa ngayon, nagbibigay ang Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education o ‘yung tinatawag na UniFAST ng full o partial tuition at school fee assistance sa mga kwalipikadong estudyante sa state at CHED-recognized local universities and colleges sa buong bansa,” the President said.

“Hindi na nila kailangan sagutin ang halaga ng tuition. Mababawasan ang pangamba ng mga magulang at mas malaya nang makapag-aral ang ating mga estudyante,” the President added.

The government also offers a PhP20,000 annual tertiary education subsidy for students in need, which may be used to cover tuition, transportation, books, food, and other school-related expenses.

Under the same program, college students with disability will receive an additional PhP5,000 grant, while students taking degree programs with licensure examinations are eligible for reimbursement up to PhP8,000.

President Marcos expressed confidence that the program will have a positive long-term impact on the lives of its beneficiaries and will contribute meaningfully to national development.

“Bunga nito, inaasahan nating mas maraming mga estudyante ang mananatili sa paaralan at makakapagtapos ng kanilang pag-aaral. Gagaan din ang pasanin ng inyong mga magulang. At magiging mas malakas ang ating mga komunidad dahil ang mga nagtatapos bilang guro, nars, inhinyero, ay magiging haligi ng ating pag-unlad,” President Marcos said.

“Naniniwala ako na sa bawat batang natututo, may pamilyang umaangat. Sa bawat pamilyang umaangat, mas nagiging matibay ang ating ekonomiya, at sa ganoong paraan, nagiging mas matibay ang Bagong Pilipinas,” the President added.

The President also called on implementing agencies to intensify efforts to expand the reach of the UniFAST so more students would benefit from it. | PND

Thousands of well-wishers from Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Nueva Ecija and Ilocos Norte, joined the festive Salo-Salo sa Palasyo at the Kalayaan grounds of Malacañang on Friday to extend their birthday greetings to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

President Marcos, together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, joined the jubilant crowd for food, music, and cultural performances in what has become a tradition of opening the Palace to the public for the President’s birthday celebration.

Among those who visited Malacañang was Elza B. Batara, 71, from Ilocos Norte, who wished the President good health and long life, expressing hope that he would continue his good work for the Filipino people.

“Happy birthday, Apo Presidente. Long live, God bless, at always take care. Sana po ay maipagpatuloy niyo pa ang magagandang gawain para sa ating mga kababayan,” Batara said.

Marietta P. Sumagan, 70, from Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City, said she was thankful for being part of the celebration and prayed for more birthdays for the President. She also shared her wish that the President’s programs and reforms will carry on beyond his term.

“Happy birthday. More, more birthdays to come. Sana maipapatuloy lahat-lahat ‘yung mga gusto niyang mangyari sa mga Pilipino. Sana sa 2028, sana magpatuloy sya. Siya pa rin ang presidente natin sa Pilipinas. Maraming salamat sa salo-salo na pina-birthday sa amin ng Presidente BBM,” Sumagan said.

For Teodora C. Nuñez, 65, also from Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City, the event was a meaningful moment to personally greet the Chief Executive. She extended her well-wishes for continued blessings in his leadership.

Traveling from Nueva Ecija, Florencia F. Morales, 79, offered prayers for the President’s health, safety, and guidance in leading the nation, thanking him for inviting ordinary citizens to the Palace on his special day.

“Narito po ako para batiin po siya ng maligayang maligayang kaarawan po, Mr. President. Pagpalain nawa kayo ng Diyos at subaybayan sa lahat ng mga bagay-bagay na gustong ikaloob sa iyong mga mamamayan,” Morales said.

Community leaders around Malacañang also shared in the festivities.

Barangay 829 Chairman Romualdo Billanes expressed happiness that the President remembered their community, saying they felt honored to be part of his celebration.

“Kaming nakapalibot sa Malacañang, bilang chairman ng Barangay 829, ay masayang masaya po kami kasi naalala po kami ng ating Pangulo. More birthdays țo come,” Billanes said.

Kagawad Helen Aguilar of Barangay 829 described the gathering as a blessing for their community, noting that the President’s gesture of sharing his birthday with the public shows his generosity and accessibility. She also encouraged him to stay focused on his work despite criticisms, comparing his leadership to a fruitful tree that naturally draws attention.

“Nakikita naman po natin ginagawa naman ni Presidente ang lahat. Ngayon po siya ang may birthday, siya ang may regalo sa amin. Bibihira po. Ilang presidente na po ang nadaanan namin. Iba po talaga ang panahon ng mga Marcos,” Aguilar said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was born on September 13, 1957. | PND

A day before his 68th birthday on September 13, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday hosted a festive Salo-salo sa Palasyo at the Kalayaan grounds of Malacañang, continuing what has now become a tradition of celebrating his special day with the Filipino people.

The Palace once again opened its doors to the public, welcoming supporters from across Metro Manila and as far as the Ilocos region, who came to personally greet the Chief Executive.

President Marcos arrived at the venue riding a golf cart with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, warmly waving to the crowd before joining them in the celebration.

The Salo-salo sa Palasyo has become an annual tradition under the Marcos administration, symbolizing openness, gratitude, and the enduring bond between the President and the people he serves. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday honored the country’s outstanding farmers, organizations, and communities during the Gawad Agraryo 2025, recognizing their significant contributions to the agricultural sector.

In his speech, President Marcos commended the awardees for their determination and resilience in overcoming challenges, underscoring their role in ensuring food security and sustaining the nation.

“Sa pagdiriwang ng Gawad Agraryo, binibigyang-pugay natin ang mga huwarang magsasaka, organisasyon, at komunidad na nagpakita ng sipag, tiyaga, husay, at pagmamahal sa bayan,” the President said during the event held at the Makabagong San Juan National Government Center in San Juan City.

“Sa harap ng mga unos, sila’y matapang na nagpatuloy—at ngayon, sila mismo ang nagsisilbing patunay na [sa] pagsisikap, walang pangarap na hindi kayang abutin,” the President added.

Out of 45 finalists, 17 awardees were recognized: 10 Most Outstanding Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), three Most Progressive ARB Organizations (ARBOs), and four Most Progressive Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs).

Each outstanding ARB received a plaque, medal, and PhP25,000 cash award in recognition of their productivity and commitment to their families, communities, and the environment.

The most progressive ARBOs and ARCs, meanwhile, were recognized for providing reliable services to their members, promoting sustainable development, and uplifting their communities. Each received a plaque, medal, and projects worth PhP70,000.

“Sa ating awardee: Kayo po ang huwaran ng pag-asa. Kayo ang nagpapatunay na hindi natitinag ang Pilipino sa harap ng pagsubok. At kayo ang nagsisilbing gabay sa mga kababayan nating nais din magtagumpay kagaya ninyo,” the President said. “Maraming salamat sa inyong mga sakripisyo upang mapatatag ang pundasyon ng ating lipunan.”

President Marcos reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Filipino farmers, citing the distribution of nearly 70,000 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) and thousands of Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgages to free farmers of their debts.

In addition, the administration has delivered thousands of machinery and farming equipment to increase farmers’ productivity, lighten their workloads, and improve their livelihoods.

“Mga kababayan, magsisilbi sanang inspirasyon ang pagkikilalang ito upang ipagpatuloy natin ang laban para sa mas maginhawang buhay para sa ating mga magsasaka, mas maraming oportunidad para sa kanila at sa kanilang mga pamilya, at mas maunlad na sektor ng agrikultura,” the President said.

“Hangad kong ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pag-aalaga sa inyong mga lupang sakahan at pagpapalago ng inyong ani gamit ang aming handog na tulong ,” President Marcos added.

Launched in 2008, the Gawad Agraryo was established to honor farmers and organizations that have made remarkable contributions to advancing national progress and rural development.

Under his term, President Marcos has honored 35 individuals and organizations with Gawad Agraryo awards for their significant efforts in strengthening rural communities and enhancing the country’s food security. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos assigned the newly-created Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) the powers and functions necessary to carry out its investigation into anomalous flood control and related projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) within the last 10 years.

President Marcos ordered all government offices and personnel to cooperate with the ICI, or face administrative disciplinary cases if they refuse the summons or orders of the commission.

Under Executive Order 94, issued on Thursday, the President granted the ICI the authority to issue subpoenas — particularly subpoenas ad testificandum and duces tecum — for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents necessary for its fact-finding and investigation activities.

“Any government official or personnel who delays or refuses, without adequate cause, to comply with a subpoena issued by the ICI, or who, appearing before the ICI, refuses to take oath or affirmation, shall be subject to administrative disciplinary action, without prejudice to any criminal liability,” EO 94 read.

“Any private person who does the same shall be dealt with in accordance with the law,” it added.

Witnesses in ICI investigations may apply for protection under the Witness Protection Program, and the ICI may recommend qualified individuals to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as state witnesses when needed to serve justice.

President Marcos ordered all departments, bureaus, agencies, and offices in the Executive Branch, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, to “extend full assistance and cooperation to the ICI as may be required by the latter in the discharge of its functions and duties.”

“Failure or refusal to extend such assistance or cooperation for no valid or justifiable reason or adequate cause shall constitute a ground for disciplinary action against the concerned official or personnel, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations,” the President ordered.

President Marcos, meanwhile, encouraged all local government units, all branches of government, and the private sectors to provide “full and timely assistance and cooperation” to the ICI.

The ICI was given the authority to recommend to the DOJ the admission of a person as a state witness “to ensure that the ends of justice be fully served, provided such person qualifies as a state witness under the Rules of Court of the Philippines.”

Upon proper request or representation, the ICI may obtain from the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as from the courts, including the Sandiganbayan and the Office of the Court Administrator, information and documents related to matters within the power of the ICI.

The ICI may also obtain books, records, contracts, bank statements, and other pertinent documents related to the investigation, upon proper request or representation to the appropriate authorities.

The commission may also recommend or request from the appropriate authorities or the proper courts, the “issuance of a hold departure order or other remedies to monitor or prohibit the travel abroad, or to compel the return from abroad, of any public official or employee, or any other individual, under investigation,” according to EO 94.

The President ordered the ICI to turn over evidence and findings to the appropriate prosecutorial authorities for expeditious prosecution, and to recommend to the appropriate authorities the immediate preventive suspension of any public official or employee to prevent tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.

The ICI may also invite and designate public officials and private individuals of recognized competence and integrity as Special Advisers to aid in the investigation.

The ICI was ordered to provide monthly reports to the Office of the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, and publish its accomplishments and reports. | PND