President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to secure the broadband co-sharing partnership with Smart Communications, Inc. for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project.

In a meeting with the Regional Development Council III in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, President Marcos underscored the need for a dialogue with Smart Communications’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manny V. Pangilinan to resolve the problem of broadband frequency for the NSCR signaling system.

“It’s been left hanging for quite a while and knowing SMART and Manny, nakakausap naman natin [sila]. We’ll just find a way to it,” President Marcos told DOTr officials.

“Nakikiusap tayo sa SMART na kahit na kaunting broadband ipamigay nila, ibalik nila sa atin para magamit ng commuter railway,” the President added.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon reported they talked with Pangilinan and Smart. He said securing the signaling system is at the top of their agenda.

“This was the top item on the agenda and based on my initial talks with Smart, I think we can come to a quick resolution to this,” Dizon said.

The NSCR is a 147-kilometer mass transit system that connects Clark, Pampanga, to Calamba, Laguna. Once completed in 2026, it is expected to serve up to 800,000 passengers daily and cut travel time from Pampanga to Laguna to less than two hours. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants to ramp up livestock consolidation and intensify biosecurity measures in addition to the ongoing vaccination against African swine fever (ASF) to fight the virus.

“The key to that is consolidation. Mayroon tayong ginagawa sa consolidation kasi pagka-backyard, mahirap kontrolin ‘yung biosecurity,” President Marcos said during Friday’s meeting with Regional Development Council III at the CSJDM Convention Center, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan on Friday.

“Di ba ‘yung plano natin, hopefully na mailagay natin in one secure — biosecure facility. I don’t know, mukhang mahirap, because most people don’t want to give up their animals,” he added.

Stressing the importance of biosecurity, the President said that even if the hogs are vaccinated, succeeding stocks will be exposed to the disease if the piggeries are not well-managed.

Agriculture Undersecretary-designate for Livestock Constante J. Palabrica assured the President that they are implementing biosecurity and informing farmers on handling such measures.

Palabrica said that 80 percent of the pigs are well-protected once vaccinated.

Palabrica also informed the President that the ASF situation is under control, noting that the ongoing vaccination has immunized 50,000 hogs.

“Regarding the vaccine, we have purchased around half a million ASF vaccines, and close to 200,000 now will be vaccinated, will be used here in Region 3,” he said.

“So far, we’re getting good results, and once the Bureau of Animal Industry could collate all the data, we will submit this to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) because under the MOU (memorandum of understanding) between BAI and FDA, we have to check for efficacy and effectivity of the vaccine.”

The data will be sent to the FDA for the modified release permit and a regular release, Palabrica added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday bringing back the Pasig River to its old pristine glory is “simple yet difficult.”

During the inauguration of Phase 3 of the Pasig River rehabilitation project titled “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli,” President Marcos said he was “really surprised and happy to know” that the Esplanade has become an instant hit among Gen Zs and Gen Alphas.

“Our mission is simple but it is difficult: to bring back the river to its pristine state and make it a vibrant waterway once again for life, for culture, and for mobility,” said the President, accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.

The inauguration of Phase 3 took place at Plaza Mexico, Riverside Drive in Intramuros. Officials of the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development, led by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), were present.

Council members include the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT). The inter-agency council collaborates with the Intramuros Administration, the City of Manila, and private stakeholders in the Pasig River campaign.

The President said the First Lady oversees the progress of this vital project and stressed her passion for history and culture, which aims to enhance the initiative and ensure that the Pasig River becomes an essential part of the nation’s collective identity.

He also highlighted her passion for history and culture, which aims to enhance the initiative and ensure that the Pasig River becomes a key part of the nation’s collective identity.

“I was happy and a little surprised to know that the Esplanade has become an instant hit among our Gen Zs and some Gen Alphas who use it as a backdrop for IG stories and for TikTok,” he said.

The President was referring to the open section of the Pasig River Esplanade, which stretches from Jones Bridge to near the end of the Manila Post Office. This area is ideal for the public to enjoy the scenery or stroll along the riverbanks.

Phase 3 will create 2,000 square meters of open space by closing the previously divided Plaza Mexico road.

“This will create a safer, more beautiful, and expansive area for public events, for gatherings, and for leisurely walks. More than a development project, it symbolizes unity— honoring our past while embracing progress,” he said.

President Marcos also said last year’s inauguration of Phases 1 and 2 prompted the people to set up various shops along the Esplanade, and the public enjoyed the beauty of the Pasig River.

Phase 1, inaugurated last year, is a 500-meter esplanade showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office. Phase 2, the extended esplanade showcase area towards Plaza Mexico in Intramuros, was launched in June 2024.

Phase 3, or the West Showcase Area, connects Fort Santiago and the existing Pasig River Esplanade, featuring the beautification of Plaza Mexico, the construction of the Maestranza boardwalk, and the rehabilitation of Fort Santiago.

Plaza Mexico’s beautification involves the construction of a 2,000-square-meter open activity area, an amphitheater, and ornamental landscaping. The Maestranza boardwalk features a 16-meter wide, 240-meter-long walkway for pedestrians and cyclists. | PND

The government would comply with the Supreme Court (SC) should it rule with finality on the issue of transferring excess funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to the national treasury to finance priority public projects and programs, a Presidential Communications Office (PCO) official said Thursday.

During a Malacañang briefing, Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro said that the government is awaiting the final ruling from the High Court.

“Kung sasabihin po ng Supreme Court na dapat po na ibalik ang subsidy mula sa gobyerno, tutuparin po natin iyan at magku-comply po tayo kung anuman po ang sasabihin ng Supreme Court,” she said.

On another PhilHealth issue pending before the SC, Castro urged the public to await its ruling on the “zero subsidy” for the state health insurance agency.

“Pakinggan na lang po muna natin kung ano po ang magiging desisyon ng Supreme Court,” she said. | PND

The Philippines wants to enhance bilateral relations with Sweden and Egypt, as the newly appointed ambassadors of both countries present their credentials to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday.

President Marcos made this statement during separate meetings with Swedish Ambassador-designate Anna Ferry and Egyptian Ambassador-designate Nader Nabil Zaki at Malacañang.

Ferry informed the President that Sweden views the Philippines as a “priority partner.” He stressed that both countries share common values, including respect for human rights, the upholding of democracy, and the pursuit of progress.

Ferry said Sweden supports the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the freedom of navigation.

The Philippines and Sweden established diplomatic relations on January 17, 1947. Since then, the two countries have cooperated briskly in trade and investments.

In 2023, investments from Sweden to the Philippines reached USD 11.81 million, up from USD 5.74 million in 2022.

In the same year, Sweden became the Philippines’ 41st trading partner, the 45th export market, and the 38th import supplier.

“You come in a particularly auspicious time when the development of relations between our two countries have grown significantly,” President Marcos told Ferry.

Meanwhile, Zaki said that Cairo is committed to strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade and investments, and promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The Philippines and Egypt established formal diplomatic relations on March 3, 1946. This year, both countries will celebrate their 79th year of diplomatic ties.

The Philippines and Egypt have education, cultural cooperation, and scientific and technical cooperation agreements.

President Marcos hopes that Zaki’s stay in the country will be “constructive and productive,” similar to the experiences of his predecessors. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday he hopes to forge a stronger relationship with Slovenia and Palestine to further promote peace and a rules-based international order.

The President made the statement as he received the credentials of Slovenian Ambassador-designate Smiljana Knez and Palestinian Ambassador-designate Mounir Y.K. Anastas in two separate ceremonies at the Malacañan Palace.

Knez said, “Slovenia is a strong advocate of international law and the rules-based international order.”

The President said that his administration shares Slovenian values, which are strong foundations for deepening the relationship between the two countries.

Knez also vowed to strengthen the cooperation between the Philippines and Slovenia in various areas, including people-to-people ties.

The Slovenian ambassador told the President that she “will work tirelessly and cooperate closely” with the government, business community, and cultural and scientific communities for the common benefit of both countries and peoples.

Slovenia is scheduled to open an embassy in Manila to boost Philippine-Slovenia cooperation.

On May 26, 1993, the two countries established diplomatic relations, which have lasted 31 years. Slovenia is home to 462 Filipinos, mostly office-based workers, professionals, service workers, and technicians.

Meanwhile, Anastas conveyed the Palestinian government’s commitment to continued partnership with Manila.

“We can work towards a future where peace, mutual understanding, and prosperity prevail. Let us continue to stand united in the pursuit of justice and equality not only for nations but for all humanity. May peace and solidarity guide our path forward,” Anastas said.

The President also affirmed the Philippines’ shared values with Palestine in promoting peace.

“Let us continue to work on the basis of our shared values, on basis of peace, and prosperity along the lines of international order and human rights for all in the entire world,” the President said.

In September 1989, the Philippines and Palestine established diplomatic relations, now in its 35th year. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised the ongoing support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the Philippines which has significantly contributed to the country’s economic development.

During newly-elected ADB President Masato Kanda’s courtesy call in Malacañang, President Marcos recalled the long-standing support of the ADB to the Philippines, which began during his father’s administration, Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

On December 19, 1966, the ADB was inaugurated in Manila, and there were only 31 members at that time, serving a predominantly agricultural region. Takeshi Watanabe was the first President of the ADB. Currently, it has 69 members, 49 of which are from Asia.

The President described the ADB as “the most important partner” of the Philippines, saying, “The partnership between the ADB and the Philippines has been tremendous.”

The following projects funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are part of the current administration’s initiatives: the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge Project, the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, the Climate Change Action Program, the Build Universal Health Care Program, the Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit COVID-19 (HEAL) Project, the Competitive and Inclusive Agriculture Development Program, and the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program.

“I mean the development that we have achieved that being assisted by the ADB, which is the most important partner that we have had in the Philippines,” President Marcos told the newly elected ADB President.

Kanda assumed the ADB presidency on February 24, 2025, to complete the remaining term of immediate past President Masatsugu Asakawa, whose term expires on November 23, 2026.

“And yet, we find that in the last years, recent years, that has even increased. And so, I think, it is very encouraging, very promising,” the President said. | PND

Senior citizens deserve all the love, care, and protection that is why the government has been working hard to provide for their needs and benefits, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.

“Sa Bagong Pilipinas, hangad natin na mabuhay nang may ginhawa at dignidad ang ating mga matatanda,” President Marcos said during the Inaugural Cash Gift Distribution to the Qualified Beneficiaries of the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024 in Malacañang.

“Mga kababayan, hindi na dapat pinagdadaanan pa ng ating mga senior citizens ang ganitong mga problema sa yugtong ito ng kanilang buhay. They deserve nothing but our love, our care, and our protection,” he added.

The President distributed cash gifts to select senior citizens identified by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC). Similar cash gift distributions occurred nationwide simultaneously, benefiting 1,079 recipients.

The NCSC aims to complete the distribution of cash gifts to 7,759 identified beneficiaries by the end of this month.

On February 26, 2024, President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024.

Under the law, senior citizens who reach 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old will receive PhP10,000 and the government’s benefit for the centenarians of PhP100,000.

Under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, senior citizens are entitled to five to 20 percent discounts on products or services.

These include a five-percent discount on water and electricity, applicable when water usage does not exceed 30 cubic meters, and electricity consumption is limited to 100-kilowatt hours.

According to the President, senior citizens are entitled to a 20-percent discount on transportation, medical services, and leisure activities.

The law offers free medical benefits for seniors in government health facilities.

During the event, the President announced the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, which allows qualified seniors to receive a monthly pension of PhP1,000.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) operates residential care facilities for abandoned senior citizens.

“Nawa’y sa pamamagitan ng mga programa at serbisyong ito ng gobyerno, makapaglaan sila ng mas marami pang panahon para sa kanilang mga minamahal sa buhay,” the President said.

During the event, President Marcos cited a few of the centenarian guests in the audience, some survivors of World War II.

“Hinarap nila ang mga hamon ng kawalan ng kalayaan, kinabukasan, at seguridad,” the President said.

“Marami rin po sa inyo ang ipinanganak at lumaki habang ang bansa natin ay unti-unting naghihilom mula sa mga sugat na dulot ng digmaan. Naging saksi kayo sa tagumpay at pagsisikap ng maraming administrasyon na paunlarin ang ating bayan,” he said.

About 73 percent of senior citizens depend on family support, while they cover 55 percent of their health expenses using their funds.

President Marcos said that many seniors do not receive adequate care and that several have been living alone, feeling useless to their families and the nation. Some even experience abuse, he noted. | PND

The Philippines expressed elation on Tuesday after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that the United States has exempted its security aid to the Philippines from the current pause on global foreign aid.

“Natutuwa po tayo na nagkaroon nga po ng direktiba si US President (Donald) Trump na 90 days magkakaroon ng ipi-freeze ang foreign aid,” Palace Press Officer and PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

“Kung nagkaroon po tayo ng exemption at nagkaroon po tayo at ibibigay po at iri-release ang 500 million dollars foreign financing sa atin, ito po ay napakalaking bagay at nagpapasalamat po tayo sa suporta na iyan,” she said.

Castro said the exemption indicated the US had not wavered its defense commitment to the Philippines.

The Palace official said that the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is proceeding as planned, with the administration emphasizing the importance of financial support from the US.

On Monday, the DFA confirmed that the US has exempted its security assistance to the Philippines, informing Manila that they are waiving a portion of its foreign military financing.

Last year, the US announced a grant of assistance worth US$500 million for the AFP modernization and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The US State Department suspended nearly all foreign assistance globally last month after President Trump issued an executive order to pause it for 90 days. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the semiconductor industry in the country will grow as more skilled Filipinos become capable of working as chip manufacturers and integrated circuit (IC) designers.

The President made the statement during a meeting with officials from Amkor Technology, Inc., led by COO Kevin Engel, at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the President stressed the company’s significant role in expanding the industry.

“Your continued involvement in the Philippines is something that certainly we would like to encourage as we are trying to move our semiconductor industry up the value chain from pure fabrication to design,” he said.

Amkor Technology Philippines, Inc. was established in 1989 and registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority in December 1995.

The company specializes in manufacturing semiconductor devices and lead types and provides various services, including back grinding, wafer mapping, assembly, and strip testing.

The semiconductor industry accounts for a significant portion of the country’s electronic sector.

In 2024, semiconductors accounted for almost 40 percent or USD29.16 billion of total exports.

The country also hosts renowned semiconductors and electronics companies, including Panasonic Murata, Sumitomo Electric, Samsung, Brother, Canon, Toshiba, and Epson.

During the meeting, Amkor executives supported the Philippines’ bid to expand the semiconductor industry because of the country’s “good workforce.”

“You guys have a very good workforce, and you can continue to grow,” an Amkor Technology official said.

Present during the courtesy call were Engel, Corporate Vice President Mohandass Sivakumar, and President and Country Head for Amkor Technology Philippines Norberto “Bing” Viera. | PND