President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law four measures that expand access to quality education by establishing new national high schools and converting existing elementary schools into integrated schools in the provinces of Leyte, Rizal, and Sorsogon.

President Marcos issued Republic Act (RA) 12256 establishing the Doos del Norte National High School in Hindang, Leyte, and RA 12258 creating the Tanay National Science High School in Rizal.

The Chief Executive also signed RA 12257, which converted the Alegria Elementary School in Barcelona, Sorsogon, into the Alegria Integrated School, and Republic Act No. 12259, which transformed the Patag Elementary School in Irosin, Sorsogon, into the Patag Integrated School.

Under the laws, all personnel, assets, liabilities, and records of the converted schools will be transferred to and absorbed by the integrated schools.

The President mandated the Department of Education (DepEd) to operationalize both the newly established and upgraded schools, with funding support to be sourced from the annual General Appropriations Act.

The DepEd is further tasked with formulating and implementing rules and regulations within 90 days.

The measures were signed into law on September 5, 2025, and will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. | PND

In recognition of the valuable contribution of educators in the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12288, institutionalizing the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders, aimed at ensuring their professional development and career growth.

RA No. 12288 introduced a competency-based promotion system, allowing public school teachers in the elementary and secondary levels to advance based on merit and qualifications.

Under the Act, the positions from Teacher I to Master Teacher I shall form the basis of the expanded career progression system. Promotions within these positions are non-hierarchical and will be based on a teacher’s fitness and competence in adherence to professional standards.

Recognizing prior learning and teaching experience, the Act also allows qualified educators to enter any position within the base of the expanded career progression system, provided they meet the qualification standards set by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and achieve the indicators of the career stages of the professional standards as affirmed by the Teacher Education Council (TEC).

For this purpose, the CSC and the Department of Education (DepEd), including the TEC, and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) were tasked to harmonize the qualification standards for teaching positions in all levels of the public school system, taking into consideration the Standards-Based Assessment as mandated by the Act.

The new law also mandated the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to create new teaching position titles of Teacher IV, Teacher V, Teacher VI, Teacher VII, Master Teacher V, Master Teacher VI, and School Principal V to expand opportunities available for promotion. These positions must be added to the official Index of Occupational Services, Groups, Classes, and Salary Grades.

In evaluating teachers and school leaders seeking promotion, the DepEd was directed to formulate guidelines to assessing them. The evaluation will include a publicly available assessment process, criteria, point system, and standards-based assessment to guarantee fairness, transparency, and accountability.

To ensure the continuous improvement of the career progression system, the TEC was ordered to review, align, and continuously observe the roles of the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) and the Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development (BHROD) of the DepEd.

Within 90 days of the law’s effectivity, the DepEd, CSC, PRC, and DBM in consultation with the TEC and other education stakeholders, shall jointly issue rules and regulations for the Act’s effective implementation.

These guidelines will take effect 30 days after their publication in a newspaper of general circulation. | PND

Malacañang on Wednesday said it looks forward to working with newly elected Speaker Faustino Dy III, who takes the helm of the House of Representatives as the public calls for visible results to address the people’s concerns.

In a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the Palace expressed gratitude to former Speaker Martin Romualdez for his contributions in advancing the Bagong Pilipinas legislative agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“The President recognizes the vital role of the House of Representatives, especially at a time when the public demands visible results and Congress is called upon to take active steps that address people’s concerns and deliver real improvements in daily life,” Malacañang said in a statement.

Malacañang said it respected the independence of the House of Representatives, as it reiterated its commitment to engage all lawmakers in “constructive collaboration” for the benefit of Filipino families and the nation.

“We respect the independence of the chamber and acknowledge the contributions of former Speaker Martin Romualdez. We now look forward to working with Speaker Faustino Dy III to advance measures that strengthen the economy, ensure basic services, and protect our democracy,” the Palace statement said.

“The Administration remains committed to constructive collaboration with all lawmakers to keep the focus on the needs of Filipino families and move the nation forward,” the statement also said. | PND

Malacañang on Wednesday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s move to expose anomalous flood control projects was not meant to build a political legacy but to fulfill his duty to the Filipino people.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro stressed that the President’s actions are focused on accountability, safeguarding public funds, and uncovering irregularities that undermine good governance.

“Ang pagtatrabaho ng Pangulo para maipakita’t ma-expose kung anumang mga maanomalyang flood control projects na ito at nagiging sanhi ng korapsiyon, hindi ito ginagawa ng Pangulo para magkaroon lamang ng legacy,” Castro said in response to a media question.

“Ginagawa niya ito dahil ito ang kinakailangan, ginagawa niya ito para sa taumbayan,” Castro emphasized.

Castro added that the government’s anti-corruption campaign extends beyond the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), with investigations set to cover other agencies should credible reports of irregularities surface.

“Ang pag-iimbestiga naman patungkol sa korapsiyon ay hindi lamang para sa DPWH. Kung mayroon pong makikita’t maibibigay na anumang mga reports tungkol sa anumang korapsiyon, iyan naman ay talagang paiimbestigahan,” Castro said.

President Marcos ordered the investigation into questionable flood control projects and received reports from the public submitted through the sumbongsapangulo.ph website, a direct channel for raising complaints about corruption and inefficiency in infrastructure projects.

With 16,275 reports submitted so far a month since the launch of the website, President Marcos established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on September 11 through Executive Order No. 94 to pursue the investigation and ensure accountability in public works funding.

The Palace reaffirmed that President Marcos is committed to holding accountable those involved in corruption and ensuring that government resources are used exclusively for programs and projects that improve the lives of Filipinos. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered an expansion of the country’s primary healthcare coverage for workers, as government agencies launched the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) in Laguna and Ilocos.

“Primary healthcare at gamot, abot-kamay ng mga manggagawang Pilipino. Ito ang direktiba ng Pangulo,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday.

Castro said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) launched YAKAP at the Yazaki-Torres Manufacturing, Inc. in Calamba City, Laguna, on Tuesday, September 16.

Castro said under PhilHealth’s YAKAP, members will receive free essential medicines and primary healthcare, including medical check-ups, cancer screenings, and laboratory tests.

The program aims to promote prevention and early detection of diseases, thus helping to alleviate financial burdens for members, according to PhilHealth.

“Hindi na hadlang ang busy schedule sa pag-aalaga ng kalusugan. Inilapit na ng PhilHealth sa mga opisina, eskuwela at komunidad ang health services para sa mga mamamayan,” Castro said.

“Walang maiiwan, lahat maaalagaan, lahat ng Pilipino ay puwedeng maging miyembro ng YAKAP.”

Castro urged the public to register for free with PhilHealth’s YAKAP using the eGov app, PhilHealth member portal, or by visiting the local offices of PhilHealth and YAKAP clinics.

Meanwhile, DOLE said it partnered with PhilHealth for a regional launch of YAKAP in the Ilocos region on September 16 to ensure that workers are properly enrolled and can access medical benefits.

A total of 1,300 workers in the region were able to register with YAKAP and received check-ups.

By working hand in hand, DOLE and PhilHealth strengthened the social safety net for Filipino workers, reaffirming the commitment of President Marcos to inclusive and responsive government service under the Bagong Pilipinas vision. | PND

Malacañang on Wednesday said the bank accounts of those linked to anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan have been frozen, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to immediately hold the culprits accountable and recover taxpayers’ money.

In a Palace press briefing on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro cited a report from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) that the Court of Appeals has issued a freeze order on bank assets linked to the controversy.

“Dahil sa nais ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na agarang mapanagot ang mga sangkot at habulin ang pera na dapat taumbayan ang nakikinabang, naipa-freeze na ang mga bank account ng mga nakitang sangkot sa maanomalyang flood control projects sa lalawigan ng Bulacan,” Castro said.

“Ayon kay AMLC Executive Director Atty. Matthew M. David, nakapag-issue na ang Court of Appeals ng freeze order sa 135 bank accounts at 27 na insurance policies sa ilang mga personalidad na may kaugnayan sa flood control mess,” Castro added.

The Palace Press Officer underscored that these actions form part of President Marcos’ continuing campaign to ensure clean governance, safeguard public funds, and channel resources to programs that uplift the lives of Filipinos.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) created by President Marcos to investigate anomalous flood control and related projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) held its first meeting at the DPWH main office on Tuesday, September 16. | PND

The “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website has received over 16,000 complaints on anomalous flood control and other public infrastructure projects, which will all be forwarded to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Malacañang said on Wednesday.

“Ang mga natanggap na sumbong as of now ay 16,275 na report at lahat ito, dahil mayroon na pong ICI, ay ipapasa na po sa ICI,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. launched the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website last August 11, urging citizens to fulfill their civic duty by directly reporting to him any non-existent, non-operational or substandard flood control projects in their areas.

The website, sumbongsapangulo.ph, was created in line with the President’s order during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28 to investigate corruption in flood control projects in light of repeated widespread flooding during heavy rains.

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

On Monday, September 15, the President named retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. as chairperson of the ICI, and former DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo as the two ICI members. | PND

Over 2.5 million food packs are ready for distribution to areas anticipated to be affected by Tropical Depression Mirasol, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for swift disaster response, Malacañang announced on Wednesday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) prepared the food packs to ensure that food is available for evacuees.

“Sinigurado ng Department of Social Welfare and Development na nakahanda na ang higit sa 2.5 million food packs at iba pang relief items para sa ating mga kababayan,” Castro said.

“Alinsunod ito sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na pag-ibayuhin ang disaster preparedness ng bansa,” Castro added.

Aside from food packs, Castro said over 100,000 boxes of ready-to-eat food are also ready for dispatch for individuals who may be stranded due to bad weather.

Meanwhile, more than 300,000 relief items, including blankets, hygiene kits, and modular tents, are on standby for families who will be evacuated to temporary shelters.

Castro said the DSWD is closely monitoring the areas affected by Tropical Depression Mirasol to guarantee the immediate delivery of aid.

“Patuloy ang coordination ng DSWD sa mga LGUs para siguruhin na mapabilis ang pagtulong sa mga maaapektuhan ng bagyo,” Castro said.

Castro also reminded the public to prioritize their safety and to follow directives from their local government units (LGUs) to ensure their welfare.

As of Wednesday afternoon, September 17, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed 17 areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 due to the effects of Tropical Depression Mirasol.

These are Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the northern and central portions of Aurora, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, the northeastern portion of Pangasinan, and the northern portion of Nueva Ecija. | PND

Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) revised its 2026 proposed budget, leading to a substantial reduction in flood control projects.

In a Palace press briefing on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the DPWH has reduced its initial budget proposal of PhP881.3 billion by nearly 30 percent.

Castro said the proposed budget for 2026 has been adjusted to PhP625.8 billion following the removal of PhP252 billion in locally funded flood control projects that were flagged for irregularities.

“Sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na repasuhin ang budget ng Department of Public Works and Highways, tinapyasan na ng ahensya ang kanilang proposed budget ng halos 30 percent mula sa original proposal nito na 881.3 billion pesos. Aabot na lang sa 625.8 billion pesos ang kanilang budget proposal matapos na tanggalin ang lahat ng locally funded flood control projects na nagkakahalaga ng 252 billion pesos,” Castro said.

Castro said that the DPWH has asked Congress to reallocate the PhP252 billion to programs and projects that will directly benefit the people, particularly in the areas of agriculture, education, healthcare, housing, labor, social welfare, and information technology.

The Palace Press Officer reiterated that the administration is pursuing accountability against those involved in anomalous flood control projects.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed relevant government agencies to broaden the reach of the administration’s Benteng Bigas, Meron Na program, which is now accessible to 57,000 public transport workers nationwide, and will soon be available to public school teachers and non-teaching staff.

“Pwede nang bumili ng mura at dekalidad na bigas ang mga tsuper sa ilalim ng Benteng Bigas Meron Na program,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday.

“Sunod namang magiging parte ng programa ang public school teachers at non-teaching personnel. Ito’y ayon sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na gawing mas accessible ang abot-kayang bigas para sa mga Pilipino,” Castro added.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) rolled out the Benteng Bigas, Meron Na program —the flagship affordable rice initiative of President Marcos —to initially reach more than 57,000 bus, jeepney, and tricycle drivers and operators across five major cities.

The public transport sector now joins the ranks of those benefiting from the PhP20 per kilo rice, part of the sweeping effort of President Marcos to bring down the cost of living for Filipinos, especially the vulnerable sectors.

Under the program, eligible drivers and operators will be allowed to purchase up to 10 kilos of the PhP20 per kilo rice per month.

The DA said the initial rollouts took place in Quezon City, Navotas City, Angeles City, Pampanga, Cebu City, and Tagum City.

“Ayon sa Department of Agriculture, patuloy ang pagpapalawak sa programa upang maabot nito ang target na 15 million households o 60 million na mga Pilipino,” Castro said.

Originally aimed at senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, 4Ps beneficiaries, and indigent households, the Benteng Bigas Meron program has rapidly expanded to cover minimum wage earners, farmers, fisherfolk, and beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Walang Gutom Program. ǀ PND