Public school teachers are now equipped with better tools to prepare lessons, use digital teaching resources, and improve classroom instruction, giving Filipino students more engaging learning experiences and greater access to technology as the government expands digital education.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, led the distribution of laptops to public school teachers in Pangasinan on Monday under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Computerization Program.

During the turnover ceremony, President Marcos recognized the important role of teachers in shaping students’ knowledge and character, saying the government must provide them with the equipment and resources they need to perform their duties effectively.

“Una sa lahat, nais ko pasalamatan ang lahat ng guro na narito. Alam namin kung gaano karaming oras, lakas at puso ang ibinibigay ninyo sa inyong trabaho. Sa maraming pagkakataon, tumatayo rin kayong pangalawang magulang sa inyong mga estudyante. Kayo ang gumagabay, nakikinig at nagbibigay ng lakas ng loob sa kanila,” the President said.

President Marcos noted that during School Year 2023-2024, only 16 percent of teachers had government-issued laptops, forcing many to use their personal savings to purchase computers for their work.

“I know many of you bought your own, used your own salary just to do the work that you have to do. That should not be your burden anymore,” the President said.

To address the shortage, President Marcos announced that the government is procuring more than 230,000 additional laptops for teachers nationwide.

The new laptops will enable teachers to prepare instructional materials, develop more engaging lessons, access digital educational resources, and complete school-related tasks more efficiently. These tools will also help them integrate technology into classroom activities, allowing students to develop their digital skills and benefit from more interactive learning experiences.

The President emphasized that the procurement underwent the proper process and that the government secured the units at prices below their current market value.

The package includes delivery, a five-year warranty, software, and training.

The procurement also generated government savings of around PhP1.4 billion, which can be allocated to other education needs. President Marcos stressed the importance of training teachers to maximize the benefits of the new equipment.

“With partners such as Apple and the National Educators Academy of the Philippines, we will help you use these tools in your classrooms so you can make the most out of them,” President Marcos said.

In Dagupan City, 209 laptops will be distributed to 10 public schools, including 72 units for Dagupan City National High School.

The President also called on local government units and private sector partners to continue supporting the government’s efforts to improve digital education.

President Marcos said the government is also working to provide reliable internet access to public schools so teachers and students can fully benefit from the new computers.

“Because when we provide our teachers with the tools they need for work, we are also ensuring that our children are learning better. We are giving our learners greater opportunities to compete with their peers around the world. And we are ensuring that our learners have a greater chance of winning in life,” the Chief Executive said.

President Marcos assured teachers that the government would continue providing the resources they need to perform their duties.

“We will continue to provide whatever resources it is that you need. And we will make sure that every peso entrusted to the government for our children’s education is spent wisely and properly,” the Chief Executive said.

The President urged teachers to continue guiding and inspiring Filipino students to reach their full potential.

“Sa bawat batang inyong tinuturuan, may buhay kayong hinuhubog at pangarap na tinutulungang maabot. At sa bawat bata na inyong ginagabayan, hinuhubog din ninyo ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan,” the President said. “Sabay-sabay nating patibayin ang pundasyon ng ating edukasyon. Kasama dito ang kinabukasan ng bawat batang Pilipino.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration has taken a step toward ensuring that public school students learn in safer and more supportive environments through the hiring of School Counselor Associates (SCAs), who will help address learners’ concerns.

President Marcos led the mass oath-taking of 234 newly hired SCAs in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, on Monday, saying their deployment would help schools respond more effectively to learners’ concerns, promote overall well-being, and provide a safer, more supportive learning environment.

“Today is an important milestone for our newly hired SCAs. As we work to enhance the quality of education, you will help strengthen counseling and mental health services in our schools, as well as ensure that our students receive the support that they need,” President Marcos said.

The President also cited the expansion of the National Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline, along with strengthened school policies and coordinated efforts to address bullying, as key initiatives to protect learners.

“As part of our effort to make each learner safe, heard, and cared for, we have expanded the National Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline, and we have strengthened school policies and coordinated action against bullying,” President Marcos said.

The President expressed hope that the newly promoted and newly hired Department of Education personnel would bring the same hard work, perseverance, and dedication that brought them to their new positions as they carry out their responsibilities.

“Sa patuloy nating pagsisikap, umaasa akong dadalhin ninyo sa inyong tungkulin ang parehong sipag, tiyaga, at dedikasyon na nagdala sa inyo sa araw na ito. Together, let us build a Bagong Pilipinas where our educators can grow and where every child has the chance to fulfill their potential,” the President added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administered the oath of office to 10 ad interim appointees, underscoring his administration’s commitment to stronger accountability, transparent governance, and better public services.

“This is the best team ever assembled here since my father’s Cabinet,” President Marcos said, recognizing the work of the secretaries in their departments, and their appointment reflects the administration’s continued confidence in their leadership to serve the Filipino people with the effective implementation of government programs.

Among those who took their oath were Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto and Department of Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida.

Also sworn in were Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Francis N. Tolentino and Department of Health Secretary Edwin M. Mercado.

The other appointees were Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna, Department of Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita A. Mathay and Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

Completing the list were Department of Budget and Management Secretary Kim Robert C. De Leon and Philippine Space Agency Director General Gay Jane P. Perez.

The officials’ ad interim appointments remain subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments composed of representatives from the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The President emphasized the importance of strengthening public accountability and ensuring that government officials remain answerable to the Filipino people.

Under the President’s governance agenda, government agencies are expected to uphold the rule of law, strengthen accountability and protect taxpayers’ money to address public concerns over government spending and build greater confidence in public institutions.

President Marcos also underscored the importance of translating government policies and reforms into concrete improvements in public services.

The department and agency heads are expected to build on existing accomplishments while addressing longstanding problems affecting their respective sectors.

President Marcos’ administration continues to promote transparency, accountability and responsible use of public funds to strengthen Filipinos’ trust in government.

Priority government programs are expected to be implemented properly and on time to meet the needs of the people to improve public services for workers, patients, commuters and families across the country. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos opened the 279-seat Likhang Filipino Theatre in Pasay City on Friday, giving Filipino artists and emerging talents an additional platform to showcase their work, reach wider audiences, as well as share Filipino stories and creativity with the world.

During the first State of the Nation Address in 2022, President Marcos emphasized the importance of nurturing Filipino creative talents, institutionalizing support for the creative industries, and protecting the welfare of creative workers, particularly freelance artists, a vision that recognizes creativity not only as an expression of Filipino identity, but also as a driver of economic growth and global competitiveness.

Likhang Filipino was established in January 2026 as a platform for showcasing Filipino craftsmanship, design, innovation, and creative enterprise, connecting Filipino-made products with local and international markets.

President Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Likhang Filipino Theater.

Among those who attended were former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Lino Edgardo Cayetano, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, several foreign, national, and local government officials, and members of the private sector.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the First Couple and guests proceeded inside the theater and watched a play.

The Likhang Filipino Theatre, located on Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, is another venue within the Likhang Filipino Creative Lab, and gives artists a platform to present their work without the scale and production demands of a grand theatre.

The Creative Lab is an open, shared space for Filipino creatives to learn, create and collaborate through co-working, training and creative facilities.

The President affirmed the belief in young talent, showing the creativity of Filipino artists, especially as the Philippines chairs the ASEAN events.

The Chief Executive has always supported the plan of building a stage for growing audiences.

The President also affirmed that every young Filipino talent matters.

The Likhang Filipino is the country’s year-round showroom, marketplace, and incubation hub for Philippine-made products, managed by the Department of Trade and Industry- Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM).

As the Philippines chairs ASEAN this year, Filipino creativity is shared with the Philippines’ neighbors.

ASEAN is also an opportunity for the Philippines to have regional cooperation with other countries, as it helps protect jobs, trade, and prices at home.

The Likhang Filipino is the country’s year-round showroom, marketplace, and incubation hub for Philippine-made products, managed by the Department of Trade and Industry- Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM). |PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has taken another step toward lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro region by meeting with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders to advance implementation of the peace agreement, complete remaining commitments, and create more opportunities for Bangsamoro communities.

President Marcos and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim discussed in a meeting this week the remaining steps to advance peace in the Bangsamoro, as well as to fast-track the region’s economic development.

In a Palace press briefing Friday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said among those tackled were ways to fully implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), with Chairman Murad reaffirming MILF’s strong commitment to continuing the peace process and the full implementation of the CAB.

Castro also said the discussion included accelerating programs that provide livelihoods and improve citizens’ quality of life, as well as completing the fourth and final phase of the decommissioning process for MILF combatants by 2027.

“Kapwa nangako ang pamahalaan at MILF na tatapusin ang mga natitira pang obligasyon at lalagdaan ang exit agreement bago matapos ang termino ni Pangulong Marcos Junior,” said the Palace official.

“Ang naturang hakbang sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at MILF ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagtupad sa isang kasunduan, ito ay tungkol din sa pagbibigay ng maliwanag na kinabukasan sa mga pamilyang matagal nang naghahangad ng katahimikan, seguridad at pagkakataong mamuhay nang payapa,” she added.

The government and the MILF also agreed to continue working together to resolve the challenges in implementing the agreement and to fulfill previously agreed commitments, said Castro, stressing true peace is measured not only by the absence of conflict but by the presence of a safe community, livelihood, unity, progress, and benefits to the next generation.

Under the Marcos administration, the nation is advancing a Bangsamoro with peace, unity, and a better future for every citizen, Castro added.

Last week, President Marcos attended the first session of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament in Cotabato City, describing it as a “milestone in the peace process” in the Philippines.

During the Parliament’s first session, 80 elected Members of Parliament began the process of organizing the first regular Bangsamoro Parliament.

President Marcos urged the members of the Parliament to “Never forget the struggle your people have endured. Serve with humility. Carry the hopes of many generations and honor their sacrifices through good governance.”

The BARMM held its first regular parliamentary elections on September 14, 2026, considered as a major milestone in the region’s journey towards lasting peace, democratic governance and sustainable development. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged 10 newly sworn-in ad interim officials to prioritize programs and initiatives that would make basic necessities more affordable and help Filipino families enjoy a more comfortable and meaningful Christmas season.

The President issued the directive during the oath-taking ceremony at the Reception Hall of Malacañan Palace, according to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Lino Cayetano.

The directive focuses on keeping prices of basic goods affordable, ensuring safe and convenient travel, and protecting workers’ rights and benefits during the holidays.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said President Marcos is focused on helping Filipino families celebrate Christmas with less worry over rising prices and the cost of daily necessities.

Recto said the administration will sustain efforts to keep essential goods, particularly food and other basic household needs, affordable and within reach of ordinary Filipinos.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Giovanni Lopez pledged to strengthen coordination to ease traffic congestion and improve public transportation, particularly during the holiday rush.

Dizon said President Marcos wants commuters to spend less time on the road and save on transportation costs, especially during the busy Christmas season.

To accommodate the expected surge in passengers, Dizon said the DOTr plans to deploy additional buses, trains, and other public transport services to provide commuters with more convenient and accessible travel options.

For his part, Lopez said the DPWH will prioritize road repairs and the completion of ongoing projects to reduce traffic delays.

The two officials said their agencies will closely coordinate to ensure smoother travel for Filipinos returning to their provinces for Christmas.

The administration will also strengthen efforts to ensure that employers comply with labor laws, including the immediate release of their employees’ holiday wages and other mandatory benefits.

These measures aim to protect workers, ease household expenses and allow more Filipino families to enjoy the holiday season.

The President’s directive reflects the administration’s commitment to making Christmas more affordable, convenient and meaningful for every Filipino. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, Wednesday night joined Filipino designers, artisans, and fashion enthusiasts in celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the artistry of traditional Filipino clothing and the craftsmanship of local weaving communities during the “Filipiniana: A Celebration of Filipino Fashion Heritage and Craftsmanship” event in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The event highlighted the beauty of traditional Filipino clothing and recognized the creativity, talent, and hard work of Filipino designers and local artisans or craftsmen who help preserve the country’s cultural heritage.

President Marcos expressed his pride in celebrating Filipino traditions alongside two important women in his life, noting their shared appreciation for Filipino fashion and their role in promoting local designers and artisans.

The event also served as a tribute to the country’s rich cultural identity and the people who continue to preserve and promote Filipino craftsmanship.

President Marcos encouraged Filipinos to take pride in their traditions and support local talents who help bring Philippine culture and artistry to the world.

In a Facebook post by the Presidential Communications Office, iconic fashion designers and a creative director expressed gratitude to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for her initiatives, which have created opportunities and opened doors for them.

Patrick Rosas, creative director, said, “I want to show this here to preserve the history, to archive it, and for future generations.”

Paul Cabral, fashion designer, said, “Yung mga Filipino, yung mga artisans natin, nako-continue mo kasi yung tradition. Kasi syempre kung nakakaedad na yung dating mga gumagawa, dapat maipasa nila para magtuloy-tuloy. Kasi syempre it represents our country. Mula nang umupo siya (FL Araneta-Marcos), parang yung weaving industry, parang nabuhay ulit.”

Michael Leyva, a fashion designer, noted that “It is a dream for me as a young designer to be dressing up the First Lady because she’s known to be a woman of simplicity and elegance.”

“It’s one of her (FL Araneta-Marcos) programs also that she wanted to support the weaving communities all over the Philippines because it’s a great platform for us designers to showcase what beautiful heritage and textile industry we have here in the country,” Leyva added.

“We are very grateful for all the opportunities you are giving us designers, textiles, weavers, and the weaving community and the entire country because it’s a great honor for us to be showcasing what beautiful culture we have in the country,” Leyva noted. |PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged the stakeholders and investors in the Malampaya Phase 4 Project to build on its success and pursue more energy projects in the future.

“To our stakeholders and our investors, let us build on the success of this Malampaya Phase 4 Project,” President Marcos said in his speech at the First Gas Milestone of the Malampaya Phase 4 Project delivered at the Malampaya Onshore Gas Plant, Barangay Tabangao Ambulong, City of Batangas.

“Together, let us shape a Bagong Pilipinas with the foresight to explore, the resolve to develop, and the wisdom to manage our resources responsibly for the benefit of generations of Filipinos to come,” said the President.

Back in July, during the Chief Executive’s State of the Nation Address, President Marcos announced that offshore drilling operations resumed in the country for the first time in almost a decade.

President Marcos said the Malampaya East-1 and Camago-3 wells were successfully drilled and tested in the first quarter of this year, which led to the discovery of an estimated 222 billion cubic feet of natural gas reserves.

In June, both wells were connected to the existing Malampaya subsea production system.

“The Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project stands as proof of what we and our country can do and what we can achieve when we, the government, the private sector, and our Filipino talents work together hand-in-hand,” President Marcos said.

“Beyond energy security, this project boosts employment, develops Filipino technical expertise, and contributes to government revenues,” the President said. “We recognize the important contributions of the Malampaya Consortium in bringing this project to fruition.”

The President also expressed pride in the Filipino engineers, professionals, and workers whose skill, hard work, and dedication made this achievement possible.

“You have shown us what Filipinos are capable of. You have demonstrated once again that Filipinos possess the competence and determination to deliver projects of national importance,” President Marcos emphasized.

The President said this project forms part of a broader effort to establish a stronger foundation for the Philippines’ energy.

“We are sustaining this momentum through continued cooperation among the government, industry, and our development partners,” President Marcos said.

On the part of the government, the President assured that the government will continue to pursue initiatives that foster a more conducive environment for energy exploration and production.

Under the Marcos Administration, the government has awarded 14 new Petroleum Service Contracts covering oil, natural gas, and native hydrogen exploration.

To attract more exploration activities in the country, the Department of Energy (DOE) has granted special allowances for service contractors involved in new plays, frontier areas, and gas development in remote areas.

The government is also implementing the Philippine Gradiometry and Seismic Survey Project, which will help identify promising exploration opportunities.

The government has likewise strengthened the use of its own natural gas resources by giving priority to the procurement and utilization of indigenous natural gas over imported natural gas by gas-fired power plants through the passage of the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act, the President said.

Taken together, these measures optimize the resources, encourage responsible investments, and ensure that the benefits of our pursuits serve the national interest, President Marcos also said. Ӏ PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with local government units (LGUs) to bring development projects and essential services closer to Filipino communities.

“Just as we pour funds into local communities for development projects through Local Government Support Fund and the Socio-Civic Projects Fund, we are partnering with you to ensure faster recovery and rebuilding whenever disaster might strike,” President Marcos said.

The President, who led the ceremonial turnover of funds under the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (DRRAP) at Malacañan Palace, said the government continues to support local communities through the Local Government Support Fund and the Socio-Civic Projects Fund.

These programs provide financial support for local development initiatives and projects that address community needs.

The President said the DRRAP strengthens this partnership by providing direct financial assistance to LGUs affected by calamities.

Under the program, the government approved P8.6 billion for 306 LGUs severely affected by disasters from 2024 to 2026 to help restore roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, housing, farms, and other essential infrastructure.

President Marcos said local officials understand the needs of their communities and must be given flexibility to identify priority projects.

President Marcos also stressed that government support must be based on actual needs, regardless of political affiliation.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to stronger national-local cooperation to improve public services, support community development, and speed up disaster recovery. | PND

Securing an indigenous natural gas source for the energy needs of the Philippines would mean a stable electricity supply vital to its long-term energy security, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday.

President Marcos witnessed the ceremonial first flow of gas at the Malampaya Onshore Gas Plant in Batangas City, joined by officials of the Department of Energy (DOE) and Service Contract 38 joint venture partners.

“From offshore Palawan, this indigenous natural gas will flow through the Malampaya gas transmission infrastructure to Batangas, and ultimately to the gas-fired power plants serving the Luzon grid,” the President noted.

Ano ang ibig sabihin nito para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino? Sariling gas. Mas maaasahang kuryente. Mas matatag na enerhiya ng bansa,” President Marcos added.

Maximizing the use of Malampaya gas could contribute to more competitive power rates because the country could reduce its reliance on imported energy sources vulnerable to fluctuations in international energy prices.

President Marcos underscored the importance of energy independence to the country’s sustainable development, adding that as the Philippine economy grows, its demand for energy also increases.

According to the President, more than half of the Philippines’ energy supply last year came from overseas, making the energy sector highly susceptible to geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, and price fluctuations.

“That is why we need to explore and develop more local energy resources, especially renewable energy sources,” the President pointed out.

The Malampaya Phase 4(MP4) project achieved its First Gas milestone by successfully bringing natural gas from the Malampaya East-1 and Camago-3 wells into the existing Malampaya production system.

MP4 involved drilling two deepwater wells and installing subsea infrastructure to connect them to the existing Malampaya production platform, adding an estimated 222 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of recoverable natural gas reserves.

It is capable of generating approximately 31.46 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity-enough to power 13.11 million Filipino households for one year.

Based on initial well-test results, the two wells could extend Malampaya’s productive life by approximately six years, depending on future gas offtake. | PND