Citing their creativity, passion, and spirit that define the nation’s soul, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday honored the winners of the Float Design and Festival Performance Competitions during the celebration of the 126th Independence Day.

In his speech, President Marcos acknowledged the extraordinary creativity displayed by the participants, which he said reflects the country’s origins, beliefs, and collective aspirations.

The June 12 Parada ng Kalayaan 2025 showcased vibrant cultural dances and floats that represented the diverse traditions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and depicted key historical moments during the Philippine Revolution.

“Your creativity, passion, the spirit that brings depth and meaning to who we are as a nation. Kaya’t saludo ako sa inyong lahat,” the President said.

President Marcos presented the awards in a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace.

Declared champion of the Festival Performance Competition was Maasin, Iloilo Province’s Tultugan Festival. Second place went to the Dinagyang Festival organized by the Iloilo Festival Foundation, Inc. and Iloilo City.

Meanwhile, the Maytime Festival of Antipolo City performed by the Maharlika Dance Troupe of San Jose National High School garnered third place.

For the Float Design Competition, Candon, Ilocos Sur won first place for Ikkis ti Candon. Iloilo province’s Cry of Santa Barbara secured second place while Bago, Negros Occidental’s Cinco de Noviembre Revolt won third place.

President Marcos expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of artists, designers, dancers, organizers, as well as support staff, float makers, and cleanup crews in making the event successful.

The President hopes that the participants never lose their spark in joining such kinds of festivities.

“Because we are not just preserving our culture when we do this. We preserve it for the next generation. But more so, we are living our culture. We are living it- proudly, and joyfully, and meaningfully,” President Marcos said.

The President also called on all Filipinos to embody the spirit of Independence Day in their daily lives.

“Ipakita natin na tayo ang tagapagmana ng tapang, talino, at malasakit ng ating mga ninuno. Tayo ang mga Bagong Pilipino—katulad nila, may disiplina, may husay, at may paninindigang ipaglaban ang kinabukasan ng ating Inang Bayan,” the President said. | PND

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is consulting with security experts to assess the severity of the recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and identify measures to protect Filipino seafarers better, an official said Thursday.

In a Palace briefing, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the agency is coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of National Defense (DND) to explore possible steps to ensure the safety of Filipino crew members, following this week’s back-to-back attacks on two bulk carriers manned by dozens of Filipinos.

“We are at least seeking the help of political and security experts, DFA and the DND, to analyze or tell us kung gaano kaiba o kalubha itong bagong method ng pag-atake,” Cacdac said in a Palace press briefing.

“Of course, we know na may mga skiffs, may mga RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades), may ballistic missiles, but we want to know the intensity and the tenor of the Houthi side with respect to these particular attacks,” Cacdac said.

“The reason why I’m bringing this out is because magiging related iyan sa pagpataw natin nang mas mahigpit pang measures. So we will have to discuss this over with the DFA and DND,” Cacdac said.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched attacks on the Greek-owned bulk carrier MV Magic Seas and the Liberia-flagged MV Eternity C in the Red Sea on July 6 and 8, respectively.

The 17 Filipino seafarers who were on board MV Magic Seas were rescued and are expected to arrive in the country tomorrow, July 11.

MV Eternity C, which carried 21 Filipinos and one Russian, sank after reportedly being struck by drones and RPGs. The DFA confirmed at least two deaths on the ship. Five Filipinos have been rescued, while the others remain unaccounted for.

Cacdac said the license of MV Eternity C’s manning agency has been suspended as an initial regulatory measure.

The DMW secretary said initial investigation also revealed that MV Eternity C failed to submit the required risk assessment, employ an armed guard and maritime security escort, and even sailed the Red Sea twice.

Cacdac said ships should report first if they plan to pass through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, and inform their crew members.

Filipino seafarers have the right to refuse to take part in those voyages and are entitled to two months’ compensation, free repatriation, and should not be blacklisted if they do so, Cacdac said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed national government agencies to provide all the necessary assistance, including financial aid, to the 17 seafarers of MV Magic Seas and their families upon their return to the Philippines on July 11.

The 17 Filipino seafarers will arrive in Manila on July 11 from Djibouti in East Africa, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said on Thursday.

“Iyong standing directive ng ating mahal na Pangulo na gawin ang lahat para mabigyan ng ganap na proteksyon ang ating mga OFWs at lalo na ang ating mga marinong Pilipino at ang kanilang mga pamilya,” Cacdac said in a Palace press briefing.

“We will provide the necessary assistance as directed by the President, the necessary whole-of-government assistance sa mga nanumbalik na tripulante ng MV Magic Seas,” Cacdac said.

Financial, humanitarian, medical, and psychosocial counseling assistance, as well as other forms of support, will be provided through various agencies as directed by the President, the DMW chief said.

These agencies include the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The seafarers were rescued after Houthi rebels attacked the Greek-owned bulk carrier MV Magic Seas while sailing the Red Sea near Hodeidah, Yemen, on Sunday.

The rebels carried out the attack using drones, missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms, forcing its crew of 22 to abandon the vessel. | PND

Malacañang on Thursday welcomed the improvement in the country’s ranking in the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), highlighting the continued efforts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ administration in promoting peace and security in the country.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the rise in the country’s ranking reflects the effectiveness of the government’s whole-of-nation approach in maintaining peace and order.

“Magandang balita po ‘yan. Dahil sa pagsusumikap po ng pamahalaan ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., makikita po natin ang magandang epekto nito,” Castro said.

“Ito po ay isang inspirasyon para sa administrasyon na pagbutihin pa, na mas maging maganda pa ang tingin ng ibang bansa sa ating kalagayan dito sa Pilipinas,” Castro added.

The Philippines climbed six notches to 105th out of 163 countries, up from 111th in 2024. This marks the country’s best ranking since 2017, when it placed 87th globally.

The Global Peace Index, published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, measures peace levels across countries based on societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization.

Castro highlighted the broader benefits of this development for the country, particularly in terms of economic opportunities and its global perception.

“Kapag kasi nakita po ng karatig-bansa, ng ibang mga foreign nationals na ang bansa natin ay tahimik … mas makakaakit po tayo ng mga turista papunta sa ating bansa at ito po ay makakapag-generate ng income at the same time, makakapag-generate din po ng investment,” she explained.

Castro called on the mainstream media and digital content creators to help promote positive stories about the Philippines.

“Mas maganda rin po na makasama natin lahat-lahat pati po ang mainstream media, pati mga social media content creator na mas paigtingin pa natin at ipalabas natin ang good news – kung ano ‘yung ganda ng bansa,” Castro said.

Castro said the Marcos administration will continue its efforts to enhance peace and order as a foundation for the country’s sustainable development and long-term prosperity. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Sharon Garin as the new Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE), Malacañang announced Thursday.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced Garin’s appointment as Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) during a Palace press briefing.

“Secretary Garin is a lawyer and CPA (Certified Public Accountant) with extensive public service experience. Having served as a multi-term Iloilo representative and DOE undersecretary, with a strong background in energy policy and legislation to advance accessible, reliable, and sustainable energy for our people,” Castro said.

Garin, who has been serving as DOE officer-in-charge since May 2025, formally takes the helm from Raphael Lotilla, who has been appointed Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Before she was appointed OIC, she had been an undersecretary of the DOE since 2022.

A native of Iloilo, Secretary Garin holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management (Accounting) from the University of the Philippines – Iloilo.

She also holds a Juris Doctor from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from ESADE Business School in Spain.

Prior to her appointment as DOE Secretary, Garin represented the AAMBIS-Owa Partylist in the House of Representatives from 2010 to 2022.

During her tenure as a lawmaker, she served as deputy speaker from 2016 to 2019, chaired the House Committee on Economic Affairs from 2019 to 2020, and again chaired the committee from 2021 to 2022. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former journalist and seasoned communications executive Dave M. Gomez as Acting Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), a Palace official announced Thursday.

Gomez succeeds veteran broadcast journalist Jay Ruiz, PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced in a Malacañang briefing.

Before joining PCO, Gomez had a long career with Philip Morris, where he held top communications management positions, the last one as Director of Global Communications and a member of the management team of Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) from October 2019 to June 30, 2025.

He first joined Philip Morris in October 2001 as a public affairs and communications manager and went on to hold key communications positions in Philip Morris International (PMI) headquartered in Switzerland, Philip Morris Asia Ltd. based in Hong Kong, and eventually the company’s Philippine affiliate, PMFTC.

Gomez also served as director general of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) from January 2001 to September 2001.

He was also the public relations manager at the advertising firm Hemisphere Leo Burnett from 1999 to 2000.

From 1997 to 1998, Gomez served as assistant media director for the political party Lakas-National Union of Christian Democrats (Lakas-NUCD).

Gomez was a senior reporter for the Philippine Star newspaper from 1986 to 1997.

He graduated from the University of the East and earned his post-graduate degree from Arizona State University.

In a statement, Ruiz said he “sincerely thanks President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his continued trust and confidence in appointing me to a new role in his administration, following the privilege of serving as Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office.”

“It has been an honor to lead the PCO in advancing transparency, timely information, and responsible public communication,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz, who will be a member of the Board of Directors of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan, vowed to continue wholeheartedly supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his administration in realizing the aspirations of Bagong Pilipinas.

“My almost five months as PCO Secretary have been a profound learning experience. I witnessed firsthand the nobility of public service, where every day presents an opportunity to serve the Filipino people and contribute directly to nation-building,” he added.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the PCO, our media partners, and the public for their unwavering support,” said Ruiz.

He also congratulated Gomez on his appointment as acting PCO secretary. “I am confident that under his leadership, the agency will continue to grow and thrive in fulfilling its vital mission,” Ruiz noted. | PND

The Marcos administration is committed to doing everything possible to help ensure the safety of all 21 Filipino crew members of the MV Eternity C in Yemen, as search and rescue efforts continue for the 16 who remain missing.

“Ang number one directive ng Pangulo sa DMW ay gawin ang lahat para mabigyan ng tulong, proteksyon. ‘Take care of the families,’ ang sabi ng ating Pangulo,” Department of Migrant Workers Secretary (DMW) Hans Leo Cacdac said in a Palace press briefing.

“At this stage, iyong safety and kanilang pag-rescue would be first and foremost,” Cacdac added.

The bulk carrier MV Eternity C, manned by a crew of 21 Filipinos and one Russian, was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on July 8 while en route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The vessel’s captain is also a Filipino.

The attack caused the vessel to sink after sustaining severe damage to its engine room and bridge.

Cacdac said the rescue team found five crew members alive while 16 remain unaccounted for.

Citing reports, Cacdac said the Houthis claimed to have taken custody of “several” crew members of the MV Eternity C, while the United States has strongly condemned the act, describing it as a kidnapping.

“But in either case, we are still yet to confirm for ourselves whether indeed the Houthis have the rest of the crew. So, this is something that is yet subject to confirmation,” Cacdac said, adding that the DMW is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The DMW chief also stated that the government will provide all necessary assistance, including financial, humanitarian, medical, and psychosocial counseling, to the affected seafarers. | PND

Motorists renewing their driver’s licenses can now enjoy a faster and more convenient process, as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has shifted to an online renewal system, Malacañang announced on Thursday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the migration to online registration is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to streamline government processes and make them more accessible.

“Sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., hindi na kailangang pumila pa sa LTO ang mga magre-renew ng kanilang driver’s license sa ilalim ng Online Driver’s License Renewal System ng DOTR,” Castro said.

The Online Driver’s License Renewal System (ODLRS) was officially launched on July 10 by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The system aims to simplify the license renewal process, lessen physical transactions, and enhance accessibility for Filipinos nationwide.

The online driver’s license renewal is among the online application processes available through the eGov PH app.

The eGov PH app serves as a digital one-stop shop, allowing users to access various government services through their mobile devices.

Castro said that renewing a driver’s license through the ODLRS can take as little as 15 minutes. The system also gives motorists the option to have their renewed license delivered to their home.

“Patunay lamang ang programang ito na sa ilalim ng Marcos administration, hindi imposible ang pagbibigay ng mas mabilis at mas magaan na serbisyo para sa bawat Pilipino sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas,” Castro said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. aims to achieve faster, more efficient, and meaningful public service at all levels of government, emphasizing the vital role of local government units (LGUs) in promoting reforms through open and participatory governance, Malacañang said on Thursday.

President Marcos’ vision was carried out through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2025-065, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

“Mas mabilis, mas maayos at mas kapakipakinabang na serbisyo para sa mga Pilipino. Ito ang gustong makita ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa lahat ng lebel ng gobyerno,” Castro said.

“Nilalayon ng nasabing memorandum na palakasin ang epekto ng open governance values sa mga LGU at maging ehemplo sila sa pagsusulong ng mga reporma na ikabubuti ng kanilang komunidad,” Castro added.

“Mahalaga ang kooperasyon ng mga LGU dahil sila ang mismong makakahikayat sa kanilang nasasakupan na makilahok sa mga programa ng gobyerno at makamit ang ninanais na pagbabago,” Castro said.

The MC No. 2025-065 aligns with Executive Order No. 31, s. 2023 signed by President Marcos, which designates the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) as the national mechanism for advancing open government values, and Proclamation No. 916, s. 2025, which declares the third week of May as Open Government Week.

As of April 2024, the Philippines has five active members in the OGP Local Program namely: South Cotabato; Tagbilaran City; Larena, Siquijor; Quezon City; and Baguio City. ǀ PND

The Philippine government remains optimistic about strengthening its economic partnership with the United States, even as it carefully assesses the implications of Washington’s recent decision to impose a 20 percent tariff on all Philippine goods entering the U.S. market starting August 1.

While expressing concern over the decision, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go emphasized on Thursday that the government is determined to maintain a constructive and productive engagement with its top trading partner.

In a Palace press briefing, Go said they received the latest reciprocal tariff from the United States for the Philippines.

“We are concerned that the US has decided to impose a 20 percent tariff on Philippine exports,” Go said.

“The fact remains, however, that the 20 percent rate is the second lowest among all reciprocal tariffs that the US has imposed on the region, the lowest being the 10 percent of Singapore,” Go said.

Go said the Philippines continues to value its strategic relationship with the United States, and is actively seeking a Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Agreement or a possible Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to create a more sustainable and equitable trade partnership.

Go and his team are scheduled to travel to Washington next week to begin the “second stage” of high-level negotiations.

Go will be joined by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque and Undersecretaries Ceferino Rodolfo and Allan Gepty.

While the 20 percent tariff will apply broadly, Go clarified that key Philippine exports to the U.S. may be spared.

Notably, semiconductor exports, which are critical to both nations’ supply chains, have been exempted from the new tariffs due to their importance to U.S. national security.

“Our number one export sa Amerika ay semiconductors and electronics. Ang good news po sa atin sa ngayon ay karamihan ng ating exports ng semiconductors ay hindi covered ng tariffs,” Go said.

As trade negotiations progress, the Philippine government reaffirms its commitment to maintaining mutually beneficial economic ties with the U.S. while protecting the interests of Filipino exporters, workers, and industries. | PND