In recognition of the vital contributions of Muslim Filipinos in the development of the country’s culture and civilization, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared November 7 of each year as a special national working holiday.

President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12228 on July 9, 2025, which designated November 7 as Sheikh Karim’ul Makhdum Day to commemorate the establishment of the country’s first mosque and the introduction of Islam in the Philippines.

The first Philippine mosque was erected in Tawi-Tawi, following the arrival of Shariff Karim’ul Makhdum, an Arab missionary who played a crucial role in propagating Islam in the region.

“It is the policy of the State to instill inclusivity to all regardless of religious beliefs, in line with the constitutional right to freely exercise and enjoy their religion,” Section 2 of RA 12228 read.

“Moreover, it is the State’s policy to provide due recognition to the indispensable contributions of Muslim Filipinos in the development of Philippine culture and civilization,” it added. | PND

Malacañang has ordered all government agencies to increase public understanding of the country’s maritime domain and its status as an archipelagic state by intensifying information dissemination, education, and engagement with the general public in support of the programs and activities.

Through Memorandum Circular No. 87 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on July 11, Malacañang also urged local government units and the private sector to join the government in promoting awareness of the Philippines as a maritime and archipelagic nation.

“To raise and deepen public understanding of the country’s maritime and archipelagic issues and concerns, it is imperative to strengthen public awareness, national consciousness, and intergenerational appreciation of the Philippine national territory and maritime zones,” Bersamin said in the memorandum.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the lead communications arm of the government, was tasked with implementing communication strategies and disseminating information to inform, educate, and engage the general public in support of government programs and activities.

The Executive Secretary also emphasized the need to synchronize efforts among government agencies and foster inter-agency collaboration in promoting maritime and archipelagic awareness to advance sustainable development, security, and protection of the country’s maritime domain and heritage.

The order was signed on the eve of the ninth anniversary of the landmark Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration upheld Philippine sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea. It rejected China’s claim over most of the South China Sea as without legal basis in international law.

Memorandum Circular No. 87 instructed the National Maritime Council (NMC) to lead, through the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns (POMC), in developing and implementing year-round programs and activities to promote awareness of the Philippines as a maritime and archipelagic nation.

The NMC was also ordered to organize activities through the POMC, in observation of the annual Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month, or MANA Mo, every September. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the operations and maintenance project of the railway from Clark in Pampanga to Calamba in Laguna, a landmark initiative under the administration’s Build Better More agenda to improve mass transport and boost economic connectivity across Luzon.

Approved on Tuesday during the second meeting of the Economic Development Council which the President chairs, the operations and maintenance (O&M) project for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.

It aims to ensure the efficient, reliable, and sustainable operations of one of the country’s most ambitious rail systems.

The NSCR is a 147.26-kilometer elevated railway line that will link Pampanga to Laguna, easing mobility across Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and Calabarzon.

It will feature 35 stations- of which 31 are elevated, three at-grade, and one underground- with depots located in Clark, Valenzuela, and Calamba.

At full capacity, the NSCR is expected to serve up to 800,000 passengers daily in its opening year, gradually increasing to a million passengers daily.

Two types of services will operate on the line. The commuter service will deploy 51 trainsets, each accommodating up to 2,242 passengers.

Meanwhile, the Limited Express service will operate with seven trainsets, each with a capacity of 386 passengers.

Trains will operate at speeds ranging from 120 to 130 kilometers per hour, a major upgrade from the current average of 20 to 40 kilometers per hour. Travel time from Clark to Calamba will be cut to around three hours, while the Limited Express will reduce Clark to Alabang trips to about two hours. The minimum train headway is estimated to be three minutes.

The NSCR system will also integrate operations with the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), particularly in the FTI to Bicutan segment, creating seamless mobility across major transit hubs.

Pre-operations are scheduled to begin in March 2026, with full operations targeted for January 2032. The total project cost is estimated at PHP 229.32 billion. | PND

In recognition of a century of cultural excellence and heritage preservation, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially declared the period from June 25, 2025 to June 24, 2026 as the Centennial Year of Manlilikha ng Bayan Haja Amina Appi.

Proclamation No. 963 highlights the constitutional mandate to conserve and promote the nation’s cultural heritage, as well as the policies enshrined in Republic Acts No. 7355 and 7356, which provide for the recognition and support of folk artists and cultural communities.

President Marcos directed the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to lead, coordinate, and supervise yearlong commemorative activities that will honor Haja Amina Appi’s legacy and promote deeper public appreciation of indigenous arts and cultural traditions.

Haja Amina Appi, a master mat weaver from the Sama cultural community in Tawi-Tawi, was conferred the title Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) for her unparalleled skill and artistry in the traditional mat weaving of her people.

Her works, remarkable for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, have gained national and international recognition, symbolizing the depth and dignity of Filipino indigenous art.

All agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, are directed, while all local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector are encouraged, to support and participate in the observance, the proclamation stated.

The Centennial Year aims not only to pay tribute to Haja Amina Appi’s life and work, but also to foster pride and awareness of the intangible cultural heritage that continues to enrich the Filipino identity. | PND

Malacañang has declared special non-working holidays in the municipalities of Polomolok, South Cotabato and Aguilar, Pangasinan, to enable residents to participate in their respective local celebrations fully.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Proclamation No. 972, declaring September 10 as a special non-working day in Polomolok, South Cotabato, to mark the municipality’s celebration of its 22nd Flomlok Festival.

The Flomlok Festival- a celebration of the municipality’s colorful culture, rich tradition, and joyful spirit- coincides with the town’s foundation anniversary.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Bersamin also signed Proclamation No. 974, announcing July 16 as a special non-working day in Aguilar, Pangasinan, in celebration of its 220th founding anniversary.

Both proclamations were issued to give residents “full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration.”

The Executive Secretary signed the proclamations on July 11 and 14, respectively. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 88, strengthening the National Task Force Diwalwal, which oversees mining operations within the Diwalwal Mineral Reservation Area (DMRA), a gold-rich zone located in Davao de Oro province.

To address ecological degradation and internal security concerns caused by informal mining activities in the DMRA, the National Task Force Diwalwal was created to formulate a comprehensive plan of action and coordinate government efforts for lasting peace and sustainable development in the area.

In his EO No. 88 signed on July 4, 2025, President Marcos ordered the reconstitution of the National Task Force Diwalwal, designating the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as the new task force chairperson.

The task force members include a representative from the Office of the President, the Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND), the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

The President stated that the National Task Force Diwalwal will have the primary responsibility of overseeing all mining activities within the DMRA.

Among other things, the Task Force will oversee the implementation of all government programs, activities, and projects aimed at the rehabilitation and development of the DMRA.

The President directed all concerned government agencies and local government units (LGUs) within the province of Davao de Oro to provide full support and cooperate with the National Task Force Diwalwal to ensure the effective implementation of the order.

The private sector is encouraged to support the task force. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday described the ongoing construction of the Metro Manila Subway project, which spans from Valenzuela City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, as impressive and expressed hope that it can be completed by 2028.

“Sana matapos natin ito hanggang sa Valenzuela, baka matapos natin ito ‘28. Baka puwede nang in-inaugurate sa 2028,” President Marcos said in a media statement after conducting an inspection.

President Marcos led the inspection of a few hundred meters of the subway’s southbound rail from Camp Aguinaldo Station, aboard a rail transport used by workers.

The President was joined by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave M. Gomez, Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo, representatives of Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co. (SMCC), and several Filipino engineers.

“Basta tingnan natin. Lahat naman ay nag-a-agree na kailangan bilisan nang mabuti at nang husto dahil ang ating mga commuter ay para naman maging mas maginhawa ang kanilang pag-commute,” President Marcos said.

The President also viewed one of the tunnel boring machines being used in the project.

“Napaka-impressive. Impressive talaga ito. Kung titingnan ninyo, isipin niyo kung gaano kabigat ‘yung engineering na dinadala nila dito,” the Chief Executive said, commending Japanese engineering as one of the best in the world.

“Kaya I urge everyone to keep going, and we look forward to the day when we can say na nasakyan na natin ‘yung subway sa Pilipinas. We have taken the tube to go to work,” the Chief Executive said.

The 33-kilometer line will run from Valenzuela City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.

Travel between those cities currently takes about two hours and 30 minutes, but the subway will reduce the time to just 40 minutes, President Marcos said.

President Marcos noted that through the Metro Manila Subway project collaboration, Filipino engineers are learning from Japanese engineering specialists.

“Ngunit hindi lang sila nandito, tinuturuan din ang ating mga engineers. At kung makikita ninyo doon sa loob, isa lang, dalawang lang ang supervisor na Hapon. Karamihan ng mga nagtatrabaho puro Pilipino na,” said the President.

“Once again, I am not surprised dahil kayang-kaya naman talaga ng Pilipino ‘yun basta maturuan nang mabuti.” | PND

Several senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) expressed their gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for delivering on his promise to increase the fare discount from 20 percent to 50 percent on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3, Light Rail Transit (LRT)-1, and LRT-2.

Dozens of senior citizens wearing red shirts cheered when President Marcos arrived at the Santolan-Annapolis MRT-3 Station on Wednesday for the launch of the 50 percent fare discount for senior citizens and PWDs.

One of them was Lilia dela Cruz, 72, of South Signal Village, Taguig, a widow and unemployed.

“Maganda po. Maganda ‘yan para sa aming mahihirap na matulungan kami sa discount sa pagsakay sa tren,” said Dela Cruz, who has two children, one of whom is a PWD, and six grandchildren.

Dela Cruz expressed her gratitude for the government benefits that have been initiated and implemented since President Marcos assumed office.

“Maraming biyaya. Nakakatanggap kami kahit papaano. Mahirap lang kami pero nakakaraos din. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa kanya po,” Dela Cruz said.

Francisco Laurente Capuyan, 82, who resides in a tenement in Taguig, thanked President Marcos for the new benefit.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako kasi nakakatulong po ito sa amin. Thank you, Mr. President,” said Capuyan.

For her part, Aida Torio, 69, a widow, resident of Manila with four children, said she rides the trains every day.

“President BBM marami pong salamat sa diskwento na ito sa MRT at LRT kasi malaking bagay po sa amin ito sa mga senior,” said Torio.

“Pandagdag ng pang merienda o kaya makaipon para sa mga gamot namin, at sa maintenance,” she said.

According to President Marcos, the 50 percent fare discount on MRT-3, LRT-1 and LRT-2 will benefit 13 million senior citizens and 7 million PWDs.

Last month, President Marcos launched the Pamilya Pass 1+3 Promo on MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2, where one ticket accommodates up to four passengers.

The program helps to reduce travel expenses for families, friends, and groups traveling together. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the launch of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) 50 percent discount for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) using LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3.

“Noong nakaraan nakapagbigay tayo ng diskwento sa ating mga students basta’t magpakita ng student ID ay makakapag – makakapagkuha sila ng 50 percent na discount,” President Marcos said in his remarks during the launch at the MRT-3 Santolan Station.

“Ngayon naman ay idadagdag natin sa grupong ‘yun na mabibigyan ng 50 percent discount ang mga senior citizens at ang mga PWD,” the President told a group of senior citizens who cheered him after hearing the announcement.

Starting June 20, the DOTr offered a 50 percent fare discount for LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 to all students, following instructions from President Marcos.

The fare discounts are in fulfillment of the President’s directive to ease the financial burden of commuters.

The new initiative for senior citizens and PWDs has increased the fare discount from 20 percent to 50 percent. The discount will take effect from today.

After the launch, the President went inside one of the Dalian trains, which arrived minutes before he completed his remarks.

Senior citizens joined the President in boarding the train.

Once inside the train coach, President Marcos interacted with the senior citizens, shaking their hands and hugging several of them. Other senior citizens cheered the President, who disembarked before the train left for the next station.

Among the government officials who attended the launch were DOTr Secretary Vivencio Dizon, General Manager Michael Capati of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), and Acting Secretary Dave M. Gomez of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). ǀ PND

After more than a decade in storage, the Dalian trains purchased from China in 2014 have finally entered service, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Wednesday, marking a realization of the commitment to improve commuter services, especially for students and persons with disabilities.

President Marcos led the first batch of passengers on the inaugural trip of the newly Dalian-serviced train at the Santolan–Anapolis MRT station, expressing satisfaction over the long-overdue progress.

“Nakabili po tayo sa China ng Dalian train. Tawag Dalian dahil ginawa po sa lungsod ng Dalian doon sa China,” the President recalled. “‘Yun lamang, noong ininspeksyon, hindi daw kaya na paandarin at patakbuhin at gamitin itong mga tren na ito, itong mga karwahe na ito.”

The President was assisted by Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez, and several other transport officials.

The Dalian trains—named after the city in China where they were manufactured—were initially left unused due to technical compatibility issues with local rail systems.

For years, the train cars sat unused, drawing criticism and concerns over wasted government funds. However, President Marcos noted that under his administration, efforts were made to revisit the issue and put the train sets to use.

“Kaya ang ginawa natin ay binalikan natin itong mga ito at tiniyak natin na kung anuman ang kailangang gawin para magamit ang Dalian train na ito ay gawin na natin,” the President said. “Kaya itong tren na nakikita natin sa harap natin ito, naayos na ito, puwede nang gamitin.”

The restored unit, composed of three operational cars, is now ready for deployment. More train cars will undergo the same process in the coming months as part of a broader rehabilitation program.

“Sampung taon nakaparada ito eh, hindi nagamit. Ngunit ngayon ay nagagamit na natin at iyan ang ite-testing natin ngayong araw,” President Marcos added.

The President emphasized that bringing the Dalian trains into service not only utilizes previously idle assets but also improves the daily commute of Filipinos.

“Kaya nakakatuwa naman. Hindi naman nasayang ang ating pondo. Kaya maging maginhawa ang pagbiyahe ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga senior citizen, lalo na ang PWD, at saka ‘yung mga estudyante natin,” President Marcos said.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader agenda to modernize the country’s railway system and promote efficient, inclusive, and sustainable public transport. | PND