President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law the “Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act”.

The law aims to institutionalize the mental health and well-being programs for both basic education learners and teaching and non-teaching personnel in public and private schools.

This is to ensure that students and teachers are emotionally and mentally “equipped to excel” amid facing modern challenges.

“Today, we renew our promise to every Filipino: that they will not only succeed academically but thrive holistically. Together, we envision a Philippines where mental health is prioritized alongside education, fostering a generation equipped to lead with resilience, compassion, and with purpose,” President Marcos said in his speech during the ceremonial signing at the Malacañan Palace.

“When our learners and school personnel are mentally healthy, academic performance improves, absenteeism decreases, and a culture of compassion and understanding flourishes. Beyond being a safeguard to our youth and school personnel, this law is also an investment in the intellectual, emotional, and social future and development of our nation,” he added.

According to the President, this law allows schools to become “sanctuaries of learning and of well-being.”

Care Centers will be established in every public basic education school, headed by a School Counselor, and assisted by School Counselor Associates that will provide counseling and stress management workshops and implement programs that will help reduce stigma on mental health.

The President also tagged the legislation as urgent and undeniable, citing how mental health challenges could cost 16 trillion in losses by 2030 globally.

“Locally, the toll is evident in decreased academic outcomes, burnout, and turnover rates among students and school personnel,” the Chief Executive said, adding the Act’s role is to reduce the said losses by making our students more productive and ready to contribute to nation building.

In the same event, the President also signed two more laws including the Value Added Tax (VAT) Refund for Non-Resident Tourists and Amendments to Agricultural Tariffication Act (ATA).

Before concluding his speech, the President called on Filipinos to support and drive all three initiatives forward.

“Let us safeguard and empower our farmers, uplift our tourism industry, and provide mental health support. Together, let us create a future where every Filipino has the opportunity to succeed, to live a balanced life, to contribute to the collective prosperity of the nation,” the President said.

“These three laws are not just policies— they are commitments. Commitments to the Filipino farmer, commitment to the Filipino worker, the Filipino entrepreneur, the Filipino learner, and to every single citizen who dreams of a brighter, more resilient, and more progressive Bagong Pilipinas,” he added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed on Monday the law amending the Agricultural Tariffication Act (ATA) to make the country’s rice industry more competitive.

The law, according to President Marcos, also aims to ensure that farmers gain steady access to resources they need to succeed.

In his speech during a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace, President Marcos said the law amending Republic Act 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law seeks to extend the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) until 2031 and increase its funding from Php 10 billion to Php30 billion annually.

“Through the RCEF, we have been able to invest in high-quality seeds, mechanization, and training for our farmers—ensuring that they are equipped with the right skills and tools to increase productivity. With the expiration of the original six-year plan for RCEF fast approaching, it became clear that we needed to extend and strengthen the program,” President Marcos said.

“This will enable us to do much more for our farmers, ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed and to make the rice industry even more competitive,” he added.

The additional funding is set to support priority projects such as training and extension services, financial assistance to rice farmers tilling up to two hectares of land, expanded rice credit assistance, composting facilities for biodegradable wastes, pest and disease management, soil health improvement, farming support programs on contract farming, and establishment of solar-powered irrigation systems.

This law also intends to further enhance the Seed Program and the Mechanization Program which will provide more farmers access to high-quality seeds to boost their yields.

The amendment of the tariff act will also help reduce post-harvest losses by preventing up to 375,000 tons of milled rice from being wasted annually, which could help feed an additional 3.4 million Filipinos each year for the next six years, maintaining food security and rice accessibility to all.

According to the President, this law also strengthens the regulatory function of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to strictly oversee the Rice Industry’s systems and its policies, ensuring that the rice reaching the markets have complied with quality standards and regulations.

“In cases of sudden rice shortages or price hikes, the DA will now be empowered to take the necessary actions to stabilize the market. This will help ensure that the price of rice remains affordable and accessible to every Filipino,” he said.

“The Bureau of Plant Industry will also be able to inspect rice warehouses and manage a national database to track grain storage, safeguarding our food supply and ensuring its safety for the public.”

President Marcos said that with ATA, farmers will be more empowered “to thrive and help our country secure a stable food supply.”

“By increasing investments in agriculture, providing more resources, and creating a more competitive rice industry, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more self- sufficient Philippines,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed the law on the refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) for non-resident tourists.

The law aims to attract more non-resident tourists to the country by providing them a VAT Refund System on locally purchased goods.

In his speech during a ceremony in Malacañang, President Marcos said aside from encouraging higher spending among tourists to stimulate economic growth, the law is also an opportunity to promote the Philippines’ unique craftsmanship of indigenous products in communities near local tourist destinations.

“It is no secret that shopping has become an essential part of the travel experience, and we are poised to capitalize on that momentum. In 2023, the Philippine tourism sector played an instrumental role in our nation’s economic recovery, contributing an impressive 8.6 percent to the GDP. Within this significant share, shopping emerged as the second largest expenditure for inbound tourists,” President Marcos said.

“With this in mind, we are introducing the VAT refund program for non-resident tourists—designed not only to stimulate more spending but to promote the Philippines as a premier global shopping destination,” he added.

Under this program, tourists can claim a refund on purchases made on accredited stores worth P3,000, provided these goods are taken out of the country within 60 days of purchase.

According to the President, an estimated 30 percent increase in tourist spending is the projected economic impact of this measure which will benefit both large-scale industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), citing Marikina shoes as an example.

“These products tell our story, and now, with the VAT refund, they will be able to be more accessible to global consumers, elevating once again our stature in the global market,” the President said.

To successfully implement the newly signed law, President Marcos ordered the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to craft rules and regulations that would streamline the VAT refund process.

“As we move forward, I urge the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to craft [the] implementing rules and regulations that would make this VAT refund process simple, accessible, and culturally inclusive,” the President said.

Per the DOF, the estimated VAT refunds to tourists may reach PhP2.9 billion to PhP4.1 billion annually. However, the projected loss can be offset by the potential increase in tourist spending and a boost in inbound tourism. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday directed government agencies to ensure the spirit of Christmas reaches Filipino communities despite the recent climate challenges that caused loss of lives and properties.

In his speech during the gift-giving activity at the Malacañang grounds, President Marcos assured the public his administration is committed to making Christmas memorable, even in the face of environmental challenges such as El Niño, La Niña, and the recent typhoons that impacted the country.

“Nahirapan tayo nitong nakaraang taon. Tinamaan tayo ng kuna anu-ano. Nag-umpisa sa El Niño. Nag tag-tuyot ang ating agrikultura tapos sinundan naman ng La Niña na puro bagyo naman,” President Marcos said.

“Sana naman ay mag Merry Christmas lang tayo. Kasi tayo’y nabigyan ng kaunting oras, kaunting pagkakataon na makasama ang ating mga mahal sa buhay, makapag-celebrate ng kaunti, mag-saya ng kaunti, at kumain ng masyadong maraming lechon at saka mga hamon. Iyan ang pasko para sa Pilipino,” he added.

President Marcos urged Filipinos to continue embracing the traditions of Christmas, emphasizing the importance of joy and togetherness during the holiday season.

Before concluding his speech, President Marcos extended his gratitude to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for their dedication in ensuring the spirit of Christmas is felt by Filipinos, especially in the face of adversity.

President Marcos, alongside First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos and their sons Joseph Simon and William Vincent, led this year’s “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3: A Nationwide Gift-Giving Day” at the Malacañang grounds on Sunday.

The event brought joy to more than 30,000 children nationwide.

The gift-giving activity, initiated by the Office of the President in 2022, is conducted in partnership with the DSWD, private orphanages and communities nationwide to spread the joy of Christmas to those who have less in life.

This year’s event involved 17 local government units from Metro Manila and three LGUs from the Visayas and Mindanao, further emphasizing the nationwide reach of the initiative. | PND

More than 30,000 children across the country received early Christmas gifts on Sunday from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos at the Malacañang grounds.

The event was part of the First Family’s traditional gift-giving activity.

This year’s “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3: A Nationwide Gift-Giving Day” involved 17 local government units (LGUs) from Metro Manila and three LGUs from the Visayas and Mindanao. The event was coordinated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

At the Malacañan Palace, 2,199 children attended the event in person while 27,899 participated via livestream from 17 LGUs and 62 DSWD centers nationwide. Each child received a kiddie gift set, including a trolley bag, pillow, raincoat, socks, face and hand towel, tumbler, and watch.

President Marcos, the First Lady and sons Joseph Simon and William Vincent joined the children in various activities and entertainment, such as inflatables, a trackless train, circus acts, pabitin, among other activities.

In his speech, President Marcos expressed Christmas was truly in the air as he saw children filling the Palace grounds.

“Alam niyo naman, basta’t ‘pag pasko ito’y ino-open house namin dahil ganiyan talaga ang naging tradisyon sa pamilya namin, Pamilya Marcos. Noong bata pa ako at dito pa kami nakatira. Basta’t pasko mayroon kaming handa para sa ating mga maliliit na inaalagaan kaya nandito po tayo ulit,” President Marcos said.

“Kagaya nga ng sabi ko ang pasko naman ay para sa mga kabataan kaya’t tinitiyak natin na kahit sino at napadpad sa malalayo, sa kanilang pamilya, sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay ay kahit paano ay mayroon din silang pasko,” he added.

Before concluding his speech, President Marcos thanked the DSWD for ensuring that the spirit of Christmas was felt by Filipinos, especially children, despite the recent calamities and disasters in the country.

The gift-giving activity, an initiative of the Office of the President, began in 2022 in partnership with the DSWD, private orphanages and communities nationwide. It aims to spread the joy of Christmas to those who have less in life. | PND

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Saturday revealed they are balancing efforts to ensure affordable rice in local markets and decent income for farmers.

DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra made the remark following the expansion of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo’s (KNP) Rice for All program in five major public markets in Metro Manila.

“Binabalanse po natin [ang] kagustuhan ng ating mga magsasaka at kagustuhan ng ating mga mamimili,” Guevarra told a news forum in Quezon City.

The DA continues to recognize the sentiments of farmers whenever rice prices in the market are low.

“May ripple effect kapag masyado binabaan [ang presyo ng bigas]. Kung nagtatanim ako ng bigas, baka madismaya ako na magtanim pa dahil nga wala naman kikitain kung ganiyan na kababa ang presyo,” Guevarra said.

She said the DA still helps farmers through the agency’s banner programs meant to assist rice producing areas often affected by floods and typhoons.

The DA launched the KNP’s Rice for All kiosks in Kamuning Market, Malabon Central Market, New Las Piñas City Public Market, Pasay City Public Market, and Guadalupe Market where consumers can buy mixed local and imported well-milled rice at PhP40 per kilo.

The DA is also planning to partner with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to mount KNP kiosks in LRT and MRT stations. |PND

More Kadiwa ng Pangulo trade centers are expected to be established by the government to give Filipinos further access to the P40 per kilo rice, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“Ang plano po ay palawigin pa at ilagay ang mga Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosk sa lahat po ng major na palengke nationwide,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra said in a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday.

Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosks are selling P40 per kilo of rice called ‘Rice for All’.

“Kami ngayon ay nakikipag-ugnayan sa aming mga regional counterparts. Ina-identify na po natin iyong ating mga sites na puwede doon [sa Kadiwa ng Pangulo trade centers],” Guevarra said.

“At the same time, nakipag-usap tayo sa mga retailer association at sa mga importers. They’re very much willing to [help],” the official added.

The government on Thursday started selling PhP40 per kilo rice at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosks in different public markets in Malabon, Guadalupe, Las Piñas, Kamuning and Pasay City, she reported.

The sale of PhP40 a kilo of rice will continue, Guevarra assured. The rice will be available in Kadiwa markets Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., she said.

“Initial feedback po natin ay marami [ang] namimili.  Sabi po nila maganda po iyong klase noong ating bigas. Although sabi regular mill, mukhang mas mura siyang well-milled 25 percent broken. Sa unang araw pa nga lang, wala pang isang oras ay naubos po iyong 30 bags natin na tag-25 kilos,” Guevarra said.

Guevarra said the DA is hoping to open five more kiosks in other public markets next week.

Similar arrangements will be done in LRT and MRT stations in coordination with the Department of Transportation, Guevarra said. Initial sites will be in Monumento and LRT North EDSA, she added. |PND

The government will not be deterred by China in protecting Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

It will continue carrying out a whole-of-government approach in addressing WPS issues, a PCG official said on Saturday.

“Gaya po nang sinabi ni ADG (National Security Council Assistant Director General) Jonathan Malaya, ang atin pong Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fisheries at the whole-of-government approach ng [ating gobyerno] under President Bongbong Marcos will be not be deterred,” PCG Commodore and spokesman Jay Tarriela said in a news forum in Quezon City.

“We’re still going to deploy our assets in the West Philippine Sea at patuloy nating titindigan ang ating posisyon sa West Philippine Sea,” Tariella added.

Despite its very limited resources, the PCG remains committed to protecting Filipino fishermen in WPS, the official said.

Tariella said the PCG adheres to President Marcos’ stance that the Philippines is a peace-loving nation and not a war instigator.

Therefore, he said, the government will maintain the presence of white ships in WPS instead of sending warships.

According to the PCG spokesperson, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is now becoming part of China’s strategy in asserting its position in WPS.

While China’s deployment of warships can be considered as a reciprocal act, Tarriela said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) could come up with policy recommendations to strengthen the country’s stance in WPS.

“So, it’s up to the AFP leadership.  It’s the Commander-in-Chief that decides whether we are going to modify our response in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

On Nov. 30, several PLA Navy helicopters hovered over Filipino fishermen in WPS,  prompting the PCG to deploy BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cape Engaño. Then on Dec. 4, the China Coast Guard (CCG) water cannoned a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel trying to help out Filipino fishermen in WPS.

It was the first time that PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua got shadowed by a PLA-Navy warship at a very close distance of 300 yards in Bajo de Masinloc, the official said.

The Philippines filed another diplomatic protest stemming from the latest incident.  |PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. encouraged the Filipino faithful on Saturday to emulate Virgin Mary’s devotion to serve with love, humility, integrity, and devotion.

The President joined the Filipino nation in observing the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a significant day honoring the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of Jesus Christ and God’s plan for humanity’s redemption.

“As we celebrate this holy feast, I encourage my fellow Catholics and Filipinos to emulate Mary by serving others with compassion and humility, especially as we strive to build the Bagong Pilipinas we desire for our people,” President Marcos said in his message.

“Let us lead and embrace the journey towards holiness and remain connected through the common aspiration to live a life filled with integrity, devotion, and love. I pray that this day brings meaning to all.”

The President underscored the  meaning of the feast among Catholics, saying it is an opportunity for all people of faith to reflect on the themes of grace, purity, and devotion.

In the midst of a constantly changing world, the President said religion and faith continue to foster a sense of community and belonging that plays a central role in helping people navigate the complexities of life.

“It offers stability, purpose, and hope that contributes to the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of every Filipino,” he said.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a celebration by the Catholic community of Mary’s conception without sin.

Even though the feast day occurs in the liturgical season of Advent, which prepares for the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne.  |PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expects the visit to the Philippines of Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren would further strengthen ties and cooperation between the two countries.

“I’ll make certain that everything, the time that you spend here will be as productive as possible and would further the relations between our two countries,” President Marcos said during the Chilean minister’s courtesy call in Malacañang on Friday.

“And that is I think the best way forward in this very interconnected world,” the President said.

“Although physical distance used to be a problem or an obstacle, that does not apply any longer. So, I think there’s much that we can do to further the relations and the partnerships between our two countries,” he added.

President Marcos said that there is great potential in future tie ups between the Philippines and Chile with regard to agriculture, specifically cacao cultivation and processing.

“Because it’s becoming a very important crop – slowly becoming an important crop. We are trying to promote it. And you have I think the best technologies when it comes to that product,” he said.

“There are other investments that we were trying to explore,” he added.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, who was also present during the call, said fish and minerals export from Mindanao is an area they are also looking at.

“[There are] skin beauty products and other things that we can [explore on]… And also the agriculture sector and the seafood products that we can export to them,” Roque said.

She mentioned the deep sea port that was opened in Peru for the benefit of Asian products going to South America.

President Marcos expressed gratitude to Chile for confirming its support for the Philippines’ bid to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2027-2028, in exchange for the country’s support for Chile’s candidature to the same body for the term 2029-2030.

For his part, the Chilean official said it is a great honor to be received in Malacañang, noting he had a very productive visit despite his short stay.

“We have had a very productive meeting with Secretary Manalo… and we talked about our bilateral relations, about regional and global issues, and about the potential of our bilateral relations,” Klaveren told the President.

The Philippines and Chile established diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946. The two countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2021.

In 2023, Chile was the Philippines’ 49th trading partner (out of 230), 47th export market (out of 205), and 50th import supplier (out of 221).

Earlier in the day, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala paid a courtesy call to Malacañang, hoping for increased collaboration with the global health body following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Welcome to Manila. I know you just finished your conference last week, which I think was quite constructive, very productive,” President Marcos told Piukala.

“Well, I’m sure [Health)] Secretary Ted [Herbosa] has explained to you what the Philippines has been trying to do, especially [on] post-pandemic lessons learned. So, whatever guidance that the WHO can provide us is something that we will certainly welcome,” he said.

Piukala was elected to the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in October 2023 and appointed to the WHO Executive Board in January 2024. He took office on February 1, 2024.

As Regional Director, Piukala leads the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) in its work with governments and partners across the Western Pacific to enhance regional health outcomes and ensure the safety of the region’s population. | PND