President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his warm congratulations to Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese for his re-election, which “speaks volumes of the trust and confidence” of his fellow Australians in his leadership.

“To my friend, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, on your resounding victory, congratulations,” President Marcos said in a video message posted on his official X account (formerly Twitter).

President Marcos expressed confidence in Prime Minister Albanese’s continued leadership and dedication to public service in his congratulatory message.

“I have no doubt you shall carry it forward with the same resolve and vision that have long defined your public service,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos stressed that “the ties between our two countries have grown stronger with each passing year.”

“Perhaps this is a sign that it’s time for another visit. I look forward to our next conversation whether it’s over a flat white Down Under or a rich cup of tsokolate here in Old Manila,” the President said. | PND

More jobs, increasing household income, and supporting more stable and productive businesses are expected as the Philippine economy posts strong growth in the first quarter of 2025 due to the aggressive economic efforts of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.

The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Thursday. This resulted in more productive businesses, increased employment, and higher earnings for many Filipinos.

GDP measures the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country during a specified period, serving as a key indicator of economic health.

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the Philippines ranked second among Asian economies that have released first-quarter data.

The Philippines trailed Vietnam (6.9 percent GDP growth), tied with China (5.4 percent) while outpacing Indonesia (4.9 percent), Malaysia (4.4 percent), and Thailand (2.8 percent).

Balisacan said the country’s performance “underscores the relative resilience of our economy in the face of global volatility.”

During the Labor Day celebrations, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. cited the country’s vibrant economic performance, noting that the unemployment rate dropped to 4.3 percent in 2024, the lowest level recorded in the past twenty years.

The President noted that the unemployment rate dropped to 3.8 percent in February this year, showing that the labor market continues improving.

Since President Marcos took office in 2022, over 350,000 jobs have been created through various government programs and public-private partnerships, underscoring the administration’s commitment to strengthening the labor market and supporting Filipino workers.

Meanwhile, around US$27 billion in investments in the country were recorded from 2022 to 2024.

Various quarters have lauded the Marcos administration for its good stewardship of the economy, crediting robust growth to sound governance and policy reforms.

During the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas rally in Lucena City on May 2, the President touted the Philippines as one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, even exceeding the performances of big economies.

“Talo po natin ‘yung mga malalaking bansa. Talo po natin ‘yung mga mayayaman na bansa,” the President said. | PND

Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, the Philippine economy continues its steady growth, driven by a tourism rebound, rising consumer spending, and ongoing infrastructure investments through the “Build Better More” program.

The Department of Tourism reported that local and foreign tourists are returning in large numbers, thus helping create more jobs and boosting businesses like hotels, transport, and shops.

In 2024, the country welcomed 5.9 million international visitors, 91% foreigners. According to the Department of Tourism, this was an increase of 0.5 million compared to the 5.4 million international arrivals recorded in 2023.

“With these figures, it is clear that Philippine tourism is not only bouncing back but also growing and contributing to our economy,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

Filipino families also spend more on essentials like food, transportation, health, and dining out. Steady jobs and remittances from overseas Filipino workers drove consumer spending.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said household spending helped drive the country’s economic growth in the first quarter of 2025.

The main drivers of household spending growth were higher expenses on food and non-alcoholic drinks (4.5%), transport (8.5%), miscellaneous goods and services (4.7%), restaurants and hotels (6.0%), and health (9.8%).

Meanwhile, under the ‘Build Better More’ program, the government continues to invest in roads, bridges, transport systems, internet access, and energy facilities—projects that improve daily life and prepare the country for future growth.

These key drivers—tourism, consumer spending, and infrastructure—show that the Philippines under the Marcos administration is on the right track toward a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive economy. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to providing efficient and accessible healthcare for all Filipinos through free urgent, ambulatory, and outpatient medical services for non-life-threatening conditions.

During last Wednesday’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas rally in Malolos City, Bulacan, the President announced plans to significantly expand the number of Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers.

“Ang karamihan naman po ay hindi kailangan mag-confine sa ospital. Kaya naman nasa clinic lang, magtatahi lang ng sugat o ‘yung bali ng paa o manganganak,” President Marcos said.

“Lahat po ‘yan ay kaya naman nitong ating mga BUCAS center. Kaya’t pararamihin po natin nang pararamihin,” the President added.

Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said BUCAS centers play a critical role in improving healthcare accessibility, especially in areas where hospital services are limited. The centers support hospitals in giving urgent medical attention to non-life-threatening conditions.

These healthcare centers offer essential medical services, such as consultation, laboratory and diagnostic testing, dental care, and reproductive health services.

As of March 2025, President Marcos said there are 51 BUCAS centers nationwide.

A BUCAS center also brings medical services closer to communities, especially those in far-flung areas, decongesting hospitals. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to help shape the nation’s future by voting online in the “Halalan 2025,” noting they can now vote anytime, anywhere—no lines, no travel needed.

In a video message addressed to Filipinos abroad, President Marcos assured OFWs that the online voting would be convenient and accessible and that their votes would be counted securely and efficiently.

“Tuloy-tuloy po ang overseas voting para sa Halalan 2025. Ito po ang inyong pagkakataon na makilahok sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan,” the President said.

Highlighting the benefits of digital innovation in the electoral process, President Marcos encouraged overseas Filipinos to use online voting for the upcoming elections.

“Ngayon mas madali na ang pagboto kahit nasaan kayo sa mundo. Hindi na kailangan pumila o bumiyahe,” President Marcos added. “Sa pamamagitan ng online voting, maipapahayag ninyo ang inyong boses nang mabilis, ligtas, at maayos.”

The President called on voters to select leaders with integrity, competence, and compassion.

“Gamitin natin ang karapatang ito. Piliin natin ang kandidatong may malasakit, kakayahan, at may paninindigan. Sa tamang pagpili, sama-sama natin bubuuin ang Bagong Pilipinas,” the President noted.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced that pre-enrollment for online voting via the COMELEC Voting Portal began on March 20.

The official overseas voting period runs from April 13, 2025, to May 12, 2025. Voting closes at 7:00 PM (Philippine Standard Time) on May 12.

Through Proclamation No. 878, President Marcos has declared May 12 a special non-working holiday to allow registered voters to participate in the national and local elections. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure upgrades, including the 38-kilometer railway line connecting Malolos to Manila.

In his speech at the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas here, President Marcos said the railway line connecting Malolos, Bulacan, to Valenzuela City, which will be completed in five years, is expected to ease travel and improve public transport in Central Luzon and Metro Manila.

“Sa usapang imprastraktura naman, itinatatag natin ang North-South Commuter Railway–North 1,” the President said, referring to the ongoing construction of a 38-kilometer railway line connecting Malolos, Bulacan to Tutuban in Manila.

“Sa kasalukuyan, mahigit 72 porsyento na ang nagagawa. At asahan po ninyo matatapos ito siguro mga apat na taon pa – pero matatapos po ito para maging mas maginhawa ang pagbiyahe ninyo sa inyong mga trabaho at ‘pag pupunta ng Maynila,” President Marcos said.

The President reported that the San Ildefonso–San Miguel Bypass Road in Bulacan, part of the Plaridel Bypass extension, is 77.23 percent complete and set to be completed by December 2025.

“Sa tulong ng mga repormang ito, mababawasan ang oras ng biyahe ng mga Pilipino at mas marami na kayong mailalaang panahon para sa inyong sarili at para sa inyong mga pamilya,” President Marcos added.

Emphasizing the practical impact of infrastructure improvements on Filipino families, the President assured the public that these are just a few of the many infrastructure projects being constructed and rehabilitated across the country.

The President reiterated his call for unity, urging Filipinos to set aside personal interests for the common good. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended Central Luzon for its strong economic performance, contributing to the Philippines’ ranking among the world’s fastest-growing economies in 2024.

The President noted that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.7 percent, while Central Luzon’s gross regional domestic product rose by 6.5 percent, making it the third fastest-growing region nationwide.

“Kaya naman, ginagawa po ng ating administrasyon ang lahat na kaya po nating magawa upang masuklian ang inyong pagsisikap at ang inyong suporta,” the President said in his speech during the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas Rally in Malolos City.

President Marcos also cited Bulacan’s 5.6 percent economic growth, with its GDP increasing from PhP598.05 billion in 2022 to PhP631.64 billion in 2023.

To sustain growth, President Marcos said the government is ramping up agricultural support, including the distribution of fertilizers, seeds, machinery, and the construction of farm-to-market roads and post-harvest facilities.

In Malolos alone, PhP55 million was allocated from 2023 to 2024 for four farm-to-market road projects.

From 2022 to 2024, 37 “Gulayan sa Paaralan” projects were launched in Malolos, and three Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) centers were built in Central Luzon, out of 51 nationwide.

On infrastructure, the President reported that the North-South Commuter Railway–North 1 (NSCR1) is 72 percent complete and targeted for completion by 2030. He added that the San Ildefonso-San Miguel Bypass Road is progressing and slated for inauguration this December. | PND

An official of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said various government initiatives, including President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to cut rice import tariffs, helped slow down rice price inflation.

In a Palace press briefing on Wednesday, PSA Assistant National Statistician Rachel Lacsa said, “Naniniwala po kami na malaki iyong naging epekto ng ginagawa ng gobyerno para sa pagbaba ng inflation ng bigas or iyong pagbaba ng presyo ng bigas.”

Lacsa said the current maximum suggested retail price is PhP45 per kilogram, noting that many provinces are now offering rice at the same price—and even lower in some areas—something not seen in previous months.

On June 29, 2024, President Marcos issued Executive Order 62, which modified imported duty rates on certain products to rein inflationary pressures and protect the peso’s purchasing power.

“Kapag bumaba po o patuloy na bumaba iyong presyo ng bigas, we will be expecting din po na bababa rin po iyong all items or overall inflation,” Lacsa said when asked about the possibility of maintaining low inflation.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced in March that it would reduce the maximum suggested retail prices (MSRP) for imported rice to PhP45 for every kilo, following a continued decline in global rice prices.

The DA’s implementation of the MSRP on imported rice resulted in a sharp price reduction without significantly disrupting the rice industry.

The initiative and other DA-led options have contributed to lower rice prices. After declining by 7.7 percent in March, rice prices dropped another 10.9 percent year-on-year in April. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into reports that sand used in reclamation projects may have been sourced from the country’s own coastal areas.

“Matapos na makatanggap ng impormasyon patungkol po dito inutos po ng Pangulo na magkaroon po ng masinsinang pag-iimbestiga patungkol dito,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday.

During the Senate hearing earlier, an official of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) stated that the sand used in the reclamation areas actually comes from the country’s coastal areas.

“Masinsinan po at malalim na pag-iimbestiga po ang dapat na gawin dito,” Castro said. “At ngayon po ay ongoing ang investigation at kapag po nagkaroon na po ng pinal na pag-iimbestiga o konklusyon patungkol po dito gagawin po ang agarang pag-uutos – ito ay ayon doon sa maaaring maging resulta ng imbestigasyon.”

Asked about the possible liability of local officials regarding the illegal activity, Castro said President Marcos’ directive was meant to pinpoint those responsible and hold them accountable.

“Kung mayroon pong dapat managot, ito naman din naman po ang bilin ng Pangulo – hindi po puwedeng iwasan ang mga tao, kung may dapat panagutin dapat pong managot,” Castro said. | PND

A few days before the May 12 midterm elections, Malacañang on Wednesday renewed its call for the public to remain vigilant and discerning amid the growing spread of fake news.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro urged the public to reject any attempts to undermine democratic processes through misinformation and distortion of the truth.

“Unang-una po na maipapayo ng administrasyon: maging mapanuri. Maging mapagmatyag at huwag niyo pong ibenta ang inyong dignidad,” Castro said when asked for her advice to voters.

The Palace Press Officer also warned against foreign interference and online trolling to destabilize the electoral process. She assured the public that the government has made all necessary preparations to ensure fair, orderly, and safe elections.

“Huwag ibenta ang bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagiging keyboard warrior, ang tanging maging trabaho o goal ay gumawa ng fake news para sirain at maging negatibo ang taong-bayan sa ating Pangulo at pamahalaan,” Castro added.

Castro stressed that the government remains open to criticism as long as it is grounded in truth and evidence.

“Ang pintuan po ng pamahalaan ay hindi hahadlang sa anumang kritisismo hanggang mayroong pong basehan,” she said. “Ang ingatan lang po natin ay ang fake news peddlers. Labanan po natin ang fake news para kayo po ay magkaroon ng magandang desisyon sa Mayo 12.”

Castro said Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara confirmed its Election Task Force is set for a nationwide deployment beginning May 11 to provide real-time monitoring, assistance, and incident response.

The Palace Press Officer said the DepEd has forged partnerships with the Commission on Elections, Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and the Public Attorney’s Office to ensure teachers’ security, legal, and medical assistance.

“Sabi po ni Secretary Angara, sa araw ng halalan, kasama ng mga guro at kawani ang buong pwersa ng pamahalaan. Bantay, alalay, at proteksyon ang hatid sa ating mga guro ng bayan,” Castro said. | PND