President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday oversaw the distribution of P5,000 cash relief assistance to tricycle drivers and operators in Manila, part of the government’s efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices caused by tensions in the Middle East.

“Kaya ito ang ginawa namin. Nagsimula ngayon para sa lahat lalo na ‘yung mga transport workers mga tricycle driver, pati lahat ng nagpapasada, lahat sa mga transport sector ay bibigyan namin ng tulong para naman may kaunting pampahabol sa pagtaas ng presyo,” President Marcos said in his message during the “Distribution of Cash Relief Assistance Para Sa Mga Tsuper.”

The President briefly interacted with driver-recipients and operators during the cash relief assistance distribution, which was held in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

“Iyon na ‘yung nagpapasada para hindi naman masyadong mahirapan kayo, hindi naman masyadong mahirapan ang mga commuter na pumupunta sa trabaho at kahit tumataas ang mga presyohan. Kaya ito ay patuloy namin gagawin hanggang ganito pa ang sitwasyon,” the President said.

“Kaya basta nandito lang ang inyong gobyerno para tulungan kayo,” President Marcos added.

The President was assisted by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso during the distribution of the cash aid to the first batch of tricycle drivers in District 4 in the morning.

The first batch of 550 tricycle drivers from District 4 received the Php5,000 assistance each. An afternoon distribution was also scheduled for 551 tricycle drivers in District 6.

President Marcos said rising oil prices reduce the income of drivers and operators while also affecting passengers who rely on public transportation.

The President said around 139,000 tricycle drivers in Metro Manila are expected to benefit from the government’s cash relief assistance.

“Sa buong Metro Manila, 139,000. Naglagay tayo ng … tatlumpu na ganitong distribution center sa buong Metro Manila,” President Marcos said.

“This is just the beginning of the distribution. This is something that we have to do because of the sudden increase in oil prices,” President Marcos said.

“Ganito ang nangyari. Pataas ng pataas lahat ng petroleum products kaya’t we have to do this para matulungan naman ang ating (mga kababayan),” President Marcos said.

The President said the assistance would first cover tricycle drivers, followed by jeepney drivers and then transport network vehicle services (TNVS) drivers.

In addition to cash assistance, the government is rolling out additional support measures to help the public cope with rising fuel prices.

The government is also continuing to have talks with oil companies to have a staggered fuel price increase, as well as other ways to help ease the burden of the public. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected the eGovPH Serbisyo Hub in Mandaue City on Monday to ensure government transactions are faster and more convenient.

The visit to eGovPH Serbisyo Hub capped the President’s activities in Bogo City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu City.

President Marcos toured the five-story facility located in Barangay Subangdaku, which serves as a one-stop government service center supported by the country’s digital government platform.

The President was accompanied by the Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, and PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

Also present during the inspection were Cebu Gov. Pam Baricuatro, Mandaue Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Quano-Dizon, and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes Ouano.

The President and his party were welcomed by volunteers from the NGO Marcos Pa Rin group.

The volunteers regularly assist in activities connected to the hub, including the distribution and sale of P20-per-kilo rice.

The eGovPH Serbisyo Hub was established to make government transactions faster and more convenient.

It also serves as a physical extension of the eGovPH App, where citizens can book appointments and upload documents before visiting government offices.

Several national agencies maintain service desks at the hub, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, and the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Other participating agencies include the Social Security System, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Department of Labor and Employment.

Officials said the hub helps reduce queues, streamline services, and minimize the presence of fixers in government transactions. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday personally led the oathtaking ceremony of 3,325 newly promoted teachers and school heads in Cebu, including those promoted under the government’s Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System for Public School Teachers.

The ECP, under Executive Order No. 174, S. 2022, allows teachers to be promoted based on their actual proficiency and merit rather than the availability of vacant positions.

Speaking at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu, President Marcos recognized the vital role of teachers in shaping young minds and building the nation’s future, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring their welfare and boosting their morale.

“Marami sa inyo ang naglaan ng buong buhay sa pagtuturo. Gumigising ng madaling-araw, natutulog ng hating-gabi upang turuan, gabayan, at hubugin ang kabataang Pilipino,” President Marcos told the teachers.

“Para sa inyo, ang pagiging guro ay hindi lang trabaho, ito ay isang bokasyon, isang sagradong tungkulin… Dahil dito, napakalaki ang paghanga at respeto ko sa inyo.”

“This occasion also signifies this Administration’s deep appreciation for the work that you do and our commitment to ensure that our teachers continue to receive the support and recognition that you all deserve,” President Marcos added.

According to the President, public school teachers have long faced limited promotion opportunities and unclear career pathways, with many taking 10 to 20 years to move from Teacher I to Teacher III, and another lengthy period to advance from Teacher III to Master Teacher I.

Under the ECP program, however, the President said teachers are now offered clearer pathways for professional growth, allowing them to choose between two distinct career tracks—classroom teaching or school administration.

The program also created new positions, including Teacher IV to VII, Master Teacher V to VI, and School Principal V, providing educators with more opportunities for career advancement.

“Kung dati po, may pangamba kayo na matatapos ang mahabang panahon ng serbisyo, hindi kayo mapo-promote. Ngayon, mas malinaw na ang landas ng pag-unlad sa inyong propesyon,” the President said.

Through reclassification, the President said nearly 19,500 teachers and school heads nationwide were promoted from August 2025 to February 2026.

Aside from the ECP program, President Marcos also cited other government initiatives to improve teachers’ welfare, including the creation of more than 61,500 teaching positions from 2022 to 2025, with 97 percent already filled as of January 2026.

Meanwhile, to ease the administrative burden on teachers, the administration also created non-teaching positions during the same period, including 23,500 Administrative Officer (AO) II posts and 1,500 Project Development Officer (PDO) I posts, nearly 100 percent of which were filled as of January this year.

Starting the 2025–2026 School Year, the administration also released the full PhP10,000 teaching allowance.

“Sana’y makatulong ang mga oportunidad na ito na mapabuti ang buhay ninyo at ng inyong mga pamilya,” the President said.

During the event, teachers also had access to on-site training at booths set up by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, as well as to health services offered by the YAKAP Caravan of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation outside the venue.

The oath-taking ceremony is also part of the Department of Education’s effort to promote 100,000 teachers this year, in line with its 5-Point Reform Agenda aimed at strengthening the education workforce system. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday highlighted the warmth and kindness of the Cebuano people as he led the inauguration of the Mactan Expo Center in Lapu-Lapu City.

The President said the genuine hospitality of Cebuanos continues to leave a lasting impression on visitors and officials alike.

“To the people of Cebu: daghang salamat sa inyong mainit na pagtanggap,” President Marcos said.

The President shared that returning to Cebu always brings him joy because of the warm welcome he receives from its people.

“Kaligayahan ko po ang makabalik ulit dito sa Cebu, makasama kayong lahat,” the President said.

President Marcos noted that Cebu has earned a reputation not only for its beauty but also for the kindness and generosity of its residents.

The Chief Executive said the warmth of the Cebuano people reflects the true meaning of Filipino hospitality.

“And you always… show the world the true meaning of Filipino hospitality,” President Marcos said.

The ceremony was held at the newly built Mactan Expo Center inside the Megaworld complex in Mactan Newtown, Lapu-Lapu City, which will be the main venue of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in May.

The facility was developed by Megaworld Corporation as part of its township project in the area.

President Marcos also acknowledged the efforts of the private sector in completing the project, saying partnerships between the government and private companies help deliver large projects more efficiently.

The President congratulated the developers for completing the modern events facility in a short period and expressed appreciation to local officials and residents for their continued support and warm reception.

President Marcos said the kindness of the Cebuano people remains one of the country’s strongest assets in welcoming guests from around the world.- PND

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has assisted in flying 24 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) out of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by deploying a repatriation flight for Singapore nationals stranded by airline disruptions due to the Middle East conflict.

Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See said on Friday, “Singapore deployed an RSAF A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft on 12 March to bring Singaporeans home safely from Jeddah.”

“After prioritizing Singaporeans and their families, we were glad that available seats could be extended to nationals from other countries, including 24 Filipinos. The flight landed in Singapore on 13 March at 5.59 AM,” the statement said.

“This was very much a partnership. We worked in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, to facilitate the Filipinos who joined the flight” Ambassador See said.

The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and its missions, has been mounting complex repatriation efforts to bring Filipinos home safely.

“Our flight complements those efforts,” Ambassador See said.

“This is really ASEAN solidarity in action, neighbors helping neighbors in difficult moments. Our ASEAN neighbors have assisted Singaporeans in returning home in past crises,” the statement said.

“Singapore and the Philippines are close friends, and we were very glad to help these Filipinos begin their journey home. At the end of the day, what matters most is that people return safely to their families,” Ambassador See said. | PND

The Philippines is hosting the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat on Friday at Bonifacio Global City (BGC), showcasing BGC as a model of the country’s modern, innovative, and resilient urban centers for ASEAN’s future.

“Allow me to officially welcome you to BGC, the Bonifacio Global City. BGC represents the modern Philippines, a hub where global capital meets local creativity,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque said in her opening statement.

“It represents the future we envision for all ASEAN cities, connected by innovation and indispensable to the global economy,” Roque added.

Roque, together with her counterparts from the 10 ASEAN Member States, posed for the traditional family photo before the start of the Retreat.

Roque extended her gratitude to the National Organizing Committee and the City of Taguig for their role in hosting the AEM Retreat, highlighting that their efforts allow ASEAN leaders to convene, collaborate, and chart the region’s economic future.

“It was a pleasure hosting you for last night’s welcome dinner. Beyond the pride we take in Philippine hospitality, I hope the evening provided what we need most before our Retreat,” she said.

“A moment to connect, to relax, and to appreciate the creativity that defines our region, and of course to strengthen our friendship among each other,” she added.

ASEAN’s future will not be shaped by a single meeting but by collective decisions that benefit businesses, workers, and communities across the region, Roque said.

“Let us ensure that ASEAN remains a region where investment is met with certainty and where cooperation creates genuine opportunity for our people,” she said.

The 32nd AEM Retreat at BGC provides Ministers with a platform to strengthen economic partnerships, promote innovation, and advance digital integration across Southeast Asia.

Under the theme “Navigating Our Future Together,” the Philippines’ Chairship, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., highlights the importance of collaborative decision-making toward deeper regional cooperation. | PND

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers (AEM) will meet in the Philippines on Friday for their annual retreat to discuss regional priorities, global economic trends, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation within the 11-member bloc.

At Thursday’s pre-retreat press briefing, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said that the meeting takes place amid significant global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, climate risks, supply chain disruptions, rapid technological change, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“ASEAN is not spared by the effects of these economic realities; the disruptions brought about by the conflict in the Middle East continue to affect global supply chains and energy markets, reminding us that energy security is closely tied to economic stability and regional resilience,” Gepty said.

ASEAN Economic Ministers will discuss the Philippines’ priorities as the ASEAN 2026 Chair, as well as recent global and regional economic developments.

The Retreat will hold discussions with key partners, including the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Gepty said that one of the first activities involves engaging the private sector through the ASEAN-BAC, allowing ministers to hear business leaders’ concerns and insights to inform regional policy.

Many improvements in the region’s business environment—such as trade facilitation, digitalization, and supply chain connectivity —have been influenced by recommendations from the business community, Gepty said.

Ministers will meet with ERIA representatives to discuss research and policy recommendations to strengthen economic integration and support the development of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), Gepty said.

The meeting with ADB officials will explore ways to boost cooperation in implementing “ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future,” the regional bloc’s long-term development vision.

“As a regional development bank with deep institutional knowledge, ADB can act as financing and advisory partner to ASEAN, that can provide advisory support, dedicated financing on key initiatives, and technical assistance needed aligned with ASEAN’s strategic priorities,” Gepty said.

Gepty said the AEM Retreat serves as an important platform where economic ministers can meet in a more informal setting to exchange views and explore ways to strengthen economic cooperation in the region.

The Philippines is hosting the meeting under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” which highlights the importance of cooperation as ASEAN faces a complex global economic environment.

Gepty said that the country’s role as Chair provides an opportunity to help shape the region’s economic agenda and promote a more resilient, innovative, and people-centered ASEAN.

“ASEAN Economic Ministers came together to ensure that our region continues to move forward with unity, resilience, and stability. After all, in the words of our President, ‘ASEAN is our ship’,” Gepty said, quoting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the Chairship handover in Malaysia last year.

Under President Marcos’ leadership, the Philippines is hosting the ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings this year, with priorities that include economic resilience, regional development, maritime cooperation, digital economy integration, supply chain resilience, and sustainable growth, among others. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has brought more than 2,000 job opportunities to Filipinos following his recent working visit to New York City, as a U.S. medical equipment manufacturer plans to establish a production facility in the Philippines.

During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the planned investment is a result of President Marcos’s productive and historic working visit to New York City.

“Mahigit sa dalawang libong job opportunities ang bitbit ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Sa kanilang pagbabalik sa Pilipinas matapos ang kaniyang working visit sa Estados Unidos,” Castro said.

According to Castro, the President shared that the U.S. Medical Glove Company (USMGC) plans to build a manufacturing plant in the Philippines to produce essential medical supplies locally.

The company’s initial investment is expected to reach $200 million, and it plans to hire more than 2,000 Filipino workers.

Castro added that President Marcos also said that once production at the plant improves, the company will explore the possibility of exporting medical supplies and expanding its operations in the Philippines.

“Dagdag pa ni Pangulong Marcos, sa oras na gumanda na ang produksyon sa planta ay tinitignan din ng kumpanya ang posibilidad na mag-export ng mga medical supplies at mag-expand ng operations sa Pilipinas,” Castro said. PND

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will begin distributing PhP5,000 financial aid to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers directly affected by rising fuel prices amid the Middle East crisis, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive.

During a press briefing at Malacañan Palace, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the financial assistance will be distributed starting next Tuesday, initially to tricycle drivers in Metro Manila.

“Tulad ng nasabi ni Secretary Banoy (Giovanni Lopez) na ang direktiba ng ating Pangulo ay gamitin ang lahat ng mga programa ng DSWD para maprotektahan natin ang mga mahihirap, marginalized, the poor and the vulnerable,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian said the DSWD’s 2026 budget includes more than PhP60 billion, with PhP30 billion already on standby and available for immediate use during a crisis.

“So, naka-standby na iyong 30 billion, handang-handa na ang DSWD, nakakasa na rin ang mga mayor and this is a whole-of-government approach,” said Gatchalian. “Sa punto na ‘to, hindi na lang kasi sila public utility drivers kung hindi maituturing na natin silang mga individual in crisis situation dahil apektado na ang kanilang mga hanapbuhay – at diyan papasok ang AICS or the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program ng DSWD.”

Gatchalian said drivers of other PUVs, such as jeepneys, taxis, UV Express, buses, and TNVS, as well as all those affected by the increase in fuel prices, are considered individuals in a crisis situation and will also receive the financial assistance.

The DSWD Secretary said during their meeting with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Metro Manila mayors that they have decided to start the distribution by Tuesday next week.

“Tulad ng direktiba ng Pangulo, hindi na ‘to tatagal – as soon as Tuesday, tuluy-tuloy na ho ‘tong aarangkada hanggang sa matapos namin,” said Gatchalian.

For his part, Lopez said President Marcos is aware of the challenges arising from the Middle East conflict.

“So, ang utos po sa atin ng ating Pangulo, huwag na natin hayaang mas lumala pa ang sitwasyon at kailangan ng whole-of-government approach dito,” said Lopez.

Lopez said the DOTr also has several programs to help out the transport sector, such as the fuel subsidy and the Service Contracting Program (SCP). The SCP is a government initiative that provides cash subsidies through payouts to affected public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers for contracting public transport services.

Lopez said the President had told them not to wait for the condition of breaching the $80 per barrel to start the financial assistance.

Lopez said the Chief Executive had already ordered them to begin implementing government subsidies and other assistance to ease the burden on vulnerable sectors.

“Although ang problema lang po dito, may mga kondisyon, mayroon po tayong sinasabi na kailangan ma-trigger muna iyong 80 dollars per barrel for one calendar month. At ang pinanggagalingan naman ng ating Pangulo, hindi na natin kailangang antayin pa ‘yan, kaya through the efforts of the President and the Executive Secretary, nakiusap na rin po kami sa DSWD, kay Secretary Rex,” Lopez said.

On the other hand, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, current National President of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), said their organization fully supports the program of President Marcos to ease the burden of those affected by the oil price increase, especially those in the public transport sector.

Other officials who attended the press briefing were Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged local chief executives nationwide to use their Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to ease the burden on vulnerable sectors affected by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The President issued the call as part of the national government’s proactive efforts to cushion the possible economic and social impact of the crisis, particularly on families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Under the instruction, local government units (LGUs) may use the LGSF to assist communities affected by international crises, including families of OFWs impacted by the Middle East conflict, through financial aid, social services, and emergency response programs.

The LGSF is a national government fund transferred to provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays to finance priority development programs and urgent local needs.

In the 2026 national budget, the LGSF allocation was about PhP57.88 billion to support projects and programs of LGUs nationwide.

The fund provides financial assistance and flexibility, enabling local governments to implement programs that address local economic and social concerns.

While the LGSF is usually used for development projects, LGUs may redirect or prioritize programs to help OFWs and their families affected by overseas conflicts.

Among the possible assistance programs are emergency financial aid for returning OFWs, financial support for families whose income was disrupted, and subsidies for displaced workers.

Metro Manila mayors, including Isko Moreno of Manila and Francis Zamora of San Juan, joined Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian in a press conference in Malacañang on Wednesday to discuss the government’s preparations.

Moreno thanked the President for increasing the LGSF allocation, saying the move will help local governments respond quickly to the needs of affected families.

Also present at the briefing were the mayors of Pasay, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela, Pateros, and Malabon.

Earlier, the Metro Manila mayors met with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to discuss the President’s directive and prepare for the possible impact of the Middle East crisis on the transport sector and other local services. | PND