President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday signed an order authorizing the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) to issue Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) to amnesty applicants.

During the ceremonial signing of the memorandum order in Camp BGen. Gonzalo H. Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, the President ordered concerned government agencies to support the administration’s peace and reconciliation efforts.

The SCP will allow applicants to access the government’s amnesty program without fear of being arrested. The document will ensure their safety and security as they wait for the result of their application.

Issued by the NAC to an applicant not under detention, the SCP guarantees his or her safe passage and freedom from warrantless arrest and seizure for crimes and offenses covered by amnesty proclamations.

“Ang paglagda natin ngayon ng Memorandum Order ay patunay na handa ang inyong pamahalaan na mag-abot ng kamay sa sinumang nagnanais magbalik-loob sa batas [at sa] ating lipunan,” President Marcos said.

“Ngayong araw na ito, nais kong iparating sa inyo: Bukas po ang aming pinto. Kung taos-puso ang inyong pagbabago, handa ang pamahalaan na makinig, umalalay, at sumuporta sa inyong pagbabalik-loob,” he said.

Following the signing, President Marcos said he expects the NAC, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other agencies to help advance the government’s peace initiatives.

The President said the agencies will serve as a bridge to attain peace and to strengthen the country by enticing rebels to return to the fold of the law. He also wants the safe conduct passes recognized.

The NAC said the signing of the “Memorandum Order Authorizing the National Amnesty Commission to Issue Safe Conduct Passes in Favor of Amnesty Applicants” shows the administration’s commitment to advance healing and reconciliation to former rebels.

President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 47 in November 2023, amending Executive Order No. 125, series of 2021, or the Creation of the National Amnesty to cover the processing of the applications for amnesty under Proclamations 403, 404, 405 and 406. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnessed on Thursday the signing of a historic Joint Memorandum Circular aligning the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT) with the Teacher Education Curriculum of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to improve education quality.

“The landmark reform embodies our commitment to ensuring that every Filipino teacher is equipped with the skills and tools needed to teach with depth, with clarity, and with purpose. It is a vital step towards raising the quality of education for our present and, most importantly, our future generations,” President Marcos said during the ceremonial signing of the JMC in Malacañan Palace.

The JMC was signed by CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera with Charito Zamora, Chairperson of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).

The JMC is a collaborative effort between the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and CHED to ensure the licensure examinations reflect the actual competencies needed in the present-day classrooms, ranging from early childhood and special needs education to high school-level subject specializations.

The President said one of the reform’s key features is “differentiation,” which means “licensure examinations for aspiring teachers will be conducted separately depending upon the field that they are practicing.”

Elementary education specializations now include Early Childhood Education and Special Needs Education, in line with Republic Act No. 11650 mandating support for children with disabilities.

“Sa pagbabagong ating ipapatupad, mas maiaangkop natin ang edukasyon sa pangangailangan ng bawat mag-aaral, lalo na sa mga mayroong tinatawag na special needs… Because real progress means leaving no one behind,” the President said.

For secondary education, the specializations include English; Filipino; Mathematics; Science; Social Studies; Values Education; Technology and Livelihood Education; Technical-Vocational Teacher Education; Physical Education; and Culture and Arts Education.

The President said the revised structure of the BLEPT will now also consist of three core components, such as professional education, general education, and the examinee’s chosen field of specialization.

He said the reform will address the gaps in the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994. He acknowledged the low passing rates, with only 36.33 percent for elementary level and 43.57 percent for secondary level from 2014 to 2024.

“Through this Joint Circular, we are making that process more than just relevant, more responsive to every single examinee,” he said.

The President said the JMC will give education graduates a good chance, “because what they learn should prepare them for the test that they are meant to take and the classrooms they are meant to lead.”

He said the reform will be gradually implemented starting September 2025 to give educational institutions and teachers ample time to prepare.

“While we await the full passage of the amendatory law, we will continue to build on this system that produces better teachers—well-equipped to teach, and in doing so, uplift countless generations of Filipino learners,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered all concerned government agencies to speed up the release of financial assistance for families of soldiers who were killed in action, killed in police operation, and other uniformed services who have risked their lives in performing their duties.

During the event called “Paggunita sa Mga Bayani sa Araw ng Kagitingan: Comprehensive Social Benefits Program” held at Camp Aquinaldo on Wednesday, the President was joined by at least 62 families of fallen soldiers and members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

Each of the 62 families is expected to receive a total of PhP500,000, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Office of the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (DILG – CSBP).

*The Special Financial Assistance and Socio-Civic Project Funds (SCPF) from the Office of the President will also give additional assistance to beneficiaries.*

For family members of those killed in action, the DILG – CSBP said they will be given livelihood training to help them set up small businesses. It said beneficiaries can use the second tranche amounting to PhP250,000, of the total PhP500,000 financial assistance, as seed capital.

Meanwhile, for soldiers and policemen wounded in action, the DILG – CSBP said each of them will be given PhP100,000. For those who cannot return to work or have severe wounds, they will be given a total of P250,000 each.

However, the DILG said they have no final and consolidated data yet on the total number of beneficiaries.

In the same event, the President also announced that the families of fallen soldiers and CAFGU will be given housing certificates from the National Housing Authority (NHA).

“Kung tayo ay nagbibigay ng dangal sa ating mga nasawi na mga kasama … kailangan ay ang ating pangako sa kanila, at lagi natin sinasabi kahit ano pang mangyari, ang inyong mga pamilya ay aalagaan natin. Hindi po namin pababayaan,” the President said.

“Kaya’t kayo, mga beneficiaries ng ating mga programa para sa mga pamilya ng mga nasawi habang sila’y nagseserbisyo sa bansa … ngayong araw na ito masasabi ko maibibigay na namin lahat ng hinihintay ninyo na napakatagal,” President Marcos said.

“Tinitiyak po natin na lahat po ng pamilya na nawalan ng mahal sa buhay ay mabigyan ng kanilang benepisyo sa pinakamadaling panahon at sisimulan po natin ngayong araw,” he said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday welcomed the deepening and vibrant diplomatic ties between the Philippines and France, emphasizing their foundation in shared values and adherence to international laws.

During a courtesy call by French Minister for Foreign Trade, International Financing, and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin in Malacañang, President Marcos expressed his gratitude for both the material and moral support extended by France to the Philippines.

“It is very encouraging for the Philippines to see that despite … the great distance between our two countries … the primacy of our shared values and our adherence to international law is something that is a common ground, that is very solid between France and the Philippines,” President Marcos said.

The President also thanked Saint-Martin for his visit to the Philippines.

For his part, Saint-Martin expressed his appreciation to the President and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation.

He also conveyed the warm greetings of French President Emmanuel Macron to the Philippine government and the Filipino people.

The Philippines and France have maintained formal diplomatic relations for 78 years since their establishment on June 26, 1947.

There are more than 31,000 Filipinos in France, majority of whom are domestic workers, professionals, students, artists, and spouses of French nationals.

The Philippines has signed various agreements with France, covering areas such as air services, cultural cooperation, defense cooperation, film collaboration, and development cooperation, among others. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday congratulated King Mohammed VI of Morocco on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Morocco.

In his letter to the King, President Marcos described the milestone as an opportunity for both countries to reflect on the achievements of the past five decades and to chart a path for future cooperation.

King Mohammed VI also sent a congratulatory letter to President Marcos underscoring the significance of the long-standing partnership between the two countries.

The King also emphasized how “the past five decades of Morocco-Philippines relations stand out as a model of bilateral ties rooted in mutual esteem and fruitful cooperation.”

The Philippines and Morocco formally established diplomatic relations on April 10, 1975.

In a move to bolster bilateral relations, Morocco opened its embassy in Manila in January 2017. The Philippines reopened its embassy in Rabat on December 27, 2019.

There are around 4,600 Filipinos residing and working in Morocco. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the celebration of Filipino Food Month and the opening of the DTI–Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair 2025.

During the event, the President hailed the country’s rich culinary traditions, hardworking food producers, and the growing digital innovation in the food and agriculture sector.

In his speech, President Marcos lauded the vibrant showcase of Filipino flavors and craftsmanship, expressing delight over the colorful and enticing food products exhibited at the fair.

The DTI–Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair 2025 is a central component of the government’s initiative to promote inclusive growth; empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs); and position the Philippines as a dynamic hub for food innovation and investment.

“Litaw na litaw ang mga kulay, at sasalubong sa iyo ang katakam-takam na amoy ng mga pagkaing Pinoy—na talaga naman ay malinamnam!” the President remarked while pointing to the various cuisines exhibited in the food fair.

As the nation observes the Filipino Food Month, the President highlighted the deeper cultural significance of Filipino cuisine as a reflection of national identity and heritage.

He encouraged Filipinos to take pride in their culinary traditions and to lead in celebrating the unique flavors that continue to gain global recognition.

“Marami na rin ang mga dayuhan na humahanga sa kakaibang sarap ng ating mga pagkain. Kaya sana tayong namang mga Pilipino mismo ay ang manguna sa pagkikilala sa iba’t-ibang putahe na gawa at lutong Pinoy,” he added.

More than a gastronomic showcase, the President said the fair serves as a platform to honor the talent, resilience, and creativity of Filipino farmers, food artisans, and entrepreneurs.

He also cited the regional delicacies from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, which the fair showcases as the best of Philippine culinary diversity and food innovation.

“From homemade jams, hand-crafted cheeses, delicious bites, sips, well-packaged cocoa bars—each of them represents the very heart and soul of Filipinos,” he said.

The President highlighted the fair as both a celebration of the country’s rich culinary heritage and a strategic invitation for investment in the nation’s vibrant and resilient food sector.

President Marcos urged both domestic and foreign investors to explore the country’s vibrant food and business landscape, stressing the Philippine market is open for inclusive and sustainable growth. He also urged all Filipinos to continue championing local products.

“Let this event also serve as an open invitation to more potential investors—both Filipinos and foreigners alike—to take part in the opportunities that the Philippines markets offer,” President Marcos said.

“Let us continue to champion our homegrown products, elevate them to new heights, and embrace the brilliance of Filipino craftsmanship and ingenuity. Patuloy nating tangkilikin ang sariling atin. Palakasin pa natin ang industriyang Pilipino,” he added.

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos joined President Marcos at the event, accompanied by their son, William Vincent Marcos. Also in attendance was Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, who proudly showcased Kapampangan products and culinary specialties.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, Department of Tourism (DOT)  Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go were likewise present to support the event.

The First Family and key officials sampled a variety of dishes from Kapampangan cuisine, celebrating the rich flavors and traditions that the region is known for. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday praised the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for its pioneering efforts to boost digital innovation and economic inclusion through its Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace.

The Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace is a business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform for “Proudly Filipino” products and services.

It was launched to support product development and the adoption of advanced technologies, particularly in food manufacturing and other key sectors.

Speaking at the DTI–Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair 2025, President Marcos hailed the platform as a major step forward in the country’s digital transformation and a powerful tool to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“I would of course acknowledge the efforts of the DTI  for introducing the DTI Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace platform,” the President said.

“It is an initiative set to become a robust business-to-business e-commerce platform that will highlight the products and services that are Proudly Filipino,” he added.

The President underscored the platform’s capacity to provide MSMEs with a digital space where they can showcase their offerings and enable them to be more visible and competitive in a broader market.

“The platform will empower our MSMEs by providing them a space where their products can be seen, recognized, and valued by a wider market,” he said.

Highlighting the impact of every online purchase made through the platform, President Marcos said Filipinos are not only supporting small businesses, but also helping turn dreams into reality.

“With every online order that is placed, we are not only supporting the local products and services of our MSMEs, we are helping our Filipino entrepreneurs realize their dreams,” the President said.

“We are validating our local producers’ capability to create high-quality products worth every peso, every centavo, and can be marketed internationally.,” he added.

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos joined President Marcos at the event, accompanied by their son, William Vincent Marcos. Also in attendance was Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, who proudly showcased Kapampangan products and culinary specialties.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, Department of Tourism (DOT)  Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go were likewise present to support the event.

The First Family and key officials sampled a variety of dishes from Kapampangan cuisine, celebrating the rich flavors and traditions that the region is known for. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday ordered all concerned government agencies to speed up the processing of benefits for members of uniformed services killed in action.

The President issued the order during the awarding of certificates from the National Housing Authority (NHA) and financial assistance to the families of fallen soldiers and members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU). The event also marked the Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“Tamang-tama po ang nangyari po rito dahil noong naghahanda po kami para dito sa paggunita ng Araw ng Kagitingan ay nasama po sa usapan at ika ko ay dapat naman ay kung tayo ay nagbibigay ng dangal sa ating mga nasawi na mga kasama ay kailangan ay ang ating pangako sa kanila at lagi natin sinasabi kahit ano pang mangyari ang inyong mga pamilya ay aalagaan natin, hindi po namin pababayaan.,” the President said.

During the event, the President noted the complaints of some beneficiaries that the process was taking too long and complicated.

However, the President said the government will improve the process in order for the family members to receive their benefits immediately.

“Kaya’t kayo mga beneficiaries ng ating mga programa para sa mga pamilya ng mga nasawi habang sila’y nagseserbisyo sa bansa ay ngayong araw na ito masasabi ko maibibigay na namin lahat ng hinihintay ninyo na napakatagal,” President Marcos said.

“Tinitiyak po natin na lahat po ng mga – lahat ng pamilya na nawalan ng mahal sa buhay ay mabigyan ng kanilang benepisyo sa pinakamadaling panahon at sisimulan po natin ngayong araw,” he said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the 83rd anniversary rites of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), hoping the painful lessons of World War II should be learned to attain and maintain peace.

Speaking at Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan, the President said the event is a celebration of the lessons that have been learned “through this very terrible hardship and very terrible experience.”

“The lessons that we learned are – that the solution to war is not more war, and that the solution to war is only peace. And honorable peace that is arrived at by the different parties involved and having a hand and a voice in achieving that peace,” he said.

“Peace cannot be attained by one person, by one country alone. And that we have to bring together all the parties that are involved. These are the lessons that we hope to have learned,” the President said.

President Marcos expressed his disappointment in seeing that in some parts of the world and many countries have yet to learn the lessons from the Second World War. He added he hopes there will be peace soon.

The President said that among the lessons learned from WWII is that not only valor, bravery, courage and sacrifice are demonstrated by those who fought in battles, but they continue to be demonstrated by all the little heroic deeds of the people during crisis.

“We continue to believe in the courage of every single Filipino, not only our servicemen, not only those who fought as a regulars, but also our civilians who made their own sacrifices. Because after all, as is has been said they too serve who sit and wait,” the President said.

He said the event is also a celebration of the heroism of all those who fought in Bataan, as well as the hard-earned peace gained through the blood and the sacrifice of all the servicemen, not just Filipinos and Americans, but also those who fought bravely for their countries.

At the same time, the commemoration is a celebration of the country’s future, keeping in mind the lessons from the past, the President said.

This year’s Araw ng Kagitingan theme is “Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. rallied Filipinos on Wednesday to follow the example of World War II heroes by advancing causes that improve Filipinos’ lives.

“In honoring our forebears, may we recognize that valor is not solely about strength and resolve in the face of adversity but also about small acts of compassion, generosity, and kindness that create meaningful ripples of positive change in our communities,” President Marcos said in his Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) message.

“As we face our challenges, may we follow their example by advancing causes that improve the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” the President said.

Through acts of genuine service and self-sacrifice to the nation, Filipinos can prove they are the rightful heirs of their ancestors’ heroic legacy and the faithful successors of their struggle to build a strong, secure, and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas, he said.

According to the President, the remarkable story of World War II heroes continues to inspire Filipinos as they continue to protect the nation and build a country worthy of their sacrifice.

The President said Wednesday’s event is a celebration of the valiant heroes who defended Bataan and all Filipinos who showed unwavering courage and patriotism during the Second World War. | PND