President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined Filipino Catholics in  celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

In his message, President Marcos cited the observance as one of the “greatest reflections of the depth of Filipino devotion.”

“As thousands walk barefoot in prayer and sacrifice, we are reminded that no burden is too heavy when carried with faith,” the President said.

“May this day inspire us to care for one another and hold firm in the belief that our better days are ahead,” he added. | PND

Reinforcing the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Filipino seafarers, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers on Wednesday, three months after the law’s enactment.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan signed the IRR.

In his speech, President Marcos highlighted key features of the IRR, including the establishment of One-Stop Shop Centers for Seafarers and provisions ensuring fair medical treatment and access to free legal representation.

“Para sa mga kababaihan sa maritime industry, ang IRR na ito ay ilan lamang sa mga paraan para kayo ay maprotektahan at mapahalagahan. Sinisiguro ng Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers at IRR nito ang inyong mga karapatan laban sa diskriminasyon at pananakot,” President Marcos said.

“Ang hakbang na ito ay hindi lamang nagbubukas ng pagkakataon sa industriya, ito rin ay sumasalamin sa ating dedikasyon sa mas progresibo at mas pantay na patakaran sa industriya ng maritime,” he added.

The President emphasized the IRR “envisions a well-prepared and competitive maritime workforce” by enhancing access to advanced training and requiring maritime education institutions to adopt cutting-edge facilities, equipping seafarers and cadets to compete globally.

“Beyond compliance with international standards, these efforts also secure the future of our seafarers in a rapidly evolving industry. These provisions are part of a holistic framework designed to uplift the lives of Filipino seafarers and their families,” he added.

President Marcos urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the MARINA, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the DMW and other relevant agencies to ensure the immediate implementation of the IRR.

The Chief Executive also urged strict compliance among stakeholders, assist seafarers in maximizing the law’s benefits, and guarantee that every provision of the Magna Carta and its IRR serves as a reliable safeguard for seafarers.

President Marcos reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the continued safety and welfare of Filipino seafarers. |PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on various concerned agencies to ensure the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers provide robust and reliable support for Filipino seafarers.

President Marcos made the call during the Ceremonial Signing of the IRR of Republic Act No. 12021 in Malacañang.

“To the DOTr, MARINA, DOLE, DMW, and other concerned agencies, please ensure the immediate issuance of all remaining guidelines relative to the implementation of this IRR and the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,” the President said.

“Monitor its strict compliance by all stakeholders, and assist our seafarers to maximize the benefits that it provides,” he added.

“Let us ensure that every provision of this law and its IRR are not just words that appear on paper but a bulwark that our seafarers can rely on,” he added.

The IRR was designed to enhance the welfare and protect the rights of all Filipino seafarers, who are vital to the global maritime industry and the Philippine economy.

Its provisions include employment standards, social protection, health and safety, skills training, and family support to improve quality of life.

The law also safeguards Filipino seafarers by preventing exploitation, offering legal assistance, and improving regulations to guarantee that each of them will be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, both at home and overseas.

“Para sa mga kababaihan sa maritime industry, ang IRR na ito ay ilan lamang sa mga paraan para kayo ay maprotektahan at mapahalagahan. Sinisiguro ng Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers at IRR nito ang inyong mga karapatan laban sa diskriminasyon at pananakot,” the President said.

“Ang hakbang na ito ay hindi lamang nagbubukas ng pagkakataon sa industriya, ito rin ay sumasalamin sa ating dedikasyon sa mas progresibo at mas pantay na patakaran sa industriya ng maritime,” he added.

Among also the features of the IRR is the establishment of One-Stop Shop Centers for Seafarers aimed at simplifying processes to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles.

Before concluding his speech, the President acknowledged the big contribution of seafarers in giving honor to the country.

“Sa ating mga marino: Saan mang dako kayo ng mundo, patuloy ninyong binibigyan ng karangalan ang ating bansa dahil sa taglay ninyong kasipagan, kahusayan, at katatagan.”

“Kaya naman, sa bawat paglalayag, sa bawat paglalakbay ninyo, kami po ay nasa likod ninyo, naglilingkod upang higit na maitaguyod ang inyong seguridad, dignidad, at karapatan.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos on Wednesday honored ‘The Voice’ USA Season 26 Grand Champion Sofronio Vasquez for bringing pride to the country.

The historic win made Vasquez the first Filipino and Asian to claim the prestigious title.

“Thank you sa iyo dahil pinasikat mo naman ‘yung Pilipino. Sikat na naman tayo dahil sa ginawa mo,” the Chief Executive told the Filipino champion during the latter’s courtesy call in Malacanang.

The First Lady recognized the prolific singer’s feat. “You made us proud,” she told Velasquez.

During the visit, Vasquez serenaded the President and the First Lady with their favorite song, “Imagine” by The Beatles, and his winning rendition of “A Million Dreams.”

President Marcos’ sister Irene was also present during the courtesy call along with Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Gracia Frasco, and other officials.

Vasquez was joined by his family during the courtesy call.

President Marcos also lauded Vasquez for his generosity and humility.

“You’re so generous. Hindi ka nang-aagaw ng eksena. It’s all about the music, it’s not about you. You’re humble. It’s not about making pasikat, it’s about making the music sound good,” he said.

The President was referring to Vasquez’s performances.

Vasquez, a 33-year-old Doctor of Dental Medicine graduate from Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, thanked the First Couple for the recognition. “Laking tulong po talaga ng recognition,” Vasquez told the First Couple. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered a holistic approach in addressing flood problems in the country, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Wednesday.

“Utos ni Presidente that we have to address actually ‘yung mga flood control projects natin,” DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said in an interview.

“That they (projects) should be resilient and implemented holistically kasi alam naman natin na engineering solution is just the one of the components to address ngayon itong mga flood mitigation problems because of the climate change phenomenon,” he added.

According to Bonoan, they are planning to create three dams in the mountains of Sierra Madre to confine flood waters and regulate its flow to protect Metro Manila from flashfloods.

“Dito sa Metro Manila, dapat siguro tingnan kung pwede nating magawan ng mga infrastructure facilities that will impound water in the watershed,” Bonoan said.

Bonoan said they will continue pursuing the Pasig-Marikina Flood Control Program.

Further, Bonoan said they are currently rehabilitating about 37 regional pumping stations in the country, 15 of which have been completed, while the rest “may be completed within the year.”

“These pumping stations have been there long time ago and kailangan natin ma-increase ‘yung carrying capacity nila, ‘yung pumping capacity,” he said.

Aside from these, Bonoan also mentioned the need to address various environmental issues like proper waste management. | PND

Upon the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the government is undertaking major infrastructure projects this year, including the complete rehabilitation of EDSA, the country’s busiest thoroughfare.

This was revealed by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan during an interview on PTV’s Bagong Pilipinas on Wednesday.

Bonoan said improving the riding quality in EDSA is among the priority projects of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Ang gusto ni Presidente dapat we have to improve actually ‘yung riding quality of EDSA. We will rehabilitate the entire EDSA starting 2025,” Bonoan said.

“Kasi sa ngayon dumaan ka sa EDSA kung minsan nahihirapan kang mag-text sa kakakalbog ng sasakyan. So, I think it’s about time that we need to rehabilitate EDSA once and for all,” he added.

EDSA is one of the busiest thoroughfares in Metro Manila, widely known for its traffic congestion.

The rehabilitation project aims to address long-standing issues with the highway and enhance the overall commuting experience for millions of Filipinos.

Bonoan said he expects the rehabilitation to be completed this year.

Aside from EDSA’s rehabilitation, Bonoan outlined other major infrastructure initiatives that are expected to be finished in 2025.

Among these is a game-changing bridge in Zamboanga Sibugay that will connect the Zamboanga Peninsula to Olutanga Island.

This project is expected to improve accessibility and boost economic activity in the region.

Two other bridges are currently under construction in Sulu, he said.

Another project expected to be completed this year is the Central Luzon Expressway (CLLEX), which will connect Tarlac to Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.

“This is I think about 30 or 40 kilometers na expressway along that corridor para hindi na iikot ‘yung from Tarlac going to Nueva Ecija. Ito na ‘yung expressway. So matatapos din ‘yan this year,” he said.

These initiatives form part of the administration’s broader efforts to invest in infrastructure, according to Bonoan.

Bonoan expressed optimism that these developments would stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life for Filipinos nationwide. | PND

The Marcos administration’s multifaceted approach to strengthen the Philippine labor market paid off as unemployment and underemployment figures dropped in November last year.

According to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the labor market continues to be robust as indicated by the improved employment numbers.

“Our labor market remains robust, with consistently high employment rates and reduced underemployment. The next step is to expand business and employment opportunities to enable more Filipinos to actively and productively contribute to the economy,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said.

“Moreover, we will encourage business upgrading and skills training programs to ensure that these jobs offer competitive wages as our workers raise their productivity by developing their human capital,” he added.

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) latest Labor Force Survey report, the country’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.2 percent in November 2024. This is lower than 3.6 percent reported in the same month last year.

The report also showed a decline in the underemployment rate to 10.8 percent in November 2024 from 11.7 percent in November 2023, “indicating better job quality and fewer workers seeking additional work hours or jobs.”

According to Balisacan, the government remains committed to achieving its employment targets under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, having a multifaceted approach in place to ensure an efficient labor market.

Among these is the effort to facilitate the adoption of “alternative work arrangements to account for workers’ evolving preferences while considering organizations’ emerging demands.”

This goes alongside the implementation of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act and the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, which helps the country’s industries to generate employment, and equip the workforce with relevant skills, he said.

Balisacan said NEDA will be releasing the 2024 Philippine Development Report this month.

This will “guide the government’s efforts “with evidence-based strategies to create quality jobs and sustain economic growth,” he said. | PND

The Department of Budget Management (DBM) has tapped the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and key local media organizations to enhance communication efforts and promote the principles of the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

Aside from the PCO, the DBM also established strategic partnerships with the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, Inquirer Interactive Inc., DZRH Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), and Digital Out-of-Home Philippines (DOOH PH).

According to DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the move is in preparation for the Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) organized by the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP).

“Since President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. appointed me to lead the DBM, aligning our national fiscal policies with the principles of open government has been one of our foremost advocacies,” she said.

“Sa Bagong Pilipinas, gusto ng ating mahal na Pangulo na pagbutihin pa ang trabaho ng gobyerno para mas maayos at mas mabuting mapagsilbihan ang bawat Pilipino. Ang sagot sa hamong ito ay open governance,” she added.

The official emphasized the critical role of the media, describing them as “co-architects” in the mission to expand the reach of open government principles.

“You [the media] ensure these principles are not confined to closed rooms but are broadcast across various mediums, reaching every corner of our region. Through your lenses, through your words, we connect with the public, garner support, and most importantly, ensure accountability,” she said.

The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place at the DBM Central Office, Boncodin Hall, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusive governance.

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. (SMAC) has been designated as the official transportation service provider for the OGP-APRM, ensuring seamless mobility for delegates of the APRM.

Present during the event were senior officials from each partner organization. They were PCO Senior Undersecretary Emerald Anne R. Ridao, Manila Bulletin Publisher and EVP Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., Inquirer Interactive Inc. COO Imelda C. Alcantara, DZRH MBC VP for AM Operations Atty. Rudolph Steve E. Jularbal, DOOH PH CEO Alvin M. Carranza, and SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. (BMW Philippines) President Spencer Yu.

The upcoming OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting is scheduled for February 5-7, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel. It marks the first major regional OGP meeting in the Philippines since 2017.

The occasion will gather high-level government representatives, civil society leaders, policymakers, and global and regional partners. It aims to serve as a dynamic platform for exchanging best practices and experiences, thereby enhancing open government initiatives across the region.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista assured Tuesday that the implementation of the government’s flagship projects to boost the country’s transportation sector is “still on time”.

He made the remark in a Malacañang briefing when asked on how project implementation delays are being addressed.

“Well, as we have discussed, may mga resolution naman so we are expecting that even with all these problems, we should be able to implement the projects still on time,” Bautista said.

“Yun ang objective talaga namin — to be able to implement this project on the newly established timetable,” he added.

According to Bautista, one of their biggest problems is the issue on “right-of-way” (ROW).

To resolve this issue, Bautista said they were ordered by the President to “coordinate with all government agencies.”

Bautista cited the inter-agency committee created under Administrative Order No. 19 issued by the President last year.

The body is called Inter-Agency Committee for ROW Activities for National Railway Projects.

This is composed of DOTr, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Solicitor General.

“[I]sa sa mga pinakamalaking problem ng infrastructure implementation right-of-way. Sa pamamagitan nang pagtutulungan ng lahat ng mga departments, we should be able to resolve these issues,” Bautista said.

Most of the projects being implemented started during the previous administrations when issues already existed and needed resolutions. | PND