President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday outlined government preparations for the strong El Niño weather disturbance, focusing on securing hospital supplies, protecting food and water supplies, supporting farmers, and ensuring students can continue learning amid extreme heat and drought.

In a media interview in Singapore, the President said the El Niño Task Force began meetings to discuss ongoing government preparations.

President Marcos said his initial order is to secure electricity and medical supplies in the country’s hospitals, and prepare the agriculture sector to ensure local food supply.

“We met with everyone involved. Inuna ko ‘yung hospital. That, to make sure that hospitals stay open, they have their medical supplies, they have the appropriate supplies for what they anticipate will be the diseases that will come out of a very, very dry season,” said the President on the medical facilities.

“The next is to go to agri. Well, agri, we’re okay for our rice supply. We’re all right…we’re starting… harvest season now. Our harvest is good. Hindi na matatamaan ng El Niño. So, okay na tayo for that. It’s the next season that we need to be thinking about,” President Marcos added.

The President emphasized that the government is also working to manage water supplies, including discussions on collecting every possible drop of water.

“So, our dams, even the households – I’ll get to that later, but part of the response is a public service response that we will explain to people what’s happening,” the President said, advising people to secure water containers for water collection.

“Tuturuan namin kayo – we’ll give you how to fill – ‘yung gamot para maging malinis. We’ll give you the filter. We’ll teach you how to do everything para hindi kayo magkasakit at maayos ang pag-treat ng tubig, pag-filter ng tubig. And it will be healthy even for little children. So that’s water supply,” President Marcos added.

The President said the government will also conduct cloud seeding to induce rainfall, with preparations underway, including scheduling operations and procuring the necessary materials.

On livelihood assistance for affected communities, President Marcos said the government would support farmers and provide them with the necessary training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The President added that the situation of schoolchildren in affected areas is also being discussed.

“Then, we started thinking also about the children going to school because baka naman mabawasan na naman ‘yung school days natin because of masyadong mainit at hindi makapasok ‘yung mga bata, or it’s too uncomfortable or even unhealthy,” the President told reporters.

“So, paano natin gagawin ‘yun? So, we’re trying to make sure that the alternative modes of teaching are available. But, find ways, as much as possible, to do face-to-face because we talked about it for a long time, iba talaga ‘yung face-to-face kaysa sa remote,” President Marcos added.

The Chief Executive also said he asked agencies to submit a detailed action plan and schedule.

These involve the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). | PND

“The Philippines is doing everything right.”

Thus said FedEx Airline and International President and CEO Richard W. Smith during a meet and greet in Singapore on the sidelines of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s attendance at the Forbes Global CEO Conference.

FedEx Corporation (FedEx) top officials expressed gratitude to President Marcos for the Philippine government’s support as the two sides discussed the company’s rapid growth in the Philippines, now with close to 40 flights a week, and the country’s bid to become a regional logistics hub.

FedEx operates two main facilities in the Philippines that include the Clark Gateway Hub in Pampanga and the Manila Gateway in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.

Originally opened in 2021 as a 17,000-square-meter facility at Clark International Airport, the Clark Hub serves as a central clearing and routing hub for international air freight in and out of the Philippines.

FedEx broke ground in May 2026 on a massive expansion project to scale the facility up to over 78,000 square meters, dramatically boosting its sorting capacity, package handling speed, and cold-chain/specialized freight handling for high-value exports.

The expanded facility, more than four times the size of the original, is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2028. It will significantly increase capacity for international air freight and specialized cargo and help Philippine MSMEs reach global markets. Smith added that FedEx may need to expand again soon after if current growth continues.

Beyond physical package handling, FedEx operates an APAC Trade Facilitation Center within Clark, a regional unit processing administrative tasks, customs clearance documentation, data management, and profile matching for key Asia Pacific markets.

On November 15, 2023, at the sidelines of the President’s participation in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in San Francisco, USA, the President met with FedEx leadership to discuss the company’s proposed US$180-million “Clark 2.0” expansion plan aimed at positioning the Philippines as an international logistics hub.

FedEx Corporation is a U.S.-headquartered firm with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services. Its Asia Pacific headquarters is in Singapore, with business units on supply chain management, customs brokerage services, trade facilitation, and electronic commerce solutions.

Operating an extensive air and ground network across more than 220 countries and territories, FedEx employs over 500,000 team members globally. | PND

The Philippine Embassy in Singapore is now serving more people after the Marcos administration completed the construction of a new and larger building, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Macaraig said on Wednesday.

Macaraig said consular services have monitored an increase in capacity for Filipinos, including passport appointment slots, as well as services provided by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), PhilHealth, and the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“Mas marami nang slots ang passport ngayon kaysa sa dati dahil mas nakapagdagdag kami ng lugar. Hindi kamukha dati talagang kung ano lang ‘yung kayang ilagay, iyon lang ang sineserbisyo namin,” Macaraig said in a press briefing.

Macaraig also noted that the embassy maintains continuous coordination with various agencies to bring their services closer to the Filipino community in Singapore.

Additionally, the ambassador proudly highlighted the recent awarding of the SG Mark for Excellence in Design to the newly constructed Philippine Embassy.

The ambassador said the building was featured in Monocle Magazine in April 2026 as one of only eight buildings selected from thousands of candidates for best foreign embassies for its “Good Embassies Guide.”

Singapore is home to an estimated 220,000 Filipinos who contribute significantly to the local economy and bilateral ties, Macaraig said, citing information from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

In terms of remittances, Filipinos in Singapore ranked number two, next to the US, said the ambassador, citing Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas records.

“Sapagkat ang make-up dito ng mga OFWs are about… more than 60 percent are professionals. Kaya sila ang talagang malaki pong naiko-contribute sa ekonomiya ng Singapore at of course ng ating bansa,” he added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to arrive in Singapore Wednesday evening to attend various events. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Tuesday highlighted the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Poland, expressing optimism that the latter’s historic visit would bring the two countries and their peoples closer together.

During a state banquet at Malacañan Palace in honor of the visiting head of state and his wife, First Lady Marta Nawrocka, President Marcos said Philippine-Poland relations have steadily grown since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties more than five decades ago.

“Though separated by geography, our two nations share deep cultural links anchored in the same core values and in our Catholic faith,” President Marcos said in his toast remarks.

The President said President Nawrocki’s presence in Manila reflects the importance both countries place on their partnership and could pave the way for further cooperation.

“I am confident that your visit will open up new opportunities for cooperation and bring our peoples even closer together,” President Marcos said.

For his part, President Nawrocki, who is the first Polish President to visit the Philippines, thanked President Marcos for the invitation and the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation.

“I have to admit that after only a short time here, I already feel very much at home. We all feel at home here in Manila,” President Nawrocki said.

The Polish leader said that despite the thousands of kilometers separating the two countries, their shared history, faith and friendship have helped bring their peoples closer.

He recalled the long-standing connections between the two countries, including the presence of Polish missionaries in the Philippines and the visits of Pope Saint John Paul II to the country in 1981 and 1995.

President Nawrocki said his discussions with President Marcos showed many areas where the Philippines and Poland share common ground and could further work together.

“Our conversations today have shown how much we already have in common and how much more we can do together,” he said.

He also described the Philippines as an important partner of Poland in the region and expressed appreciation for the country’s friendship.

The Polish President likewise invited President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to visit Warsaw.

“I look forward to welcoming you to Warsaw, and I hope that when you come you will feel as welcome as we have felt here in Manila,” President Nawrocki said.

“The distance between our countries is considerable, although after today I am beginning to think that our countries are much closer than our maps suggest,” he added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Polish President Karol Nawrocki discussed ways to deepen cooperation between the Philippines and Poland in key areas during their bilateral meeting at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.

President Nawrocki is undertaking a historic State Visit in the Philippines October 5 to 8, the first-ever visit of a Polish president since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations on September 22, 1973.

“Your visit marks a significant milestone in the long-standing friendship between the Philippines and Poland,” President Marcos said in his opening remarks.

The President noted that relations between Manila and Warsaw have gained significant momentum over the past decade, with cooperation expanding in such areas as security and defense, trade and investment, science and technology, food security, tourism, academic and cultural exchanges. He also said the two countries continue to work together in regional and multilateral fora in support of the rule of law in international relations.

“In our meeting today, we look forward to discussing the priority areas for partnership between our two countries, as well as opportunities to contribute to stronger cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia towards advancing our shared goals,” President Marcos said.

For his part, President Nawrocki stressed that Poland and the Philippines have a solid foundation to elevate their relationship toward a strategic partnership.

“One of the things that brings our societies together, as we mentioned during our discussion, is our Catholic heritage and the values it has shaped,” President Nawrocki said.

“Our peoples share a strong attachment to family, hard work, friendship, community, and solidarity. These shared values provide an important foundation for mutual understanding,” he added.

President Nawrocki said both countries recognize the importance of sovereignty, security, resilient economies, safe trade, secure maritime routes, and an international order based on respect for international law.

“I believe that Poland and the Philippines can work more closely together to strengthen security and stability both in Europe and in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

President Nawrocki also highlighted the Philippines’ role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year and described the country as an important gateway to Southeast Asia.

Poland acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia last July under the Philippines’ Chairship.

“My visit is a strong political signal of Poland’s commitment to developing our relations bilaterally and regionally,” President Nawrocki said.

President Nawrocki expressed confidence that the discussions would result in concrete projects and deeper cooperation between the two countries.

President Nawrocki also invited President Marcos to visit Poland as both leaders expressed their commitment to further strengthening Philippines-Poland relations.

Aside from his visit to Malacañang, the Polish leader is also scheduled to open the fifth Poland-Philippines IT Business Summit on October 7, which will bring together Filipino and Polish companies and focus on cooperation in new technologies, smart cities, mobility, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday received Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who is undertaking a historic State Visit to the Philippines.

President Nawrocki and First Lady Marta Nawrocka began their official engagements with a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of Dr. Jose P. Rizal at his monument in Rizal Park, followed by arrival honors and a welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang.

Talks between the two Presidents covered priority areas for cooperation, such as defense and security, trade and investment, agriculture, science and technology, ICT, legal cooperation, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

President Nawrocki is the first Polish Head of State to undertake a State Visit to the Philippines. The visit builds on recent progress in bilateral relations, following the inaugural meeting of the Philippines-Poland Joint Defense Cooperation Committee in Warsaw in July 2026, and the 7th Philippines-Poland Political Consultations in Manila in September 2026.

Since the Philippines and the Republic of Poland formally established diplomatic relations on September 22, 1973, the two countries have seen a revitalization of ties over the past decade.

In 2025, Poland ranked as the 28th largest trading partner of the Philippines, with total trade reaching 533.98 million. Philippines exports include hearing aids, storage units, integrated circuits, and input/output units, while imports from Poland consist of cuts and offal of fowls, milk and cream products, and kraft liners.

Polish foreign direct investments (FDI) to the Philippines amounted to USD 120,000 in the same year. Priority sectors for investment promotion to Poland include renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency, RE infrastructure equipment manufacturing, IT-BPM, and infrastructure development.

The Philippines also recorded 21,311 tourist arrivals from Poland, up from 15,555 in 2024. The Philippine Embassy in Warsaw estimates that 21,000 to 25,000 Filipinos are currently working in Poland. Their remittances amounted to USD 2.43 million in 2025. | PND

The Palace urged the public to take extra care and help prevent forest fires as the country prepares for the possible effects of El Niño.

In a Palace press briefing, Civil Defense Undersecretary Harold Cabreros said the government is closely monitoring the possible effects of extreme heat, including the increased risk of forest fires.

“One of which, ang nakikita natin ay magkakaroon ng increase ng forest fires,” Cabreros said.

Cabreros urged the public to cooperate with government efforts and take simple steps to help prevent fires, especially as the country enters the dry season.

“Likewise, we just want to encourage everyone, as mentioned a while ago, to please cooperate at makipagtulungan po sa ating mga water, energy conservation and of course, sa ating mga pangkabuhayan,” the official said.

Cabreros added that forest fires could also affect forests and agriculture, making public cooperation important in preventing and responding to such incidents.

The official reminded households to be extra careful as extreme heat may increase the risk of fires.

“So iyon po ang isang titingnan natin iyong mga cascading effects ng El Niño. Aside from iyong sa health concerns, sa ating mga food and, of course, energy, but also sa mga ganoong pangyayari katulad ng forest fires,” Cabreros explained.

The government continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with concerned agencies as it prepares for the possible impacts of El Niño. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday to develop a work plan based on the estimated effects of the El Niño phenomenon on farmers and fisherfolk, and the interventions that can be extended to them, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

President Marcos met with various government agencies in Malacañang for updates and preparations for the El Niño phenomenon, which started this October and could last until March 2027.

In a Palace press briefing, Tiu-Laurel said the discussion included the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its programs to be brought to the agriculture sector.

“Mayroon ding mga programa ang DSWD para doon sa mga lugar na hindi talaga makatanim,” said Tiu-Laurel.

“Pero doon sa mga lugar naman na makakatanim, mayroon tayong fuel subsidy na ibibigay to help them, [such as] additional fertilizer subsidy, transport subsidy, at, of course, iyong binhi na kailangan nila among others,” added Tiu-Laurel.

The DA chief added that the President wants the agency to conduct regular meetings to thresh out the details of government interventions for the sector.

Tiu-Laurel encouraged farmers in irrigated areas to continue with their planting intention, as he promised continued support to ensure good production despite the dry spell.

“Sa mga mangingisda, nandiyan din kami para suportahan kayo sa fuel, pati sa mga solar na inyong kailangan sa transport in this coming months. So, ipagpatuloy lang natin at nandiyan kami, nasa likod ninyo,” he said.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said the impact of El Niño has already begun, emerging from August to October, and it is projected to continue from December to February. Its overall effect, however, is expected to continue until the first half of 2027. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration is expediting the processing of the 2024 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for teachers and education personnel while easing teachers’ administrative workload.

Speaking at the 2026 National Teachers’ Day celebration at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Monday, President Marcos said he directed concerned agencies to ensure the proper and expedited processing of the 2024 PBB.

“Patuloy ang pagproseso nito (2024 PBB), at inatasan natin ang mga kinauukulang ahensya na tiyaking maayos at mapabilis ang proseso,” President Marcos said.

The President also highlighted measures to give teachers more time to focus on teaching by streamlining paperwork, strengthening the non-teaching workforce, and reducing classroom observations.

Classroom observations were reduced from four per school year to one in School Year 2025-2026, with two observations set for succeeding school years.

“We have strengthened our non-teaching workforce, streamlined teachers’ paperwork, and reduced classroom observations,” President Marcos said.

The President is also improving teachers’ benefits and incentives, including teaching and medical allowances, and the World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit.

President Marcos said the administration will continue to improve support, benefits, and career opportunities for teachers. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday joined the nation in celebrating National Teachers’ Day, paying tribute to educators for their sacrifices and the vital role they play in shaping the country’s future.

In his message, President Marcos said teachers are at the heart of every classroom, guiding young Filipinos as they learn, discover their potential, and pursue their dreams.

“Every classroom carries within it the promise of our country’s future. It is where young minds learn to question, discover, and dream of what they may one day achieve,” President Marcos said.

“At the heart of this noble mission are our educators, whose task is to unleash our people’s potential and guide them towards greater possibilities in life,” the President added.

President Marcos said teachers’ influence goes beyond the lessons they impart, noting that by helping children realize their potential, educators also help shape the kind of society the country can build.

The President also recognized the sacrifices that come with the teaching profession and called for continued efforts to create an environment where educators can teach with purpose and learners can pursue knowledge with confidence and optimism.

“On this occasion, we recognize the sacrifices that accompany this profession and reaffirm our shared responsibility to cherish and uplift those who share our lives,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos urged teachers to continue molding Filipinos who are “discerning in thought, principled in action, and mindful of the common good.”

President Marcos assured educators that his administration stands with them in addressing the changing demands of education and preparing schools for the challenges facing the next generation.

“Rest assured, this government stands with our educators and nurtures a Bagong Pilipinas where every teacher is given the power to become a source of hope and strength for our children and nation,” the President said.

“To all our teachers, may the lives you touch remain your greatest legacy to the Filipino people.” | PND