President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered the immediate rehabilitation of public school classrooms constructed during the administration of his late father, President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., noting that many of these structures were due for replacement two decades ago.

President Marcos stated that the Marcos-type buildings were supposed to have been replaced 20 years ago, emphasizing the urgency of restoring aging educational infrastructure to ensure the safety and readiness of learning environments nationwide.

“Alam niyo ba ‘yung ibang nakita namin na school building, Marcos-type school building pa,” President Marcos said during a media interview after inspecting the Tibagan Elementary School in Bulacan for the start of the annual Brigada Eskwela school opening preparations.

“Ang life niyan is 20 to 30 years. Pero ayan at least mabuti na lang at nagagamit pa. But we really have to look at the rehabilitation of many of them,” added the President.

The administration of the President’s father was from 1965 to 1986.

President Marcos, together with his son William Vincent, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz, led the official kickoff of Brigada Eskwela 2025 at Barihan Elementary School in Malolos City and Tibagan Elementary School in San Miguel, Bulacan.

According to the DepEd, among the various types of existing public school buildings in the country is the Marcos pre-fabricated type, which was built starting in 1970.

With a classroom size of 6 meters by 7 meters, the Marcos pre-fabricated type school building has ordinary corrugated galvanized iron sheet for roofing, steel rafters for roof framing, no ceiling, steel railings for windows, steel doors, and 6” concrete hollow blocks for walls.

An annual activity of DepEd, Brigada Eskwela, encourages the spirit of bayanihan for community collaboration to ensure schools are ready for the upcoming school year.

With literacy as a key priority of the DepEd, this year’s theme is “Sama-sama Para sa Bayang Bumabasa.”

The program’s goal is to make sure that the school is clean, safe, and ready for learning before classes start, the DepEd said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. enjoyed a laugh from the viral Tiktok videos showing the antics of three student-athletes during the President’s speech at the opening of the Palarong Pambansa in Laoag, Ilocos Norte on May 24.

In a vlog posted on his Youtube channel on Sunday, the President laughed upon watching two Tiktok videos that showed him unaware while three of the student-athletes seated at his back were having fun in front of the camera.

One video showed a female student-athlete making a funny face while the President was giving his speech.

Another video showed two other female student-athletes making funny faces and waving Philippine flags while looking at the camera.

“Noong opening ceremony ng Palarong Pambansa ay may mga kabataang atleta sa likod ko habang ako’y nag-i-speech. Kung ano-anong mga mukha ang kanilang ginawa. ‘Yan yata ‘yung mga uso sa TikTok ngayon,” said the President, chuckling, in his “BBMVLOG #270: Mga Pagbabago.”

President Marcos good-humoredly asked his son, House Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, that he wanted to meet the student-athletes.

“Cong. Sandro, baka puwede natin mahanap itong mga batang ito para makilala naman natin. Shout out naman diyan sa mga kabataan!” the President said, chuckling some more.

After his speech at the Palarong Pambansa opening ceremony, the President gamely accommodated several requests from the student-athletes for pictures, at times holding the phone himself to take the group photos.

The two-week long Palarong Pambansa drew more than 15,000 student-athletes from 18 regions. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Sunday that the government will support the adoption of smart or innovative farming technologies to help ensure the country’s food security.

The President pushed for the modernization of country’s agricultural production when he toured the 3.5-hectare greenhouse facility of Metro Pacific Fresh Farms in San Rafael, Bulacan.

The facility showcased advanced farming systems that enable year-round production of vegetables and fruits five times more than traditional farms and with less water and land utilization.

“Dumalaw din tayo sa isang farm sa Bulacan kung nasaan ang pinakamalaking greenhouse facility sa buong bansa,” President Marcos said in a video posted on his Youtube channel on Sunday.

“Ang agricultural innovation na ganito ay dapat talagang inaaral at sinusuportahan ng pamahalaan,” the President added in his “BBMVLOG #270: Mga Pagbabago” video.

President Marcos emphasized that smart farming is not just about increasing yield but also about improving dietary diversity and public health.

“Ang pinag-uusapan natin dito ay hindi lamang ang food security o ‘yung food supply, kung hindi pati na ang nutritional value na binibigay natin sa taong-bayan,” the President noted.

“Kaya ang mga facility na ganito ay ayan ang magpo-provide sa atin ng mga fresh na mga gulay, fresh fruits, et cetera,” added the President.

President Marcos has placed agricultural modernization as one of the top priorities of his administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday dispelled any doubts about the sustainability of his Benteng Bigas Meron Na program that offers quality rice at PhP20 per kilo to the country’s vulnerable sectors.

“Marami pa rin ang nagdududa kung paano masu-sustain o patatagalin itong 20 peso rice na ito. ‘May stock ba tayo ng bigas? Kaya ba ito bayaran ng gobyerno?” the President said in a video posted on his Youtube channel.

“Masu-sustain po natin ‘yan basta nagtutulungan ang lahat. Ang sisiguruhin natin ay hindi mawawalan ng abot-kayang bigas ang ating mga kababayan,” the President stressed in his “BBMVLOG #270: Mga Pagbabago” posted on his Youtube channel.

The government has rolled out the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program nationwide, selling rice at Php 20 per kilo in Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets to members of vulnerable sectors including 4Ps beneficiaries, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and solo parents.

The program fulfills President Marcos’ commitment to make the staple food more affordable and ease the financial burden of the poor while ensuring support for farmers to sustain their rice production.

In the vlog, the President listened to the feedback from some beneficiaries who were able to better feed their families because of the affordable rice.

“Napakalaking bagay po nito lalo na po sa mga mahihirap po nating mga kababayan. Ang 20 pesos po ay malaking bagay. Kami ay sobra-sobra po talagang nagagalak,” one woman said.

Another woman said: “Masyadong masaya ako kasi maraming nangarap niyan. Malaking bagay po ‘yan.”

“Pinaparating ko po ‘yung aking buong-pusong pasasalamat sa ganitong programa na inyo pong itinayo,” a third woman said, referring to President Marcos. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday maintained that the EDSA rehabilitation public works would remain suspended until concrete measures are in place to minimize disruption to motorists and commuters.

In a video message on his YouTube channel, the President said he wanted to review the rerouting schemes and other readiness plans to mitigate the expected impact on traffic congestion.

“Ang isa sa pinagtuunan din natin ng pansin nitong mga nakaraang linggo ay ang transportasyon. Inanunsyo ko ang pansamantalang paghihinto muna ng EDSA rebuilding program,” President Marcos said in his “BBMVLOG #270: Mga Pagbabago.”

The President also said the projected two-year duration of the EDSA rehabilitation should be shortened, as the timeframe was too long and would likely cause inconvenience to the public.

“Ang sabi ko nga ay masyadong matagal naman ‘yung dalawang taon para maabala ang mga kababayan natin,” President Marcos said.

“Hangga’t wala akong nakikitang solid na mga rerouting plans at masiguro na handang-handa na ang mga LGUs, huwag muna natin gawin. Ayusin muna natin ang plano,” stressed the President.

President Marcos ordered the one-month suspension of the start of the EDSA rehabilitation project on June 1, citing the significant sacrifice asked of motorists and commuters who would endure longer travel times.

The President had noted that new technologies not previously considered during the planning may significantly reduce the time required to complete the EDSA rehabilitation project.

“Pero sa ngayon, maliwanag na maliwanag na napakarami ang mahihirapan pagka itinuloy natin ‘yung EDSA rehabilitation. In other words, ang sinasabi ko, we will find a better way na hindi masyadong mahirap para sa ating mga commuter,” President Marcos had stressed. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday said the government will soon launch the state-of-the-art national emergency hotline as an integral part of his administration’s campaign against criminality.

In a video message on his YouTube channel, President Marcos stressed the priority of keeping the public safe and secure from criminals.

Sinimulan natin ang pagde-deploy ng mas maraming pulis o ‘yung tinatawag nating ‘Cops on the Beat,’” said the President in his “BBMVLOG #270: Mga Pagbabago.”

“Ginagawa na rin itong emergency hotline natin at sigurado ako in just a few weeks, baka sa Hulyo pwede na, ay ma-launch na namin ito,” the Chief Executive stressed.

The President also cited new Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III’s campaign for increased police visibility and a five-minute response time in case of an emergency.

The Unified 911 Emergency System is set to go live next month, starting in the National Capital Region, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Ilocos Region, and Central Visayas.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the emergency hotline utilizes cutting-edge technology to ensure a quick response from frontline units, such as the PNP and the Bureau of Fire Protection, while screening prank and nuisance calls.

During the vlog, the President also listened to some feedback about the renewed police presence in the streets, and noted the considerable service to the public when they feel secure.

One college student said: “Mas magiging comfy tayo to walk alone, knowing na may mga pulis na naka-surround sa iyo.”

Another woman said: “Pag magtatanong kami sa mga pulis, alam namin na secure kami.”

President Marcos’ order to keep the public safe against crime is part of his administration’s focus on making life easier for the public.

“Iyan naman ang pangunahing direksyon na inilatag natin sa ating Gabinete: paano ba natin pagiginhawain ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday directed the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to ensure that all major canals and irrigation infrastructure across the country are properly maintained to help farmers improve their harvest.

President Marcos emphasized the vital role of irrigation in boosting the nation’s food security and empowering farmers, as his administration has initiated sustained efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity and rural development.

“Bahagi ‘yan ng mandato ng National Irrigation Authority na siguruhin ang major canals at irrigation infrastructure ay laging maayos,” the President said on Sunday in his “BBMVLOG #270: Mga Pagbabago” posted on Youtube that runs for six minutes and 37 seconds.

The directive comes as the President oversaw last week the third tranche of NIA’s re-fleeting program, which involves the distribution of 229 units of new agricultural machinery to field offices nationwide.

“Itong mga makinaryang ito ay sisiguruhin ang irigasyon natin na laging well-maintained. Maganda ang daloy ng tubig,” President Marcos added.

Under the President’s directive to enhance the country’s irrigation systems, NIA launched its re-fleeting program to modernize its logistics and field operations by providing heavy equipment, including backhoes, dump trucks, service vehicles, and canal dredgers, to regional offices.

The President’s directive also aligns with the broader “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda, which seeks to raise agricultural output, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure a stable, affordable food supply nationwide.

Farmers’ groups and local government units have welcomed the additional support, saying it will help rehabilitate and maintain aging irrigation systems that have long been in need of upgrades. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday went down memory lane during the Jones Bridge lighting ceremony in Binondo, Manila, describing the delicious and comforting food and busy way of life in the world’s oldest Chinatown.

The President named dumplings, lumpia, mami, hopia, and siopao as some of the familiar treats that are part of the Filipino palate.

“Lasang-lasa naman ang sarap. Hindi ko makalimutan. So, always looking for new delicious dishes to try. I still always return to the comforting delicacies from the Binondo shops that have stood the test of time,” President Marcos shared.

The President fondly recalled the culinary treasures of Binondo, noting where to find the best bites: soft, savory dumplings along Ongpin and Yuchengco Streets; crisp lumpia and fresh fruits tucked in the narrow lanes of Carvajal Street; and steaming plates of pancit and glistening Peking duck proudly displayed in the windows houses on Benavidez Street.

“Of course, more than the food, it is also about the feeling. When we are here, we can feel the sense of place that has shaped Manila and its people. Now, essential to Binondo is the historic Jones Bridge – a landmark – it has endured wars, floods, and a long, long history,” said President Marcos.

Jones Bridge has witnessed generations of workers crossing the bridge to reach Escolta, students rushing home from class, taho vendors, jeepney drivers, as well as lovers meeting halfway- all passing under the same lamp posts, said the President.

The lighting of Jones Bridge and the weekly lights and sounds show in the bridge are part of the Chinatown revitalization initiative under the First Couple’s Pasig: Bigyang Buhay Muli (BBM) campaign to revive the Pasig Riverbanks system for public enjoyment.

With the ongoing Pasig River enhancement project, President Marcos encouraged the public—especially the youth—to rediscover and visit Binondo.

“Kaya kaibiganin natin ang mga tindero’t tindera. Subukan ang viral na recipe ng hopia at lumpia. Suportahan ang mga lokal na negosyo. Linisin ang ating paligid. Tumawid sa Jones Bridge at gumala sa tabi ng Ilog Pasig,” said the President. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took another significant step on Saturday in reviving the historic Binondo district, reaffirming its cultural and historical significance to Filipino-Chinese heritage.

President Marcos and First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos led the ceremonial lighting of the iconic Jones Bridge in Manila on Saturday evening, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

“This is what the Chinatown Revitalization Project is all about. It is about restoring Binondo [and] reaffirming its cultural and historical place and significance to our shared heritage,” President Marcos said during the lighting ceremony.

“We will transform Binondo into a place that we can always return to. From the old Manileños to the first-time visitors, lahat welcome dito,” the President added.

Starting June 7, the public can enjoy a weekly lights and sounds show at the iconic Jones Bridge—part of the First Couple’s “Pasig: Bigyang Buhay Muli (BBM)” campaign, which aims to breathe new life into the Pasig River and transform it into a vibrant hub for tourism and commerce.

Organizers said that, through a fundraising initiative, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) exemplified how private sector partnership can bring tangible value to public heritage and national pride.

Major contributors include diamond sponsors the FFCCCII, Filipino-Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation & the Double Dragon Group, as well as platinum sponsors Converge ICT Solutions, Filinvest Group, LT Group, Megaworld Group, Metrobank Group, SM Group of Companies, and SteelAsia, among others.

“It is part of our bigger push to bring life back into our historic districts. As we speak, we are implementing projects to revitalize the Pasig River, including the Pasig River Urban Development Project so our people can breathe and move more easily,” the President said.

The Chief Executive urged the public, especially the youth, to visit Binondo to experience the thriving culture and economic activities in the district.

“Because how can we know our history and culture if we do not know and experience them ourselves? So, I encourage everyone, especially the younger people, to visit Binondo. Come back to Ongpin, Escolta, Carvajal, and the streets that have yet to be discovered and celebrated,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos led the ceremonial lighting of the iconic Jones Bridge in Manila on Saturday evening, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

“So tonight, we proudly light up the iconic Jones Bridge in all its renewed glory and breathe new life into it,” President Marcos said in his speech.

“I am also glad to share that tonight’s event has a deeper meaning. This project commemorates 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China. Half a century of friendship and shared history, all reflected here in the world’s oldest Chinatown,” added the President.

Described as Manila’s “queen of bridges,” Jones Bridge crosses the Pasig River to connect central Manila to the Binondo district.

The Philippines and China established diplomatic relations on June 9, 1975.

The lighting ceremony ushers in the weekly lights and sounds show at Jones Bridge starting June 7, part of the Pasig River urban revitalization efforts under the First Couple’s Pasig: Bigyang Buhay Muli (BBM) project.

In his speech, President Marcos stated that reviving the golden years of Binondo is part of a larger plan to restore historic districts and promote Filipino cultural heritage.

“In times like these, when everything can feel loud and fast and confusing, I believe what we need is right here. A place as simple as a bridge or a street that tells us to pause and to reflect on who we are and what we share as a nation,” said President Marcos.

The President and First Lady were also joined by their children, House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro,” Joseph Simon, and William Vincent and other government officials.

The lighting ceremony was also attended by members of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), civic organizations, donors from the Filipino-Chinese community, and Chinese Embassy officials led by Ambassador Huang Xilian. | PND