“Lumaki ako sa LGU. Maraming kakayahan ang LGU. They are the experts.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday highlighted the key role of local government units (LGUs) in national development, saying that real progress under the “Bagong Pilipinas” vision depends on empowering governors and mayors to have a stronger voice in setting government priorities and programs.

During the distribution of patient transport vehicles to LGUs in Butuan City, President Marcos said the administration is strengthening coordination between national agencies and LGUs through a whole-of-government approach to ensure that programs and projects are implemented efficiently and comprehensively.

“All the LGUs, the mayors, know their towns. They know their municipalities better than anybody. The governors know their provinces better than anybody. And so, you are the experts, that’s why we go back to you,” the President said.

Citing the Regional Development Councils, the Chief Executive emphasized that the coordination will serve as the basis for planning what needs to be done and identifying the priority projects that the national government will implement in partnership with LGUs.

“And so we are strengthening that system so that the LGUs have a louder voice, a stronger voice. And that is what, in the national government, that is what we need,” the President said.

President Marcos said he has always championed empowering LGUs, having served as Ilocos Norte governor before he was elected Ilocos Norte congressman and then senator.

“Noong governor pa ako ng Ilocos Norte, basta’t sinasabi ko, kailangan ako ang pinakaeksperto dito sa Ilocos Norte. Kailangan alam ko lahat ang nangyayari dito. Alam ko lahat ang problema. Walang makakapagsabi sa akin ng hindi ko alam tungkol sa sarili kong probinsiya. That’s still the same,” said the President.

“Lumaki ako sa LGU eh. Matagal ko nang sinasabi ‘yan. Congressman pa ako, senator pa ako, sinasabi ko na hindi niyo kinakausap ang mga LGU. Maraming kakayahan ang LGU,” the Chief Executive added. | PND

With the filing of various complaints against individuals involved in anomalous and ghost infrastructure projects, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s anti-corruption campaign is making progress, Malacanang said on Friday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration continues to ensure that those involved in corruption related to infrastructure projects are held accountable for their wrongdoing.

“Patuloy ang aksyon ng pamahalaan upang alamin ang katotohanan at panagutin ang mga may sala rito,” Castro said.

Castro said the Commission on Audit (COA) has already filed 21 Fraud Audit Reports, while the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed four tax evasion cases.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has likewise filed 13 complaints and uncovered 421 ghost flood control projects.

Meanwhile, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has filed one case, with 15 more expected to be filed in the coming weeks.

Aside from the cases filed, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has frozen nearly PhP5.2 billion in assets, including bank accounts, insurance policies, motor vehicles, real estate, and e-wallets belonging to individuals involved in corrupt activities.

An Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order has also been issued against 92 personalities and persons of interest.

Castro stressed that, under the guidance and direction set forth by the President, the fight against corruption will continue until “mapanagot ang lahat ng may sala,” and ensure that public funds are safeguarded.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang aksyon kontra korapsyon. Ang mga hakbang na ito ay tungo sa mas masigasig na pagprotekta ng administrasyon sa kapakanan ng bawat mamamayan at pagbabantay sa kaban ng bayan.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered all concerned agencies to implement a “catch-up plan” to fast-track classroom construction nationwide, after reports showed that only 22 out of the 1,700 targeted classrooms have been completed this year.

In a Palace press briefing on Friday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President ordered the immediate resolution of construction delays to ensure that agencies meet their targets on time.

“Inuutos na po ito ng Pangulo na agarang matugunan ang kakulangan sa classrooms,” Castro said.

She added that local government units will be tapped to help accelerate the construction of school buildings.

The Palace official also noted that Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has been instructed to look into the causes of the delay and ensure accountability.

“Titingnan rin ni Secretary Vince kung bakit nagkaroon ng delay sa pagpapagawa ng mga classrooms. So, kung mayroon pong dapat managot dito bakit napabayaan dito, asahan natin na may mananagot,” said Castro.

During the recent hearing of the Senate Committee on Finance on the DPWH’s budget for fiscal year 2026, Secretary Dizon confirmed that only 22 out of 1,700 targeted classrooms have been completed so far.

Senator Bam Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, expressed deep concern over the slow progress, noting that the country currently faces a 146,000-classroom backlog that could rise to 200,000 by 2028 if left unaddressed. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday brought joy to students at La Paz Child Development Center (La Paz CDC) in Santiago, Agusan Del Norte by distributing school bags and providing a satellite internet connection to enhance their learning experience.

“Binisita ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. kaninang umaga ang mahigit 30 preschoolers ng La Paz Child Development Center sa barangay La Paz, bayan ng Santiago sa Agusan del Norte,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace briefing.

“Namahagi si Pangulong Marcos Jr. ng isang unit ng starlink at 35 school bags para sa mga preschoolers na game na game na nakipag-kwentuhan sa Pangulo na tunay namang malapit sa mga kabataan,” Castro added.

Castro said the President firmly believes that the youth is the key to the nation’s progress, hence providing for their educational needs and improving facilities that shape their skills, intelligence, and talents must be given utmost attention.

The La Paz CDC was constructed and funded under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) National Community-Driven Development Program, with a project cost of PhP3 million.

“Ang nasabing programa ang pinakamalaking proyekto ng DSWD sa ilalim ng Kalahi CIDSS portfolio na may layuning bigyang lakas ang mga barangay upang magkaroon ng mas mahusay na access sa mga serbisyo ng pamahalaan,” Castro said, referring to the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services program.

Currently, the La Paz CDC serves 33 children aged 1 to 4 years.

The CDC has outdoor facilities, including a playground. | PND

One of the Philippines’ largest foreign investors expressed continuing confidence in the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., acknowledging the President’s reforms and programs to strengthen the investment climate.

During a courtesy call in Malacañan Palace on Thursday, I Squared Capital top executives led by Founder and Chairman Dr. Sadek Wahba reaffirmed the company’s confidence in the Philippines and its continuing commitment to invest in the country’s infrastructure development.

President Marcos, together with several Cabinet officials, discussed with I Squared Capital executives the company’s plans to support the Philippines’ infrastructure development, particularly on energy, transport and logistics, and digital infrastructure.

I Square Capital executives made a courtesy call in Malacañan Palace ahead of the inauguration of the Company’s expanded Royale Cold Storage (RCS) facility in Bulacan.

With about USD2 billion in enterprise value already invested across various sectors in the Philippines, I Squared Capital is one of the country’s largest foreign investors. Its investments contribute to advancing the administration’s infrastructure initiatives, while fueling economic growth and job creation.

Headquartered in Florida, USA, I Squared Capital is a leading global infrastructure investor managing over USD50 billion in assets, with investments in more than 90 companies across over 70 countries.

President Marcos’ administration has strengthened public-private partnership (PPP) and pursued investment incentives and liberalization measures.

These measures include the CREATE More Act of 2024; the PPP Code of the Philippines enacted in 2023; the Public Service Act of 2022; and the Amended Renewable Energy Act Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) enacted in 2022. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will participate in the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from October 26 to 28.

In a Palace press briefing on Friday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson Angelica Escalona said the President will be joined by leaders of other ASEAN member-states, ASEAN dialogue partners, and international organizations at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Datu Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who serves as this year’s ASEAN chair.

“The summit is a mechanism for leaders to provide policy direction for ASEAN, build consensus on matters of mutual interests and exchange views on key regional and international issues,” Escalona said.

Escalona said President Marcos is expected to attend 14 leaders’ level meetings and three signing ceremonies.

The President will be signing the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN as its 11th member and will also witness the signing of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade.

“In all these engagements, the President will advance Philippine interests in ASEAN by strengthening security and stability, by enhancing economic cooperation and broadening engagement with dialogue partners,” Escalona said.

She said the leaders are also expected to discuss various global issues impacting the region, including the situation in Myanmar, economic uncertainties, and other geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges.

To date, around 80 outcome documents are expected to be issued, adopted, or noted during the summits, she added.

On the sidelines of the summits, President Marcos is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings with his counterparts to further strengthen ties and explore new areas of cooperation.

During the last day of the summit on October 28, Escalona said there will be a closing and handover ceremony of the ASEAN chairship from Malaysia to the Philippines.

“Building upon the success of previous ASEAN chairs, the Philippines will take this opportunity to introduce how we will stir the future of the region and beyond by galvanizing community-building efforts during our chairship,” she said. | PND

Committed to improving healthcare delivery in underserved areas, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday distributed 229 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) across different Mindanao provinces.

In his remarks at the distribution in Butuan City, President Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to providing Filipinos with accessible, efficient healthcare services.

“This is something that we are very, very confident will make a big difference in our healthcare system,” President Marcos said in his remarks.

“At the very basic, if you do not have a healthy population, you cannot have a happy population. And that is what we need to do. We have to bring healthcare down to the people,” the President added.

Among the recipients of the PTVs are Agusan del Norte, including Butuan City with 12 units; Surigao del Norte, 20; Surigao del Sur, 19; Dinagat Islands, 7; Davao de Oro, 8; Davao Oriental, 4; and Misamis Occidental, 1 unit.

In another distribution ceremony held in Kidapawan City on Friday, the government distributed 158 PTVs for the Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Each PTV is equipped with a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, first-aid kit, blood pressure monitor, medicines, and other equipment commonly needed in emergencies.

President Marcos said some LGU recipients are receiving such a vehicle for the first time.

“Iyan po ang inuna naming, ‘yung mga walang-wala, kahit na kailan hindi pa nagkaroon. Alam naman natin na kailangan-kailangan nito,” the President said, adding that the PTVs were designed based on the country’s road conditions.

“Dahil kung minsan mayroong nagdo-donate, ‘yung magagandang ambulansiya na kumpletong-kumpleto pero pagka nasira hindi na natin maayos. Walang piyesa. Pati ‘yung mga maliliit nating daan hindi na makapasok,” the President noted.

The PCSO Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program was launched in 2019 in response to the President’s directive for all cities and municipalities to have an operational PTV in 2025.

With a per unit cost of PhP2.3 million, the PTVs were designed for narrow roads and rough terrain, enabling safe and timely transport, even in remote areas of the country.

From June 2022 to October 5, 2025, the PCSO has so far distributed 1,540 units, or 89 percent of the 1,724 target units for distribution.

The PCSO allocated PhP1 billion this year to procure 395 additional PTVs to complete the distribution of 1,724 PTVs and achieve 100-percent coverage of all LGUs. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the awarding ceremonies for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) outstanding units and personnel during its 124th anniversary celebration held at the PCG headquarters in Manila.

President Marcos, together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, led the awarding of plaques to 16 PCG personnel and crews who were recognized for their exemplary performance, professionalism, and dedication to public service.

The awards highlighted the PCG’s steadfast guardianship of the nation’s maritime domain.

The awards served as symbols of courage and patriotism, reflecting the organization’s enduring commitment to modernization and excellence in public service, according to the PCG.

The PCG said it continues to safeguard the country’s waters and sovereignty with firm resolve and noble purpose.

President Marcos congratulated the PCG awardees who have gone the extra mile in their duties.

“Kaya sa ating PCG, naniniwala ako sa patuloy ninyong pagli-lingkod na may dangal at kahusayan para sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino,” said President Marcos. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday that the government intends to invest in new vessels, aircraft, equipment, and logistics for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as part of its commitment to strengthen the agency’s capabilities.

During the celebration of the PCG’s 124th founding anniversary at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila, President Marcos assured the government is solidly behind the PCG, which has proven its dedication and courage in protecting the Filipino people, especially during times of calamity.

“We will keep investing in new vessels, in aircraft, command posts, and communication systems. We will improve training, facilities, and logistics to provide every PCG personnel a sense of dignity in fulfilling their roles,” the President said.

The Chief Executive also announced plans to construct facilities “to ensure that your welfare, whether at sea or on land, remains a priority.”

These facilities include the PCG General Hospital, the Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center in Misibis, and the First Responder and Nursing Service Facility.

President Marcos commended the PCG for exemplifying dedication to serving the people, which is essential to restoring public trust in government institutions.

“I know that these are difficult times that we live in. Our people’s trust in government has been shaken; we cannot deny it. But I am certain that trust can be regained if we remain transparent and true to our mission,” the President said.

“Whenever our people see you during rescue missions or in your day-to-day patrols, they will see that the government is still working diligently and is worthy of their trust.”

“Each time you sail, you remind the world that the Philippines will always protect what is ours,” the President added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday honored the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel for their unwavering dedication, exemplifying discipline, integrity, and excellence in public service.

During the celebration of the 124th PCG founding anniversary held at its headquarters in Port Area, Manila, President Marcos said that this year’s theme, “Committed in Service, Relentless in Purpose,” truly captures what the PCG has done for the Filipino people over the past century.

“The PCG is one of the government agencies that restores my faith in the dedication of the workers in government. When I see the PCG in action, I see what the best of government can look like. That is discipline, with integrity, with excellence working as one,” the President said.

President Marcos recognized that in the past two years, the PCG has faced disasters head-on to fulfill its duties, saving and evacuating over a million Filipinos during the worst tropical storms.

From January to September this year, the PCG ensured the safe passage of nearly 10 million passengers.

The PCG also confiscated nearly PhP2 billion worth of illegal drugs and smuggled items, and spearheaded coastal protection efforts by inspecting thousands of ships and planting hundreds of trees to make communities greener and more vibrant.

The Chief Executive also recognized the vital role of the PCG in the West Philippine Sea as first responders, ensuring the safety, dignity, and livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk.

“Alam ko po na hindi madali para sa ating mga mangingisda na maghanap-buhay na walang katiyakan sa kanilang pagbabalik. And yet, when they see you carrying the flag at sea, they feel hope that the Filipino spirit will never yield and that they are always in the hearts and minds of all Filipinos and our uniformed services,” President Marcos said.

The President also commended the PCG for its prompt response when a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Cebu on September 30.

Within the crucial first 72 hours, PCG’s medical personnel were on the ground, while PCG ships and personnel delivered over 30,000 food relief packages and basic medical kits to the towns of Bogo and Daanbantayan.

“This is the PCG that works quietly and effectively,” said the President. | PND