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PBBM orders faster build of Marawi school facilities

23 June 2025


To ensure uninterrupted learning for some 10,000 students, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered national government agencies to expedite the construction of additional facilities for the PhP520-million Marawi Dansalan Integrated School.

President Marcos visited Marawi City to inspect and ensure the swift progress of ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, including the construction of an integrated school that students will soon be able to use.

“Nandito ako, pinuntahan ko ‘yung Marawi para tingnan ‘yung ginagawa nating rehabilitation para sa mga nasira, actually nasira lahat,” the President said in his remarks, underscoring his resolve to rehabilitate and rebuild Marawi City immediately.

“Malapit nang matapos, kaunti na lang. Iyong maglalagay na lang ng perimeter fence, puwede nang dalhin ‘yung mga bata doon,” said President Marcos.

Upon his arrival at Barangay Moncado Colony, the President was briefed by education and Marawi City rehabilitation officials about the project and the facilities needed to complete the school.

The proposed additional facilities have a total project cost of PhP264.2 million.

The proposed facilities include a retaining wall, an automatic fire sprinkler system, a fence, a gate, electrical distribution with associated civil works, and a footbridge.

Local officials also proposed putting up gazebos, guardhouses, a covered court, stairs and ramps, as well as a covered pathwalk with drainage and landscaping.

Constructed as part of the government’s commitment to post-conflict recovery and educational resilience, the Marawi Dansalan Integrated School has 10 four-story school buildings.

The newly constructed school buildings have a total of 200 classrooms, with each room designed to accommodate 45 to 50 learners.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) funded the school building project through the recovery fund for Marawi City’s rebuilding efforts.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Region 10 served as the implementing partner, overseeing the design, construction, and completion of the school buildings. | PND

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PBBM vows action on Marawi-based soldiers’ welfare

23 June 2025


After hearing both the personal and professional concerns of soldiers stationed in Marawi City, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed to take concrete steps to improve the welfare of the troops and their families.

President Marcos met with troops of the 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade under the 1st Infantry Tabak Division of the Philippine Army stationed at Kampo Ranao, Marawi City, as one of the stops of his visit.

During his “Talk with the Troops,” the President listened to the persistent challenges soldiers faced within the 42-hectare military camp, including infrastructure limitations, logistical constraints, and service gaps that affected operations and personnel welfare.

President Marcos committed to studying long-term solutions, including enhanced health insurance, educational scholarships for soldiers’ children, and support for garbage trucks to aid in camp maintenance.

On the welfare front, the President acknowledged the need to reform the system for the standard combat allowance, which has increased by PhP150 this year.

“Pag-aaralan natin ang iba’t ibang sistema sa pagbibigay ng combat pay,” President Marcos said.

One of the concerns raised by the soldiers was the lack of proper barracks and rest areas. With limited space available, many are forced to live in converted facilities, a daily reminder of the hardships they face while serving the nation.

The unfinished multi-purpose building, which still lacks a roof, and the absence of visitor holding areas further highlight the need for improved infrastructure.

In addition, the troops requested enhancements in night fighting capabilities, including night vision goggles and a stronger Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) system.

The brigade also faces logistical hurdles, including the absence of garbage and fire trucks, such that military vehicles are sometimes used for waste disposal.

Water supply disruptions that affect the entire city also impact daily camp operations. Medical support is another concern, as there is currently no stationed physician, forcing soldiers to seek emergency care in nearby regional hospitals. | PND

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PBBM: Fast track restoration of healthcare services in Marawi City

23 June 2025


In a push for swift action, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered the Marawi City General Hospital (MCGH) to open a month ahead of schedule—moving the target from September to August—to urgently restore long-delayed healthcare services and ensure residents can benefit from them without further delay.

“We are giving the contractors and all of the government agencies a deadline of August na mabuksan na ‘yung hospital para makapag-serbisyo na sa taumbayan,” President Marcos pronounced during his visit.

The President was briefed by Dr. Sulpicio Henry M. Legaspi Jr., Director IV of the Department of Health (DOH), on the hospital’s capabilities, ongoing construction projects, and the remaining steps needed before the facility becomes fully operational.

A flagship project under the Marcos administration’s rehabilitation program, the MCGH is a Level I public healthcare facility established in Marawi City following the 2017 siege, aimed at restoring essential services in the most affected areas.

Dr. Legazpi said that the hospital’s construction is scheduled to be completed by September 2025, followed by the hiring and training of medical staff.

The project was implemented in two phases. A budget of PhP51.98 million from the Office of the President was used to fund Phase 1, which focused on land development, and it was finished in September 2022.

Phase 2, which covers the construction of the hospital itself, began in June 2022 with a budget of PhP293.6 million.

Construction is in its final stages, with painting, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical works in progress on all three floors and ancillary facilities.

Constructed by the Department of Health–Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM), the hospital is designed to provide accessible medical care to over 207,000 residents of Marawi and nearby municipalities in Lanao del Sur.

The MCGH aims to alleviate the pressure on Amai Pakpak Medical Center, which has been operating beyond its authorized capacity for a long time. | PND

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PBBM distributes laptops, Starlink internet units to displaced learners and teachers in Marawi

23 June 2025


As part of his administration’s efforts to accelerate the rebuilding of Marawi City after the 2017 siege, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday personally led the inspection of Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) serving as classrooms for thousands of displaced learners and teachers.

Marking his first visit to Marawi as the country’s highest official, President Marcos underscored the importance of restoring normalcy in education as a key step in the city’s recovery.

During the visit, the President turned over 20 laptops to teachers and distributed five Starlink internet units, significantly enhancing digital access and connectivity for both educators and students.

President Marcos toured the Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) in Barangay Sagonsongan, where makeshift classrooms have allowed children to continue their education despite the lingering aftermath of war.

The TLS hosts four elementary schools and one high school, providing essential educational access to a total of 720 students.

The TLS has 11 classrooms which are currently occupied by 121 students from Marawi City Elementary School, 85 students from Mambuay Elementary School, 149 from Banggolo Elementary School, 143 from Marawi Central Elementary Pilot School, and 222 students from Dansalan National High School.

The President’s inspection marks a renewed commitment to education as a cornerstone of Marawi’s recovery and the national rehabilitation agenda for conflict-affected communities.

To further support students, the Office of the President (OP) distributed school bags filled with supplies to all TLS enrollees.

An emergency education initiative launched in the aftermath of the 2017 Marawi siege, the TLS provides makeshift classrooms in areas where school buildings were destroyed or remain inaccessible due to conflict. | PND

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President Marcos returns from Japan with new investments and job opportunities for Filipinos

22 June 2025


Describing his visit as productive, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in the Philippines on Sunday after a four-day working trip to Osaka, Japan, where he secured new partnerships and investments aimed at generating jobs, advancing sustainability, and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“I have just returned from a productive working visit to Osaka, Japan, where we secured new opportunities that will create jobs, bring in investments, and help improve the lives of Filipinos,” President Marcos said in a statement upon his return.

“We return inspired to continue building a Bagong Pilipinas that delivers more jobs, more investments, and more opportunities for every Filipino,” the President added.

President Marcos highlighted the outcomes of his key engagements with Japanese business and government leaders as well as his visit to the crowd favorite Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo 2025.

“At the World Expo 2025, I was proud to see how our Philippine Pavilion highlights the best of who we are. It tells the world the story of a nation rich in culture, driven by innovation, and committed to building a sustainable and inclusive future. This strengthens our standing as a destination for tourism, partnership, and investment,” the President said.

President Marcos emphasized the Philippine Pavilion’s role in enhancing the country’s global standing as a destination for tourism, trade, and investment.

With his commitment to improve the lives of Filipinos, the President said he welcomed key business commitments that will directly benefit the people through job generation and other economic activities.

“Kanadevia Corporation will partner with Phil. Ecology Systems Corp. is on a waste-to-energy project that will help manage waste while generating clean energy. Tsuneishi Group will build the world’s first methanol dual-fueled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier in Cebu, creating jobs and positioning the Philippines as a leader in green shipping,” President Marcos announced.

At the same time, the President said his visit also “strengthened our partnership with Japanese tourism leaders to bring more visitors to the Philippines and open more opportunities for our workers.”

“Our meeting with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency opened new paths for cooperation in space technology to enhance disaster monitoring, support farmers, and strengthen community safety,” President Marcos noted.

Giving importance to Filipinos working in Japan, the President emphasized that “no visit would be complete without spending time with our very own Filipino Community in Osaka.”

President Marcos thanked the Filipino community “for representing us with dignity, professionalism, and compassion that continue to bring pride to our nation.” | PND

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PBBM admin significantly expands PhilHealth benefit packages to ease Filipinos’ healthcare burden

22 June 2025


Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has increased the coverage for kidney transplant procedures by more than 230 percent, or from Php600,000 to PhP2 million.

The increased kidney transplant coverage is on top of other improvements in the PhilHealth benefits package, including expanded hemodialysis sessions from 90 to 156 annually, meant to ease the out-of-pocket payments of Filipinos with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD).

President Marcos’ administration has significantly expanded the health benefit packages through PhilHealth, marking one of the most proactive efforts to enhance public healthcare coverage.

Under President Marcos’ directive, PhilHealth has enhanced the benefits for members with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5.

These improvements include increased maximum number of hemodialysis sessions from 90 to 156 a year, which is equivalent to PhP990,600 under the new rate of PhP6,350 from the previous PhP4,000 per dialysis session; increased coverage for peritoneal dialysis up to PhP1.2 million; and increased coverage for kidney transplantation from PhP600,000 to PhP2 million under the Z benefits package.

This is the first time PhilHealth has increased the Z benefits package for kidney transplant procedures since the launch of the package in 2012.

The Z benefits packages cover catastrophic illnesses and health conditions such as cancer, which require expensive treatments and hospitalizations.

Under President Marcos’s administration, Filipinos with serious healthcare needs can now avail of PhilHealth’s new and expanded benefit packages.

The state health insurer has also launched improved benefit packages for ischemic heart disease-acute myocardial infarction covering various procedures related to heart attack treatment; and the outpatient emergency care benefit which provides comprehensive coverage for emergency services.

PhilHealth also introduced the 50-percent adjustment in case rates which applies to almost 9,000 benefit packages for all admissions starting January 1, 2025.

Last Thursday, President Marcos led the launching of PhilHealth’s new benefit package for post-kidney transplantation services at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City.

PhilHealth has offered two new support packages for adult and pediatric post-kidney transplant patients in further response to President Marcos’ directive to prioritize healthcare.

During a Palace press briefing, PhilHealth President and chief executive officer Edwin M. Mercado said the agency will strive to improve its benefit packages.

“Patuloy naming ipinatutupad ang adhikain ng ating mahal na presidente, si Pangulong Marcos, na bigyan ng pag-asa at bagong buhay ang mga Pilipinong nagtitiis sa kanilang mga dinaramdam,” Mercado said.

“Katuwang ng aming kalihim, Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, at ang ating NKTI Executive Director Dr. Dante Dator, hatid namin ang bagong benepisyong naglalayong ipagpatuloy ang alagang PhilHealth para sa mga pasyenteng sumailalim na ng kidney transplantation,” he said. | PND

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President Marcos rallies OFWs to help build Bagong Pilipinas

22 June 2025


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday called on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to take an active role in building a stronger and more united Philippines, bringing to mind the sacrifices of the Philippine Revolution heroes who fought for the country’s independence.

Speaking before the Filipino community in Osaka, Japan, President Marcos underscored the vital contributions of OFWs in national development and urged them to be part of the government’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas — a reformed, hopeful, and forward-looking nation.

“I call on every Filipino gathered here tonight: As our forefathers, the heroes of the Philippine Revolution, have sacrificed much to give us this freedom that we today enjoy, it is our duty to honor that hard-won gift,” the President declared, drawing parallels between the courage of today’s migrant workers and that of Filipinos who fought for the country’s freedom.

“Tungkulin natin bumuo ng isang kinabukasang karapat-dapat sa ating lahat. Isang bayang pinapanday sa tapang, pag-asa, at pagmamahal – ang isang Bagong Pilipinas,” added the President.

President Marcos reminded the audience that the freedoms and opportunities the nation now enjoys were earned through the sacrifices of those who came before.

The President said it is now the responsibility of every Filipino at home and abroad to honor that legacy by contributing to the country’s progress.

“Bilang inyong Pangulo, hangad kong mabigyan ang bawat Pilipino ng mas magandang buhay at mas maraming oportunidad. Naniniwala ako na ang tunay na pag-unlad ay nasusukat sa kakayanan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino na mabuhay ng buo at maginhawa kasama ang kanilang mahal sa buhay sa sariling bayan,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos assured the overseas Filipino community that his administration is working hard to create an environment where Filipinos can thrive in their homeland.

The President also acknowledged the hardships faced by OFWs who are separated from their families and familiar surroundings to provide for their loved ones.

President Marcos emphasized that their sacrifices fuel the nation’s economy and uplift countless communities across the country. I PND

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President Marcos: Government enhancing OFW services at home and abroad

22 June 2025


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) of the government’s unwavering commitment to improve services that protect their welfare and ease their travel experience, whether they are leaving the country for work or returning home for vacation.

Speaking to members of the Filipino community in Osaka, President Marcos highlighted key initiatives aimed at making overseas employment safer and more dignified, while also providing sustainable reintegration options for OFWs who wish to return to the Philippines.

“Sinisiguro po ng ating gobyerno na may sapat na oportunidad na naghihintay para sa OFWs na gustong umuwi at tuluyan nang manirahan sa Pilipinas,” the President said.

To support the comfort and dignity of OFWs during travel, President Marcos cited improvements in airport services, particularly the establishment of the OFW Lounge exclusively for migrant workers.

“Kaya naman naglaan tayo ng OFW Lounge sa airport para may lugar kung saan puwedeng magpahinga,” the President said, noting that such spaces are intended to give OFWs the recognition and convenience they deserve.

Beyond facilities, President Marcos also pointed to the government’s efforts to forge stronger bilateral labor agreements with host countries to ensure safe, humane, and fair working conditions for Filipino workers.

“Masigasig din ang ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba’t ibang bansang tumatanggap ng ating manggagawa para makabuo ng bilateral labor agreement upang matiyak natin na ligtas at makatao ang trabaho, at nabibigyan ng pagkakataong umunlad ang ating mga kababayan,” the President said. l PND

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President Marcos to Fil-Japanese youth: Learn Filipino, build connections with our motherland

22 June 2025


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday called on second- and third-generation Filipino youth in Japan to embrace their roots and deepen their connection with the Philippines by learning the Filipino language and understanding cultural heritage.

Speaking before members of the Filipino community in Osaka, President Marcos highlighted the vital role of Filipino-Japanese youth in sustaining the strong and evolving relationship between the Philippines and Japan, as both nations approach the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2026.

“Allow me first to address our youth community, especially our Filipino Japanese youth, who may be more comfortable listening to this in English. But still, I encourage you to learn our language, Filipino,” the President said.

President Marcos emphasized the importance of the next generation of Filipinos abroad as a vital link in preserving and nurturing Philippine culture overseas, as well as in fostering continued friendship between the two nations.

“We have every chance, through you, to build even stronger connections in shared values for a mutually stable, secure, and prosperous relationship between our two countries,” the President said.

“This is why I hope you will join me and the Philippine nation in helping our community here in Japan to grow even more in love with the Philippines, to learn and embrace fully your Filipino identity, to support our nation’s aspirations for unity, for peace, and for prosperity,” added the President.

President Marcos addressed the Filipino community as he concluded a four-day working visit to Osaka, Japan from June 19 to 22.

Accompanying the President during the Filipino community gathering were First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano and Consul General Voltaire Mauricio. | PND

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President Marcos: PH-Japan relations marked by ‘reconciliation, brotherhood, and friendship’

22 June 2025


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed on Saturday the enduring strength of Philippines-Japan relations during his address to the Filipino community, praising overseas Filipinos for playing a vital role in keeping the spirit of friendship between the two nations alive.

Speaking ahead of the 70th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Japan in 2026, the President emphasized the historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries — ties that, he said, have matured into a dynamic and mutually respectful partnership.

“Our two peoples have a deep history, founded on the spirit of reconciliation, of brotherhood, and amity or friendship,” President Marcos said during a gathering with Filipinos in Osaka, held in conjunction with his working visit to the city for the World Expo 2025.

The President expressed gratitude to Filipinos living and working in Japan for being instrumental in strengthening people-to-people relations, especially among younger generations.

“I speak to all our kababayans, especially our youth, who play a part in our dynamic and enduring ties with Japan. Through you, we continue to write new pages in the history of the relations between our two countries. Through you, the spirit of friendship with our Japanese friends continues to thrive,” President Marcos added.

The Philippines and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1956. Since then, the two countries have developed deep economic, political, and cultural linkages, with Japan becoming one of the Philippines’ top trade partners, a significant source of development assistance, and a key strategic ally.

President Marcos noted that the upcoming milestone in 2026 presents an opportunity to celebrate this shared journey and to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, security, tourism, and education.

The President was accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and members of his Cabinet, including Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan. Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano and Consul General Voltaire Mauricio also joined the event. l PND