President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed implementing agencies to strengthen and broaden the reach of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), ensuring that more students will receive the support they need to complete their college education.

The UniFast is a government initiative aimed at providing tuition fee assistance to qualified students from state and Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-recognized local universities and colleges across the country.

In his speech during the awarding of the CHED UniFast scholarships and official launch of the Electronic Certification, Authentication, and Verification (eCAV) System in Pasay City on Friday, President Marcos emphasized the importance of education in creating a competitive workforce for a stronger economy.

“Our assistance to our students proves that the returns are immeasurable when the government invests in people. When we strengthen education, we also strengthen our workforce and we forge a better future for our economy, for our country,” the President said.

“Kaya ito ang aking direktiba: Palawakin pa natin ang saklaw ng UniFAST. Tiyakin natin na malinaw ang guidelines na naipapaalam ito sa mga magulang at mag-aaral bago pa magsimula ang pasukan,” the President ordered.

President Marcos also ordered concerned agencies to intensify the dissemination of accurate information regarding the program to prevent misinformation.

The Chief Executive likewise called on all state and local universities and colleges, private higher education institutions, local governments, and partners to continue working with the government for the betterment of the country’s education sector.

“I also call on Congress to help us strengthen UniFAST so that we can implement it fully as intended in the letter of that law,” President Marcos said.

The President vowed to continue improving the country’s education system to ensure Filipinos can compete with the best in the world. | PND

“Walang kabataan din ang dapat maapektuhan ang pag-aaral dahil sa kahirapan.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. thus announced on Friday full or partial tuition assistance for qualified college students nationwide under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) to help more Filipinos complete their education.

During the awarding of the CHED UniFAST Scholarship alongside the official launch of the Electronic Certification, Authentication, and Verification (E-CAV) system held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, President Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to easing the burden of parents struggling to send their children to school.

“Sa ngayon, nagbibigay ang Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education o ‘yung tinatawag na UniFAST ng full o partial tuition at school fee assistance sa mga kwalipikadong estudyante sa state at CHED-recognized local universities and colleges sa buong bansa,” the President said.

“Hindi na nila kailangan sagutin ang halaga ng tuition. Mababawasan ang pangamba ng mga magulang at mas malaya nang makapag-aral ang ating mga estudyante,” the President added.

The government also offers a PhP20,000 annual tertiary education subsidy for students in need, which may be used to cover tuition, transportation, books, food, and other school-related expenses.

Under the same program, college students with disability will receive an additional PhP5,000 grant, while students taking degree programs with licensure examinations are eligible for reimbursement up to PhP8,000.

President Marcos expressed confidence that the program will have a positive long-term impact on the lives of its beneficiaries and will contribute meaningfully to national development.

“Bunga nito, inaasahan nating mas maraming mga estudyante ang mananatili sa paaralan at makakapagtapos ng kanilang pag-aaral. Gagaan din ang pasanin ng inyong mga magulang. At magiging mas malakas ang ating mga komunidad dahil ang mga nagtatapos bilang guro, nars, inhinyero, ay magiging haligi ng ating pag-unlad,” President Marcos said.

“Naniniwala ako na sa bawat batang natututo, may pamilyang umaangat. Sa bawat pamilyang umaangat, mas nagiging matibay ang ating ekonomiya, at sa ganoong paraan, nagiging mas matibay ang Bagong Pilipinas,” the President added.

The President also called on implementing agencies to intensify efforts to expand the reach of the UniFAST so more students would benefit from it. | PND

Thousands of well-wishers from Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Nueva Ecija and Ilocos Norte, joined the festive Salo-Salo sa Palasyo at the Kalayaan grounds of Malacañang on Friday to extend their birthday greetings to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

President Marcos, together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, joined the jubilant crowd for food, music, and cultural performances in what has become a tradition of opening the Palace to the public for the President’s birthday celebration.

Among those who visited Malacañang was Elza B. Batara, 71, from Ilocos Norte, who wished the President good health and long life, expressing hope that he would continue his good work for the Filipino people.

“Happy birthday, Apo Presidente. Long live, God bless, at always take care. Sana po ay maipagpatuloy niyo pa ang magagandang gawain para sa ating mga kababayan,” Batara said.

Marietta P. Sumagan, 70, from Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City, said she was thankful for being part of the celebration and prayed for more birthdays for the President. She also shared her wish that the President’s programs and reforms will carry on beyond his term.

“Happy birthday. More, more birthdays to come. Sana maipapatuloy lahat-lahat ‘yung mga gusto niyang mangyari sa mga Pilipino. Sana sa 2028, sana magpatuloy sya. Siya pa rin ang presidente natin sa Pilipinas. Maraming salamat sa salo-salo na pina-birthday sa amin ng Presidente BBM,” Sumagan said.

For Teodora C. Nuñez, 65, also from Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City, the event was a meaningful moment to personally greet the Chief Executive. She extended her well-wishes for continued blessings in his leadership.

Traveling from Nueva Ecija, Florencia F. Morales, 79, offered prayers for the President’s health, safety, and guidance in leading the nation, thanking him for inviting ordinary citizens to the Palace on his special day.

“Narito po ako para batiin po siya ng maligayang maligayang kaarawan po, Mr. President. Pagpalain nawa kayo ng Diyos at subaybayan sa lahat ng mga bagay-bagay na gustong ikaloob sa iyong mga mamamayan,” Morales said.

Community leaders around Malacañang also shared in the festivities.

Barangay 829 Chairman Romualdo Billanes expressed happiness that the President remembered their community, saying they felt honored to be part of his celebration.

“Kaming nakapalibot sa Malacañang, bilang chairman ng Barangay 829, ay masayang masaya po kami kasi naalala po kami ng ating Pangulo. More birthdays țo come,” Billanes said.

Kagawad Helen Aguilar of Barangay 829 described the gathering as a blessing for their community, noting that the President’s gesture of sharing his birthday with the public shows his generosity and accessibility. She also encouraged him to stay focused on his work despite criticisms, comparing his leadership to a fruitful tree that naturally draws attention.

“Nakikita naman po natin ginagawa naman ni Presidente ang lahat. Ngayon po siya ang may birthday, siya ang may regalo sa amin. Bibihira po. Ilang presidente na po ang nadaanan namin. Iba po talaga ang panahon ng mga Marcos,” Aguilar said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was born on September 13, 1957. | PND

A day before his 68th birthday on September 13, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday hosted a festive Salo-salo sa Palasyo at the Kalayaan grounds of Malacañang, continuing what has now become a tradition of celebrating his special day with the Filipino people.

The Palace once again opened its doors to the public, welcoming supporters from across Metro Manila and as far as the Ilocos region, who came to personally greet the Chief Executive.

President Marcos arrived at the venue riding a golf cart with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, warmly waving to the crowd before joining them in the celebration.

The Salo-salo sa Palasyo has become an annual tradition under the Marcos administration, symbolizing openness, gratitude, and the enduring bond between the President and the people he serves. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday honored the country’s outstanding farmers, organizations, and communities during the Gawad Agraryo 2025, recognizing their significant contributions to the agricultural sector.

In his speech, President Marcos commended the awardees for their determination and resilience in overcoming challenges, underscoring their role in ensuring food security and sustaining the nation.

“Sa pagdiriwang ng Gawad Agraryo, binibigyang-pugay natin ang mga huwarang magsasaka, organisasyon, at komunidad na nagpakita ng sipag, tiyaga, husay, at pagmamahal sa bayan,” the President said during the event held at the Makabagong San Juan National Government Center in San Juan City.

“Sa harap ng mga unos, sila’y matapang na nagpatuloy—at ngayon, sila mismo ang nagsisilbing patunay na [sa] pagsisikap, walang pangarap na hindi kayang abutin,” the President added.

Out of 45 finalists, 17 awardees were recognized: 10 Most Outstanding Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), three Most Progressive ARB Organizations (ARBOs), and four Most Progressive Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs).

Each outstanding ARB received a plaque, medal, and PhP25,000 cash award in recognition of their productivity and commitment to their families, communities, and the environment.

The most progressive ARBOs and ARCs, meanwhile, were recognized for providing reliable services to their members, promoting sustainable development, and uplifting their communities. Each received a plaque, medal, and projects worth PhP70,000.

“Sa ating awardee: Kayo po ang huwaran ng pag-asa. Kayo ang nagpapatunay na hindi natitinag ang Pilipino sa harap ng pagsubok. At kayo ang nagsisilbing gabay sa mga kababayan nating nais din magtagumpay kagaya ninyo,” the President said. “Maraming salamat sa inyong mga sakripisyo upang mapatatag ang pundasyon ng ating lipunan.”

President Marcos reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Filipino farmers, citing the distribution of nearly 70,000 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) and thousands of Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgages to free farmers of their debts.

In addition, the administration has delivered thousands of machinery and farming equipment to increase farmers’ productivity, lighten their workloads, and improve their livelihoods.

“Mga kababayan, magsisilbi sanang inspirasyon ang pagkikilalang ito upang ipagpatuloy natin ang laban para sa mas maginhawang buhay para sa ating mga magsasaka, mas maraming oportunidad para sa kanila at sa kanilang mga pamilya, at mas maunlad na sektor ng agrikultura,” the President said.

“Hangad kong ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pag-aalaga sa inyong mga lupang sakahan at pagpapalago ng inyong ani gamit ang aming handog na tulong ,” President Marcos added.

Launched in 2008, the Gawad Agraryo was established to honor farmers and organizations that have made remarkable contributions to advancing national progress and rural development.

Under his term, President Marcos has honored 35 individuals and organizations with Gawad Agraryo awards for their significant efforts in strengthening rural communities and enhancing the country’s food security. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos assigned the newly-created Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) the powers and functions necessary to carry out its investigation into anomalous flood control and related projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) within the last 10 years.

President Marcos ordered all government offices and personnel to cooperate with the ICI, or face administrative disciplinary cases if they refuse the summons or orders of the commission.

Under Executive Order 94, issued on Thursday, the President granted the ICI the authority to issue subpoenas — particularly subpoenas ad testificandum and duces tecum — for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents necessary for its fact-finding and investigation activities.

“Any government official or personnel who delays or refuses, without adequate cause, to comply with a subpoena issued by the ICI, or who, appearing before the ICI, refuses to take oath or affirmation, shall be subject to administrative disciplinary action, without prejudice to any criminal liability,” EO 94 read.

“Any private person who does the same shall be dealt with in accordance with the law,” it added.

Witnesses in ICI investigations may apply for protection under the Witness Protection Program, and the ICI may recommend qualified individuals to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as state witnesses when needed to serve justice.

President Marcos ordered all departments, bureaus, agencies, and offices in the Executive Branch, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, to “extend full assistance and cooperation to the ICI as may be required by the latter in the discharge of its functions and duties.”

“Failure or refusal to extend such assistance or cooperation for no valid or justifiable reason or adequate cause shall constitute a ground for disciplinary action against the concerned official or personnel, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations,” the President ordered.

President Marcos, meanwhile, encouraged all local government units, all branches of government, and the private sectors to provide “full and timely assistance and cooperation” to the ICI.

The ICI was given the authority to recommend to the DOJ the admission of a person as a state witness “to ensure that the ends of justice be fully served, provided such person qualifies as a state witness under the Rules of Court of the Philippines.”

Upon proper request or representation, the ICI may obtain from the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as from the courts, including the Sandiganbayan and the Office of the Court Administrator, information and documents related to matters within the power of the ICI.

The ICI may also obtain books, records, contracts, bank statements, and other pertinent documents related to the investigation, upon proper request or representation to the appropriate authorities.

The commission may also recommend or request from the appropriate authorities or the proper courts, the “issuance of a hold departure order or other remedies to monitor or prohibit the travel abroad, or to compel the return from abroad, of any public official or employee, or any other individual, under investigation,” according to EO 94.

The President ordered the ICI to turn over evidence and findings to the appropriate prosecutorial authorities for expeditious prosecution, and to recommend to the appropriate authorities the immediate preventive suspension of any public official or employee to prevent tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.

The ICI may also invite and designate public officials and private individuals of recognized competence and integrity as Special Advisers to aid in the investigation.

The ICI was ordered to provide monthly reports to the Office of the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, and publish its accomplishments and reports. | PND

The National Maritime Council–Technical Working Group (NMC-TWG) on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensure that Pag-asa Island of the municipality of Kalayaan continues to thrive as a civilian community, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-government approach to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction, and providing essential services to even the most remote communities.

The NMC-TWG officials visited Pag-asa Island, consulted with residents to check on their situation, and distributed medicines.

Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres C. Centino, who led the delegation’s inspection of Pag-asa Island, underscored the importance of personally visiting the Island to assess conditions on the ground and engage directly with residents and local officials.

“This activity is significant to personally visit the place, having consultations with the local officials and the residents of the island, and also have a hands-on sense of how we are asserting our presence in this part of the West Philippine Sea,” Centino said.

“This visit will give insight into how we come up with the necessary policy recommendations to ensure that we have a continued presence here in this part of the country,” Centino added.

Centino emphasized that the mission complies with the President’s directive to defend every inch of Philippine territory and deliver basic services regardless of distance.

“Pag-asa Island is a very important part of our territory. The President has mentioned that we continue to assert our presence in the WPS and in our maritime domain, and this visit is aligned with that vision,” Centino said.

Office of the Executive Secretary Undersecretary Leandro Roy A. Cervantes acknowledged the value of first-hand consultation.

“The most important thing is getting the feel on the ground—seeing the actual island, the people, their circumstances. The insights I gained here are invaluable so that I could give inputs to the Executive Secretary and the Council to help draft better, more effective policies,” Cervantes said.

Echoing this, NMC Spokesperson Undersecretary Alexander S. Lopez said the island inspection was a key opportunity for the NMC-TWG to understand the needs of Kalayaan municipality from political, socio-economic, and environmental perspectives.

“This is a thriving civilian community and local government unit. So, we need support from the national government, that’s why we are here to see for ourselves how we can address those challenges and needs,” Lopez said.

“The directive of the President is very clear: even in the farthest places, government must be present, and people must feel the services of the state,” Lopez said.

The visiting NMC team distributed medicines from the Department of Health to the residents of Kalayaan.

Pagasa Island is one of the islands comprising the Kalayaan Group of Islands, which is a municipality of Palawan province. The Kalayaan Group of Islands is located in the WPS.

The NMC, established by President Marcos in March 2024 and chaired by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, is in charge of harmonizing and strengthening the country’s maritime governance.

Under the Executive Secretary’s leadership, the council ensures that inter-agency actions are aligned with the administration’s thrust to protect national interests while improving the lives of communities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The visit to Pag-asa Island also coincides with the celebration of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) this September, highlighting the administration’s thrust to foster greater awareness of the Philippines’ maritime heritage, protect its territorial integrity, and strengthen the resilience of communities in the WPS. | PND

Within 48 hours after the President announced that an independent commission will be established, Executive Order No. 94 was signed and released today, September 11.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as a fact-finding body mandated to investigate alleged corruption, irregularities, and misuse of funds in government flood control and related projects within the last 10 years, amid mounting concerns that have eroded public trust.

The President said that the move is in line with his administration’s commitment to uphold honesty and integrity in public service, consistent with the constitutional mandate that public office is a public trust.

“The Administration is firmly committed to maintaining honesty and integrity in public service, and will take decisive measures to repress and hold accountable government officials and employees, and any other individual, who engage in graft, corrupt practices, or other acts that undermine the national interest and betray the people’s trust,” the President said in a six-page EO.

Under the EO, the ICI will be composed of a Chairperson and two Members “of proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence.” A Secretariat headed by an Executive Director with the rank of Undersecretary will provide administrative and technical support.

The EO stated that ICI is mandated to investigate, receive, gather, and evaluate evidence, intelligence reports, and information on irregularities in government flood control and infrastructure projects.

The ICI is also tasked to conduct hearings, take testimony, and issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and production of documents necessary for its investigations.

President Marcos earlier said the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website has logged more than 12,000 complaints against flood control and related projects in less than a month since the website was activated last August 11.

According to the EO, the independent commission shall also recommend admission of witnesses into the Witness Protection Program under Republic Act No. 6981 and, when necessary, endorse individuals for state witness status before the Department of Justice.

The ICI is also mandated to secure documents and information from Congress relevant to its investigations.

The ICI shall also recommend the filing of appropriate criminal, civil, or administrative cases before the Office of the Ombudsman, the DOJ, the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and other competent bodies, and propose corrective actions and legislative measures to enhance transparency and accountability in infrastructure programs.

The Commission will prioritize the investigation of flood control projects undertaken within the last ten years.

President Marcos emphasized that the establishment of the ICI is a decisive step to ensure accountability in public works.

To ensure transparency, the ICI is also required to submit regular updates. “The ICI shall provide monthly reports to the Office of the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary. The ICI shall likewise cause the publication of its accomplishments and such other relevant reports,” the EO added.

Funding for the commission’s operations will be sourced initially by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and thereafter included in the annual budget.

“The effective implementation of government flood control and related projects is vital to safeguarding the lives, property, and welfare of the Filipino people, who have repeatedly suffered from the devastating impacts of natural calamities and disasters,” the EO said.

The ICI will remain in operation until its mandate has been accomplished or unless sooner dissolved by the President. | PND

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday joined the Natnateng Cook-Off Showdown in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, enjoying some of the province’s dishes during the 108th Marcos Day celebration.

Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, their children and other officials, the President tried some llocano menu during the culinary showdown as part of the celebration of the 108th birth anniversary of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

During the event held at the Imelda Cultural Center, President Marcos received an advance greeting for his birthday on September 13.

The Natnateng Cook-Off Showdown is an annual culinary event showcasing Ilocos Norte’s rich tradition of vegetable dishes as part of the Marcos Day celebration.

Ilocos Norte towns participate in the cooking competition that focuses on the province’s diverse dishes and heritage cuisine.

Prior to joining the Natnateng showdown, the President and other members of the Marcos clan attended a thanksgiving mass at the Immaculate Conception Church in Batac City.

President Marcos afterwards led a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Daytoy ti Bannawag Monument in honor of the late President Marcos Sr., and presided over the ceremonial turnover of nearly 600 wheelchairs to Ilocos Norte cities and municipalities. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution on Thursday of wheelchairs to Ilocos Norte’s cities and municipalities as part of the administration’s initiative to provide quality patient care.

A total of 575 wheelchairs were handed over by the President in Batac City to the province’s 21 municipalities and two cities.

The wheelchairs were handed over to the Ilocos Norte local government units (LGUs) through the initiative of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) as part of the 108th Marcos Day celebration.

Among the LGUs that received the patient equipment during Thursday’s ceremonial turnover were the municipalities of Currimao, Badoc, San Nicolas, Paoay, Marcos, Solsona, Bacarra, Sarrat and the cities of Laoag and Batac.

Under the directive of President Marcos, the administration has undertaken various healthcare improvement initiatives including zero balance billing in government hospitals, expanded Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) coverage, and distribution of patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to all 1,642 LGUs nationwide by the end of the year. | PND