President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday ordered a review of the P880 billion proposed budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to ensure transparency and proper use of the people’s money.

President Marcos issued the directive to Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and new DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.

“I have instructed the DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to fully review the budget of the DPWH and make the necessary corrections for the NEP 2026. We owe the Filipino people transparency and efficiency,” President Marcos said.

“The people’s money should be used properly,” the President also said.

The 2026 NEP submitted to Congress allocated a PhP 880 billion budget to the DPWH for next year. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged local government units to implement the zero balance billing program in their hospitals, following its successful rollout in 78 Department of Health (DOH) facilities.

“Ang aking samo ay maging laganap din ito sa mga hospital sa ilalim ng lokal na pamahalaan. Kung saan, hindi kailangan maglabas ng pera ang mga naghihirap nating may sakit,” President Marcos said in his speech during the oath-taking of the newly elected officials of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP).

Under the program, patients confined in basic or ward accommodations are not required to pay hospital bills, helping alleviate financial burdens on struggling families.

President Marcos stressed that expanding the initiative is crucial to ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all Filipinos.

The President likewise expressed hope that the LPP will play a key role in accelerating and improving public service delivery across the country.

President Marcos emphasized the importance of utilizing new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and other innovations, to improve frontline services for the public.

“Mga kapwa lingkod-bayan, naririto tayo dahil pinagkakatiwalaan tayo ng taumbayan. Huwag po natin silang bibiguin,” President Marcos said.

The President has visited several key hospitals, including Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center, Eastern Visayas Medical Center, and East Avenue Medical Center, to personally oversee the implementation of the zero balance billing program and ensure that patients receive the promised financial assistance from the government. | PND

Amid the mounting controversies on flood control projects, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the newly elected officials of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) to serve with integrity and to actively expose any irregularities in projects implemented by both national and local governments.

“Kaya’t hinihikayat ko kayo: Paglingkuran natin nang buong katapatan ang sambayanan; tiyakin natin nasa wasto ang mga proyekto na ipinapatupad ng pambansang pamahalaan at ng lalawigan; at isiwalat natin kung may makikitang taliwas,” President Marcos said during the oath-taking ceremony of the LPP officials.

The President stressed that public funds are meant for the welfare of the nation and not for personal gain.

President Marcos made the call following his exposure of irregularities in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects, which prompted a thorough investigation into the matter.

The Chief Executive expressed outrage upon seeing some “ghost” flood mitigation projects, warning that the private contractors involved would be blacklisted and could face charges of economic sabotage.

“Ngayon, higit kailanman, kailangan ng bansang Pilipinas ang inyong pamumuno upang wakasan ang mga maling nakagisnan,” President Marcos said.

“Nagsisimula pa lang ang laban at mahaba pa ang ating tatahakin. Umaasa ako na kasama namin kayo sa bawat hakbang, sa pagsusuri sa mga proyekto, sa pagsasaliwanag sa mga nagkukubli sa kadiliman,” the President added.

President Marcos told the governors to serve as “conscience” and confront critical challenges to build a better future for all Filipinos.

“Para sa mga bagong opisyal ng LPP: Magsisilbing gabay. Magsisilbing boses. At higit sa lahat, magsilbi kayong konsensya,” the President said.

“Sa paraang ito, maitatatag natin ang Bagong Pilipinas kung saan ang bawat Pilipino ay may pagkakataong umunlad, may seguridad sa kinabukasan, at may tiwala sa pamahalaan,” President Marcos ended. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administered the oath of office to the newly elected officials of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) during a ceremony held at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday.

In his speech, President Marcos commended the LPP for its long-standing commitment to public service, unity, and nation-building.

“Simula nang maitatag ang LPP noong 1987, nagkaroon ang lahat ng mga lalawigan sa bansa ng iisang tinig para sa iisang adhikain: ang kaunlaran ng bawat Pilipino saan mang panig ng mundo,” the President said.

The Chief Executive cited LPP’s Manifesto of Support issued last year, calling it a strong demonstration of their commitment to public service and unity in governance.

“Pinili ninyong isulong ang matapat na serbisyong publiko sa halip na pagkawatak-watak na hindi nakakatulong naman sa ating mga mamamayan,” the President said.

President Marcos also commended the league for supporting the government’s digitalization efforts, which he said has improved efficiency, reduced fixers, and made services more accessible to all Filipinos.

In agriculture, the President noted the collaboration between the national and local leaders that helped provide affordable rice and ensure benefits and subsidies reach those who truly need them.

The Chief Executive likewise underscored the vital role of governors in times of crisis, noting that they are often the first to respond to the needs of their constituents.

President Marcos reflected on his own experience as a local chief executive, having served as governor of Ilocos Norte for over a decade.

“Napag-aralan ko ang bawat sulok ng lokal na pamahalaan. Sa panahon ng tagtuyot, natutunan ko kung (anong) irigasyon ang kailangang ayusin. Sa panahon ng unos, natutunan ko rin kung anong sektor ang uunahin,” the President said.

President Marcos expressed his confidence in the new LPP officers to fulfill their mandate and serve the public with integrity and dedication.

The LPP, composed of the country’s 82 provincial governments, promotes unity and effective local governance through policy collaboration and capacity-building programs.

The new set of officers of the LPP elected last July 25, is led by its reelected National President South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., reelected National Chairman Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua and Executive Vice-President Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda.

Also elected for a three-year term until July 31, 2028 are: Senior Vice-Presidents Gov. Rodolfo Albano III (Luzon North), Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. (Luzon South), Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. (Visayas), Gov. Nilo Demerey Jr. (Mindanao); and Secretary-General, Gov. Nilo

Demerey Jr. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administered the oath of office to the newly elected officials of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) in a ceremony this Wednesday morning at the Malacañan Palace.

The LPP, representing the country’s 82 provincial governments, fosters unity and strengthens local governance through policy collaboration and capacity-building programs.

Leading the oath-taking was South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., reelected as National President last July 25.

He was joined by Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua, who was also reelected as Chairperson, and other governors from various provinces.

The new set of officers will serve until July 31, 2028. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center (Bataan GHMC) in Balanga City, Bataan on Tuesday to inspect its implementation of zero-balance billing and ensure that patients receive the necessary financial assistance from the government.

President Marcos noted that the hospital ensures hassle-free healthcare through its zero balance billing program and innovative patient support services.

“Mayroon silang bagong feature dito sa Bataan General. Zero billing pa rin, pero imbes na pipila sa kahera ang pasyente bago ma-discharge, ‘pag malapit na ma-discharge ‘yung pasyente, eh hinahatid sa kanila ‘yung kanilang zero billing,” the President said in his remarks during the visit.

“Another added convenience which I think we should adopt all around the country… That’s why I’m very happy that we are instituting this program. I think it’s been a long time coming and I’m glad,” added the President.

President Marcos went to the cashier and billing section, then proceeded to the hospital’s ward section at the fourth floor where the President interacted with several patients.

In line with Republic Act No. 11223 otherwise known as Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, and the directive of President Marcos to provide accessible and equitable healthcare for all Filipinos, Bataan GHMC has fully implemented the President’s zero balance billing policy, ensuring that all eligible patients are discharged without paying any out-of-pocket expenses for Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth)-covered services.

Zero balance billing guarantees that indigent, sponsored, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWD) who are PhilHealth members admitted to Department of Health (DOH) hospital service wards are fully covered for hospitalization, diagnostic services, and medicines included in PhilHealth’s case rates.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, President Marcos announced that the government is now implementing zero balance billing in DOH hospitals to ease the financial burden of patients in ward services.

The Bataan GHMC has established an enhanced Patient Assist and Roving Personnel team to provide hands-on support in the processing and submission of PhilHealth requirements for admitted patients.

“This program embodies President Marcos’ vision of a health system that is inclusive, compassionate, and truly for the people,” said Dr. Glory Baltazar, Medical Center Chief II of Bataan GHMC, in a statement. | PND

“Maging mapanuri. Hindi porke’t sikat, maraming subscribers ay tama ang sinasabi.”

The appeal was made by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during the fourth leg of the PCO’s “Usap Tayo, Bayan Muna” Campus Caravan at the Arellano University (AU) in Legarda, Manila on Monday.

Castro called on the youth to critically evaluate every piece of information they encounter on social media and always seek the truth, as she engaged Senior High School (SHS) students in discussions focused on media literacy as part of the “Talakayan Kasama si Usec. Claire Castro.”

“Maging mapanuri. Alamin niyo ang katotohanan. Hindi lahat ng nakikita niyo, porke’t kilala ninyo nagsabi ng ganito, porke’t sikat, maraming subscribers ay tama ang sinasabi,” Castro told the AU-Manila Community.

The Talakayan series aims to create a safe space where students can ask questions, share their views, and connect lessons to real-world decision-making, helping bridge classroom learning with national discourse. It also demonstrates that the students’ questions matter and their voices are heard.

During the event, Shaina Jane Gitanes, a Grade 11 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMMS) student, shared Castro’s sentiment noting that being critical and wise with the information received reflects being a responsible citizen.

“Kailangan nating maging critical kasi nagko-consume tayo ng mga balita, ng mga information. So, technically, we have to be wise with it, nagre-reflect ‘yun sa atin kung responsible tayo as a citizen of this country,” Gitanes said.

The campus caravan continues to emphasize the importance of information literacy, particularly among young people, in an era when misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly online. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday assured that the government is investing in workforce training to support and sustain the country’s growth in the shipbuilding sector.

During the inauguration of the HD Hyundai Shipyard in Subic, Zambales, President Marcos emphasized that skills development is crucial to the long-term success of the industry and its partnerships.

“To make this partnership succeed, we are working to match Hyundai’s investment with a skilled workforce worthy of their trust,” the President said in his remarks.

The Chief Executive said that last November, TESDA and Hyundai signed an agreement to establish an off-campus training facility in Subic, resulting in the first batch of graduates who are now part of the workforce.

Through this partnership, 24 trainees have completed the Flux-Cored Arc Welding NC I program and are now part of Hyundai’s workforce,” the President said.

To further expand capacity, President Marcos announced that TESDA has awarded 25 more scholarships for Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I and 100 scholarships for enterprise-based training in Flux-Cored Arc Welding NC to ensure a steady flow of skilled Filipino workers.

“We now have 16 training programs covering every discipline—from marine electricity to gas or arc welding—so that the skills forged here meet the standards of any shipyard around the world,” President Marcos said.

The President emphasized that the partnership is a testament to the country’s commitment to developing industries alongside a capable and globally competitive workforce. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center (Bataan GHMC) in Balanga City, Bataan on Tuesday to check on its implementation of the zero balance billing and ensure that patients are provided the needed financial assistance from the government.

According to the management of the Bataan GHMC, the hospital ensures hassle-free health care through the zero balance billing program and innovative patient support services in Balanga City.

In line with Republic Act No. 11223 otherwise known as Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, and the directive of President Marcos to provide accessible and equitable healthcare for all Filipinos, Bataan GHMC has fully implemented the President’s zero balance billing policy, ensuring that all eligible patients are discharged without paying any out-of-pocket expenses for Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth)-covered services.

Zero balance billing guarantees that PhilHealth members admitted in a Department of Health (DOH) hospital’s basic accommodation or ward are fully covered for hospitalization, diagnostic services, and medicines included in PhilHealth’s case rates.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28, President Marcos announced that the government is now implementing zero balance billing in DOH hospitals to ease the financial burden of patients in the ward services.

“Uulitin ko, wala nang kailangan bayaran ang pasyente basta sa DOH hospital dahil bayad na po ang bill ninyo,” said President Marcos. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday declared the revival of the Philippine shipbuilding industry as he led the inauguration of the HD Hyundai Shipyard in Subic, Zambales, affirming the country’s resolve to reclaim its position among the world’s leading shipbuilding nations.

In his remarks during the ceremony, President Marcos underscored the importance of restoring and revitalizing the country’s global competitiveness in shipbuilding, which was once a significant economic and industrial driver.

“Together with our partners, we are reviving the shipbuilding in the country to strengthen industries, promote livelihood, and build a better, stronger future for the Philippines,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive recalled that from 2014 to 2018, the Philippines had been producing up to 2 million gross tons of ships annually, before the industry’s momentum slowed in 2019.

“Today, we raise the sails once more,” President Marcos declared.

With Hyundai Heavy Industries’ investment, President Marcos noted that the Subic shipyard’s capacity will expand from 1.3 million to 2.5 million deadweight tons, enabling it to build up to eight massive oil tankers yearly.

“Today, we will begin reclaiming our rightful place among the world’s great shipbuilding nations,” the President said.

President Marcos said the renewed push is anchored in government programs that align skills training with international standards across 16 technical disciplines, from marine electricity to gas and arc welding.

The President acknowledged that the shipyard’s relaunch reflects a long-term vision not only to revive but to sustain the industry for future generations, symbolizing the nation’s resilience and readiness to compete globally.

“Together, let us show the world that Filipinos have the skills, the vision to navigate the uncertain waters of an ever-changing world,” President Marcos said.

HD Hyundai’s restart of large-scale shipbuilding in the Philippines leases 200 hectares from Agila Subic, a Cerberus portfolio company, for operations beginning January 2026.

The 10-year lease covers shipyard operations designed to support both offshore wind platform construction and vessel production. | PND