Recognizing the contributions of Filipino teachers to nation-building, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. promised to ensure school safety and improve teacher professional development that ultimately benefits the country’s learners.

“Together with parents, communities, and other partners, we will continue to work to make our schools more secure and more responsive to the needs of our learners,” President Marcos said in his address at the Manila Hotel during the Teacher Education Council’s (TEC) Celebrating Teacher Excellence: A National Teachers’ Month 2026 Celebration.

“At the same time, we continue to improve teacher preparation and professional development throughout your careers.”

These efforts are evident in the administration’s approach, such as the Teacher Education Roadmap 2035 and the scholarship program for the Teacher Education Centers of Excellence, the President said, noting that the launch of MyTEC creates more opportunities for teachers to continue learning and growing throughout their careers.

The administration’s goal, President Marcos said, is to ensure teachers have better preparation before entering the classroom and meaningful opportunities to keep learning while practicing their professions.

And through the first TEC Teachers Awards, the government is honoring educators who have demonstrated excellence and a commitment to continuous professional growth, the President emphasized.

“To awardees: Your recognition today is a tribute to what you have accomplished. Let your example inspire another teacher. May your experience help shape the next generation of teachers,” said the Chief Executive.

“To our scholars: The scholarship that you receive today is an investment in your future and in the future of the children that you will teach. Make the most of that opportunity. Study well. Learn deeply. Serve with compassion,” President Marcos added.

The President expressed gratitude to the country’s teachers and also acknowledged the government’s private-sector partners in teacher education for sharing their expertise, resources, research, and time.

The President also told the educators that their hard work does not go unnoticed, stressing that tools such as technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), will change how children learn, but they cannot replace a teacher who guides them in deciding what is true, important, and right.

The TEC Teachers Awards 2026 is an awards program of the Teacher Education Council recognizing individuals whose work contributes to the development and improvement of teacher education in the Philippines.

The My Teacher Education Commons (MyTEC) Portal, on the other hand, is a proposed shared digital platform being developed by the Teacher Education Council to support continuous professional learning and teacher development. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday honored teachers, members of the military and police as frontliners in nation-building, saying their dedication to public service has helped strengthen institutions and improve the lives of Filipinos.

Speaking at the awarding of the Medallion of Excellence to the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, President Marcos recognized the ten awardees for their years of service and sacrifice in education, the military and the police.

The President said the awardees showed that nation-building is not confined to high office but also carried out in classrooms, institutions, and communities across the country.

“It (awards) recognizes exemplary professionals in education, the military, and the police whose service has changed the lives of their communities in profound ways. They all wear different uniforms but share the same instinct: to serve our people above all else,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos noted that the education awardees have contributed to improving learning through culturally responsive tools, innovative approaches to physics education, and research on emerging technologies.

The President also cited the contributions of the military awardees in strengthening coordination among government agencies, improving efficiency through digital platforms, and enhancing maritime awareness and operational preparedness in the West Philippine Sea, while the police awardees have demonstrated the importance of prevention and innovation in public safety, including efforts to steer young people away from crime.

“Our police awardees show the value of prevention and innovation in public safety, from guiding young people away from crime and strengthening the role of women in anti-drug efforts to using digital systems and timely data to improve road safety,” President Marcos said.

The President also said their work reflects the broader initiatives of his administration to support teachers, strengthen the capabilities of security forces, and provide police officers with the tools needed to keep communities safe.

The Chief Executive cited the expansion of career progression and improved welfare for newly hired and promoted teachers, modernization of military equipment, improved pay and allowances for soldiers, and the rollout of digitized and unified systems for local government security and disaster response.

“To our 10 awardees, do know that your fellow Filipinos see you and are grateful for all that you have done and continue to do. You remind us that nation-building is not confined to high office. It is also carried out in classrooms, institutions, and communities across the country,” President Marcos said.

The President thanked the Metrobank Foundation for recognizing the outstanding Filipinos and encouraged the awardees to continue inspiring others through their example of public service.

Among the awardees are Dr. Emmanuel D. Guarde of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, Master Teacher Sheila Marie M. Amigo of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, Dr. Cecilia O. Bucayong of Maramag, Bukidnon, Dr. Jefferson A. Hora of Iligan, Lanao Del Norte, Staff Sergeant Joebelle O. Cerdinio of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Staff Sergeant John Daren P. Noche of Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte, Lieutenant Colonel Rommel M. Geli, Police Master Sergeant Dwight Alexis B. Supsupin, Police Major Baby Rose P. Cajulao, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. Mansueto.

The Metrobank Foundation has been recognizing outstanding Filipinos for more than four decades. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for stronger ASEAN action against gender-based violence in online spaces as the region continues to expand its digital economy and connectivity.

Speaking at the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit on Tuesday, President Marcos said new threats have emerged as the region digitalizes, including online harassment and abuse targeting women and girls.

“We cannot speak of empowerment while our women and girls face harassment and abuse online,” President Marcos said.

The President noted that the Philippines supports the development of regional digital frameworks to protect women and girls and ensure that online spaces remain areas of opportunity rather than oppression.

The Chief Executive also called for concrete policies to translate ASEAN’s commitments on women’s leadership into action, including measures addressing women’s economic participation, peace and security, and inclusive prosperity.

President Marcos said the Joint Ministerial Statement on Women’s Leadership for Inclusive Prosperity should serve as a roadmap for ASEAN member states as they develop polasicies and programs toward the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday affirmed that education is the administration’s highest priority, saying that the country needs to make sure more learners benefit from the government’s initiatives moving forward.

“Education remains this Administration’s highest priority. This year, the education budget reached its highest level in the history of the Philippines,” President Marcos said during his speech at the Recognition of Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) Participating Schools and Education Partners, held at the President “Cory” Corazon C. Aquino National High School, in Pasay City.

President Marcos added that the ARAL Program helps learners from Kindergarten to Grade 10 to catch up in reading, mathematics, and science.

Under Republic Act No. 12028 or the ARAL Program Act, the Department of Education (DepEd) is mandated to implement the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program as a targeted learning recovery initiative aimed at providing structured academic support to learners requiring intervention in critical subject areas, particularly Reading, Science, and Mathematics.

Along with this, President Marcos said the revised K to 10 Curriculum enables schools to give more attention to the literacy, numeracy, and other foundational skills of the learners.

“We are also supporting children even before they enter school. Through the First 1,000 Days Program, we champion maternal and child health and nutrition,” the President said.

“So as we support our learners, we also support the people who guide them,” the Chief Executive noted.

On the other hand, President Marcos said that the country has improved from its 2022 results, “but we have a long way to go to catch up with our neighbors in the region, with the rest of Asia, and with the rest of the world.”

Given the right support and opportunities, Filipino students can compete on the global stage, President Marcos said.

President Marcos also urged the parents and teachers to continue nurturing the children’s curiosity. Encourage them to discover the world beyond the classroom. Guide them in using technology so that it becomes a tool for learning, President Marcos said.

“To our learners: Keep asking questions. Look at things from different points of view. Do not be afraid to change your mind when you learn something new,” President Marcos also urged the learners.

“Let us teach our children to be intelligent. Let us teach our children to question. Let us teach our children to understand,” the President said.

“What you see, these students that we see here, this is nothing less than the future of the Philippines. And how that is the most important thing, the most important contribution that we can make to our country, to make to the future of our country, and to make to the future generations of Filipinos is to provide them with a good education,” President Marcos also said. Ӏ PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Monday highlighted the Philippines’ improved performance in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), citing gains in reading, science and mathematics as the country continues to implement reforms in the education sector.

“A few weeks ago, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD, released the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment, or PISA 2025,” President Marcos said during his speech at the Recognition of PISA Participating Schools and Education Partners, held at the President “Cory” Corazon C. Aquino National High School, in Pasay City.

President Marcos said the assessment provides a clearer picture of what 15-year-olds can do with what they have learned.

“After all, education is just about what students know and what they learn. We want our children to understand what they read, apply mathematics to solve day-to-day problems, and use science to improve their lives,” President Marcos said.

“And that’s why, compared with our results from 2022, we have seen improvements,” the President also said.

President Marcos said the Philippines’ scores increased by 20 points in reading, 17 points in science, and 16 points in mathematics.

This achievement was brought about by years of consistent guidance, encouragement, and support from teachers, families, schools, communities, and partners, the Chief Executive noted.

President Marcos said this is why the country recognizes the people and institutions that helped make it possible.

The President also thanked the participating schools; school leaders; learners and their parents; local government partners; and everyone who contributed to this milestone.

“We appreciate our teachers who have spent long hours in the classroom, guiding our learners so that they can perform well in this assessment,” President Marcos said.

The President also acknowledged the government’s partners who worked with them to prepare for PISA 2025 including Frontlearners, Khan Academy Philippines, ConnectEd by Her Legacy, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, Rebisco Global Food Ventures, and One Meralco.

Among the guests were Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara and Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano. Ӏ PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. promised on Saturday to support local manufacturers, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), during a visit to a Laguna-based manufacturer of automobile parts, metal components, accessories, and aluminum devices.

President Marcos inspected the Nuvali Steel Processing Center, Inc. (NSPC) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Assistance to Align the Company with the Industry 4.0 through the DOST Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program.

The President expressed fascination with the company’s advanced manufacturing process using robotics with the DOST’s assistance.

President Marcos pointed out the need for the government and private sector to working hand in hand to encourage the adoption of state-of-the-art equipment and help Philippine businesses compete in the global market.

“The advances that have been made in robotics are really quite impressive. So, it’s very good to see. We will do more of this, not only for Nuvali Steel, but also for the other companies,” said the President.

“Hindi na tayo kailangang mag-import ng kung anu-anong piyesa. Karamihan na ng piyesa na ginagawa na motorsiklo, dito na nanggagaling. And therefore, the value-added stays here.”

When the supply chain is strong, production increases and more jobs are created, the President emphasized, adding that it also secures more products for local manufacturers to assemble various types of machines.

The President also mentioned the adoption of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) for agriculture sector use.

“So, this is a very, very important step that we have taken in terms not only of the advancement of the technology, manufacturing technologies but also in the coordination and synchronization between government and the private sector,” the chief executive said.

Established on May 22, 2013, NSPC is a beneficiary of DOST SETUP in 2023, helping it to acquire two units of Arc Welding Robots, which increased its productivity, maintained quality and precision, and ensured safety and ergonomic work.

The government support enabled NSPC to acquire additional units.

The company, which operates inside the Laguna Technopark Annex, is engaged in the manufacturing of automobile parts, metal components, accessories, and aluminum devices.

Other key government programs that help local industries access financing and transition to Smart Manufacturing include DOST SETUP, the Venture Financing Program, the Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers (MEICs), and the Connected and Unified Autonomous Technologies with Automation and Robotics (CUATRO) Program.

Programs under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), on the other hand, are the Shared Service Facilities Project, Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso, and MSME Business Fund. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to expand irrigation service areas nationwide in 2027 as part of efforts to increase agricultural productivity and strengthen support for Filipino farmers.

According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the Marcos administration is proposing PhP30.44 billion for the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) Irrigation Services Program.

Under the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 National Expenditure Program, the funding will support the development of 11,153 hectares of new irrigation service areas across the country.

“Para kay Pangulong Marcos Jr., ang investment sa irigasyon ay bahagi ng mas malawak na food security agenda ng pamahalaan kasama ang suporta sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda, produksiyon ng pagkain at pagpapataas ng farm productivity,” Castro said.

Castro also said President Marcos has emphasized the importance of strengthening irrigation infrastructure to improve agricultural productivity and support farmers’ livelihoods.

The irrigation expansion is also intended to help farmers cope with climate-related risks, including the potential effects of El Niño.

The Palace official said the government is likewise exploring alternative irrigation solutions, including solar-powered irrigation systems, as part of efforts to strengthen support for the agriculture sector.

“Ipinapakita rin nito ang matibay na pangako ng Pangulo sa sektor ng agrikultura sa kabila ng lahat ng hamong dulot ng climate change,” Castro added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday met with four Filipino analog astronauts who have participated in space simulation missions and training programs worldwide.

During a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace, President Marcos eagerly listened to the experiences and insights of Kristine Jane Atienza, a nutrition specialist from Bataan; Dr. Marvic Jon Alcantara, a medical specialist from Cavite; Florence Pauline Basubas, a space biologist from Cebu; and Dr. Mark Angelo Purio, a space engineer from Oriental Mindoro.

The President expressed support for their future endeavors and encouraged them to share their experiences to inspire more Filipino youth to pursue careers in space science and technology.

“Congratulations. Keep it going. I am so glad that we have presence in all these space sciences. It has become so much easier now… much safer than it used to be,” President Marcos said.

Analog missions simulate some of the conditions astronauts may experience while living and working on the Moon, Mars or in space. These include isolation, communication delays, limited resources, and other physical, operational, and psychological challenges.

The four Filipino analog astronauts have taken part in missions and training programs in different countries.

Atienza participated in the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) program and received suborbital spaceflight certification from the National Aerospace Training and Research Center in Pennsylvania.

Alcantara became the first Filipino medical doctor to serve as an analog astronaut and has participated in missions in Hawaii and Australia.

Basubas served as executive and medical officer for the Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission in Portugal, while Purio became the first Filipino engineer analog astronaut through the LunAres Mission M4.26 in Poland. Purio was also involved in the development of the Philippines’ Maya-2 cube satellite.

PH’s development of analog missions

During the courtesy call, Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) Acting Director General Gay Jane Perez also briefed President Marcos on plans to develop the country’s analog missions and prepare Filipinos for future human spaceflight opportunities.

Perez said PhilSA is tapping the experience of Filipino analog astronauts who trained abroad to help develop similar missions in the Philippines.

As part of the effort, PhilSA is conducting the Analog Habitat Waypoint (ANAHAW), a university-based program aimed at developing Filipino capabilities in space research and mission operations.

Eleven participants are currently undergoing a 24-hour analog mission from September 25 to 26 at Batangas State University. Six members are the primary crew experiencing simulated conditions of living and working in a lunar habitat, and 5 members are part of mission control who are monitoring the mission and providing technical advice.

Perez said PhilSA plans to expand the program through ANAHAW 2.0 next year, with several universities envisioned to simultaneously conduct analog missions.

PhilSA is also planning a two-week professional all-Filipino analog mission in 2027, potentially at the LunAres Research Station in Piła, Poland, or the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, United States.

Perez said an all-Filipino crew would provide an opportunity to study how Filipinos work together under the isolation, confinement, and resource limitations experienced during space missions.

“There will be new observations that will be made. How will Filipinos in a confined environment survive? But we think there are values that will prevail — bayanihan — and this is something that the international community can also learn from us,” Perez said.

Filipino Astronaut Program

Perez described the analog missions as the country’s “pathway to human spaceflight.”

She said PhilSA is developing a three-year astronaut program that would include a nationwide search for participants, a two-week all-Filipino analog mission, and a rigorous and competitive selection process for astronaut candidates.

At the same time, Filipino scientists will develop science experiments that could eventually be conducted in space.

The initiatives are part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the Philippines’ capabilities in space science and technology.

In June, President Marcos convened the Philippine Space Council to discuss initiatives on satellite development, space data utilization, and international cooperation.

Also, during President Marcos’ state visit to Japan in May, PhilSA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency signed a declaration identifying space exploration and human spaceflight among areas for possible cooperation. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday issued Executive Order No. 125 temporarily suspending excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene amid elevated global crude oil prices.

President Marcos’ EO 125 stated that the excise taxes on LPG and kerosene are fully suspended, subject to specific exemptions on their use, following a recommendation by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

The measure followed the Department of Energy’s certification that the average Dubai crude oil price, based on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) over the preceding 30 calendar days, had reached US$99.41 per barrel.

On September 25, President Marcos issued EO 125, “Temporarily Suspending the Excise Taxes on Specific Petroleum Products Pursuant to Section 148 of Republic Act No. 8424 or the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as Amended.”

“The excise taxes on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), except when used as raw material for production of petrochemical products or used for motive power, and kerosene, except when used as aviation fuel, are hereby fully suspended,” the executive order stated.

The DBCC, in coordination with the DOE, shall review the implementation of the suspension of excise taxes 15 days from the issuance of the EO, and every month thereafter, and submit a report to the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Based on these reports, the DBCC may recommend to the President the continuation, modification, extension, or termination of the suspension.

The DOE and the Department of Finance (DOF), through the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), were directed to conduct an inventory of existing stocks of LPG and kerosene as of the effectivity of the order.

Last September 11, the DOE certified that the average Dubai crude oil price based on Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) covering the last 30 calendar days has reached US$99.41 per barrel.

This prompted the DBCC, through Resolution No. 2026-11, to recommend full suspension of excise taxes on LPG with certain exceptions.  PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday inspected the transitional hospital in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, which has served residents for nearly 13 years after Super Typhoon Yolanda destroyed the Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital (FAMH) in November 2013.

The President toured the temporary medical facility in Barangay Cantahay, where he interacted with patients and healthcare workers who have continued providing essential medical services despite the hospital’s limited facilities.

The transitional hospital was established through donations from local and international non-government organizations (NGOs) in the aftermath of Yolanda, which devastated Guiuan and other parts of Eastern Samar.

Its facilities, consisting primarily of converted container vans, have served as temporary treatment areas and medical offices for nearly 13 years while the original hospital underwent reconstruction.

President Marcos visited the transitional hospital shortly after inspecting the newly reconstructed and modernized Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital in Barangay 9A, located a few minutes away.

During his inspection, the Chief Executive personally observed the conditions of the temporary facility and interacted with patients and medical personnel to gain firsthand insights into their experiences.

Earlier, the President welcomed the completion of the reconstructed hospital, describing it as a facility that rose from the ruins of the original hospital destroyed by Yolanda.

Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone said the provincial government established the transitional hospital to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services while awaiting the completion of the permanent facility.

The newly reconstructed hospital, completed at a total cost of PhP858.54 million through funding from the national government, provincial government and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is expected to provide modern healthcare services to residents of southern Eastern Samar and nearby island communities.

With the transfer of hospital operations to the new facility scheduled for October 7, the transitional hospital’s nearly 13 years of service will mark a significant chapter in Guiuan’s recovery from the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda. | PND