President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to live a life of meaning and purpose as he joined the nation in celebrating Christmas.

“As Filipinos take this highly anticipated chance to come home, reconnect with loved ones, and relish the blessings of the past year, I call on everyone to reflect on what is truly important: living a life of meaning and purpose,” President Marcos said in his Christmas message.

“By doing so, may the bustle and spirit of Christmas make love and peace abound in every household and instill in us a deeper appreciation of the strength that comes from our relationship with Christ and each other,” he said.

As the nation endeavors to build a Bagong Pilipinas, the President rallied the people to emulate the light “that led the wise men to meet the infant in the manger so others may see and experience the hope that the Lord Almighty freely offers to us all.”

The President also highlighted the importance of the occasion to Christian believers, which he said, is a crucial part of their deeply-held beliefs.

“While it heralds the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, it also marks the moment we experience the presence of God in its nearest and most intimate form, evoking gratitude, kindness, and happiness to one and all,” the President said.

“This makes both the celebration and significance of Christmas transcend the constraints of religion, extending its invitation of joy and thanksgiving to everyone no matter their background.”

In his previous pronouncements, President Marcos wished Filipinos to feel the spirit of the Yuletide season despite this year’s challenges, asking them to sympathize with those who are still reeling from the effects of successive calamities that hit the country. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the First Lady and their sons enjoined all Filipino families for a simple yet meaningful and joyful Christmas celebration.

In a video message, President Marcos emphasized the spirit of celebration of Filipinos as the most joyful celebration in the world. He also recognized the resilience of Filipinos in rising above this year’s challenges.

“Ang paskong Pilipino ay ang pinakamasayang pasko sa buong mundo. Kaya naman sa kabila ng anumang pagsubok o pinagdadaanan, hindi maiaalis sa atin ang magdiwang, simple man ang pamamaraan,” President Marcos said on Tuesday.

First Lady Liza Marcos and Rep. Sandro Marcos invited everyone to visit the Christmas sceneries in the country and the sparkling decorations in different provinces.

Presidential sons Simon and Vincent also urged Filipinos to visit churches and dine together with their families and loved ones during Christmas.

The President reiterated that the true meaning of Christmas is love and sharing with family and loved ones.

“Hindi naman kailangang magarbo dahil nasaan mang sulok ng bansa at anuman ang ating kalagayan, ang Pasko sa Pilipino ay pagmamahalan at pagbibigayan. Ang Pasko sa Pilipino ay pamilya,” he said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains focused on uplifting lives, driving economic growth and securing the country’s future amid the result of the recent Pulse Asia survey on the approval and trust ratings of the Chief Executive.

“Governance scorecard should not be confined to pollings alone,” according to Executive Secretary Lucas P,. Bersamin.

He said executive decision is motivated by public interest, not by the desire to score high in opinion polls.

“High popularity ratings are the bonus and not the bedrock of effective public service,” Bersamin said.

Bersamin said he respects the statement that surveys are reliable indicators of public opinion. But surveys are not the sole instrument to measure governance, he said.

“To consider surveys as the sole indicator is to take our focus away from the more important metrics, like employment, that reliably measure our progress as a nation,” Bersamin said.

He also underscored that true leadership has the responsibility to pursue what is right though it may not be widely supported or unpopular.

“As the President’s actions show, we have remained focused on our critical mission of uplifting lives, growing the economy, and securing our future,” Bersamin said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. intends to expand the relations between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia to cover other areas of cooperation even as the two nations maintain a successful collaboration.

“I know your time here is very productive. Our relation with your country is as strong as ever been and I think we will continue. We keep going and we have begun many things as well just during my time here as President,” President Marcos said during a farewell call by Saudi Arabia Ambassador Hisham Sultan Abdullah Alqahtani on Thursday.

“So we would like to continue and make even deeper and more involved together with the kingdom and hopefully we can expand on all of the things that we’re already doing. This is all happened under your watch,” the President said.

The President said the discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and the other officials tackled some of the most important matters. He stressed the “very good partnership” created between the two countries.

He acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s position in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which, he said, was helpful for the peace effort in Mindanao.

“We are now getting closer and closer to actually having an autonomous region with elective parliament members. And (we’re) working very hard to make sure that it will be a successful effort. It’s so important now that we do that. But again, not just the OIC but also Saudi Arabia has been so supportive of everything that we have been trying to do,” President Marcos told the Saudi official.

For his part, Alqahtani thanked the President for meeting him prior to his departure. The Saudi envoy made huge success in his efforts for three and a half years to make the relations between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia even stronger.

He also acknowledged that Filipinos became an important part of Saudi Arabia’s development especially in the last 40 years until now.

“We will not forget them. The development there in Saudi Arabia came with the Philippines also. It’s a common relation, common interest together with the Philippines. And we want to thank you His Excellency, the government, the DFA about the full support in our work especially in support at the international organization,” Alqahtani said.

And as Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the World Cup in 2030, Alqahtani said the kingdom will need skilled Filipino workers particularly in building mega projects in Jeddah and the north of Saudi Arabia such as the Red Sea and the rail and line projects.

President Marcos said the Philippines could send workers as long as it has available work force. And despite the global competition, Filipinos still have an edge as workers.

There are almost a million Filipinos staying or working

in Saudi Arabia, based on recent data. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the launching of the newly-renovated Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Museum during the 89th AFP Anniversary Day on Friday.

The AFP Museum, which will soon open to the public, features various types of military weaponry from cannons and rifles to tanks and helicopters.

Among those displayed in the museum include a US M2 105mm Howitzer, a37mm Japanese anti-tank gun, 106mm US recoilless cannon, Huey helicopter, MD 500 attack helicopter, US M41 Light Tank, and vintage presidential troop review vehicle.

Old rifles, pistols and bladed weapons from Mindanao are also on display at the museum.

Also being featured at the museum is the “Bongbong Rocket” which was developed and test fired during the administration of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

The rocket was conceptualized as the Philippines tried to develop indigenous weapons for the AFP to wean itself from importing defense equipment.

The AFP traces its origins to the Philippine Revolutionary Army established on March 22, 1897, during the country’s struggle for independence from Spain.

In 1901, the United States, the Philippines’ colonial master at that time, formed the Philippine Constabulary to maintain peace and suppress the remnants of revolutionary movements.

The modern AFP was formally established during the Commonwealth era through the National Defense Act of 1935 championed by the late president Manuel L. Quezon.

This year’s anniversary carries the theme: AFP @ 89: Sandigan ng Sambayanan Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain steadfast in upholding its core values.

The President made the call as he led the celebration of the 89th anniversary of the AFP in Quezon City on Friday.

“I encourage you to remain true to the values that have guided this institution for 89 years,” President Marcos said in his speech.

He reminded the AFP to uphold honor in the face of adversity, lead with compassion during crises, and inspire with humanity.

“Let the AFP emerge as the embodiment of the Filipino spirit – a spirit that stands firm against oppression, adapts to the demands of the time, and always places the welfare of the nation above all else,” he said.

The President commended the AFP for its contributions to the Philippines, as protector of the country and the people, upholding democracy, and demonstrating a spirit of service and sacrifice, even in the most challenging times.

He highlighted the enduring respect and admiration the AFP has earned from the Filipino people for its unwavering commitment to its mission.

“Today, we go beyond celebrating the strength of your arms or the victories you have won. We are honoring the ideals you embody— the ideals of honor, service, patriotism,” he said.

President Marcos assured the AFP of his administration’s commitment to preparing the military for the future through the “Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Program.”

This initiative aims to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign sources and empower the AFP to develop its own defense capabilities, he said.

Before concluding his speech, President Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing the AFP. He emphasized that modernization would not only involve acquiring advanced equipment, but also transforming the way the military thinks, acts and operates. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday cited the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in combating the threat of cybercrime to national security.

In a speech during the 89th anniversary celebration of the AFP on Friday, the President described the threat of cybercrime as “complex and multifaceted.”

“For the threats we face today are no longer confined to our shores or to the traditional battlefield. They are now complex, multifaceted, and, at times, invisible,” he said.

“The geopolitical developments and tensions continue to test our sovereignty and our resolve. The surge in cybersecurity threats, if unchallenged and unaddressed, will challenge our national security,” he added.

The President said the pervasive force of misinformation and disinformation “undermines the values we hold dear, threatening the democracy we have fought so hard to protect.”

Amid the threats, the AFP has remained steadfast, he said.

“You have shown that you are a force for peace, progress, and solidarity—a partner in building a stronger, more resilient Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.

In recent years, the AFP has shown what it means to adapt, to evolve, and to persevere in the face of change.

“You have become an agile and responsive force, attuned to the shifting demands of our security landscape. And this is no small feat… As we commemorate your accomplishments, we must also look forward to the future that awaits. The modern age demands that we meet these evolving challenges head-on,” he said.

He assured the administration is committed to ensuring that the AFP is fully prepared to play its role.

Through the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Program, the government aims to reduce its dependence on foreign sources and empower the AFP to develop its own capabilities.

“But modernization is not simply about acquiring advanced equipment; it is about transforming the way we think, the way we act, and the way we operate as a unified force,” the President said.

To enhance our capabilities and preparedness, the country is now harnessing the latest technologies, reinforcing strategies, and enhancing the skills of every soldier, sailor, and airman, he said.

“After all, we are building an AFP that can hold its own on the global stage—one that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest armed forces,” he added.

During the event, the President bestowed the “Medalya ng Kagitingan” to First Lieutenant Dhell Jun C. Evangelista.

“Sa kabila ng kanyang batang edad, labis ang sakripisyo at paglilingkod na kanyang ipinamalas upang masiguro ang seguridad ng ating bansa. Maraming salamat sa iyong paglilingkod sa sambayanan at sa lahat ng Pilipino l.Ang iyong alaala ay habambuhay nang nakaukit sa kasaysayan ng AFP,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved an increase in gratuity pay for Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) workers in the government, raising the amount up to PhP7,000.

The increase will take effect not earlier than December 15.

In a four-page Administrative Order 28 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, President Marcos said JOs and COS employees who have rendered a total or aggregate of at least four months of actual satisfactory service performance as of December 15 are entitled to the gratuity pay from PhP5,000 to PhP7,000.

“Granting a year-end gratuity pay to COS and JO workers is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and valuable participation in the implementation of various PAPs of the government, and their pivotal role in the delivery of government services amidst the present socio-economic challenges,” President Marcos said.

PAPs refers to programs, activities and projects.

Workers whose contracts remain effective as of the same date are also eligible to receive the gratuity pay.

In 2021, President Marcos also increased the gratuity pay for COS and JO workers, raising it from PhP3,000 to PhP5,000.

Employees who rendered less than four months of satisfactory service as of December 15 may still receive the FY 2024 Gratuity Pay on a pro-rata basis.

COS/JO workers with three months, but less than four months of service may receive gratuity pay not exceeding PhP6,000 while those with two months, but less than three months of service may receive gratuity pay not exceeding PhP5,000.

Workers with less than two months may receive gratuity pay not exceeding PhP4,000.

AO 28 will take effect immediately following its complete publication in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed optimism on the strengthening partnership between the Philippines and Japan on defense, security and economic concerns.

“I’m very optimistic of the continuing strengthening of our partnership not only in terms of defense and security but even in the economic [area],” President Marcos said in a courtesy call of Japan’s National Security Adviser Akiba Takeo at the Malacañan Palace.

The President said the partnership between Japan and the Philippines is strong. It “helped to strengthen our position when it comes to confronting all of these different issues that we are all facing,” he added.

He noted the two countries’ strong cooperation on defense security, particularly in terms of sharing, interoperability, and exercises in strengthening the position of both nations in the South China Sea.

The President also shared the successful ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) on December 16 this year.

“I’m also very happy to be able to note that the Reciprocal Access Agreement has already been ratified by our Senate. And as soon as we are all ready, we can operationalize the agreement that we have come through between Japan and the Philippines,” he said.

The RAA was signed in July 2024 to improve the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan for more extensive practical military cooperation and exercises and bolster the security and defense of both countries.

The agreement is Japan’s first defense pact forged in Asia.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, in a message through Japan’s National Security Adviser, expressed elation over the remarkable progress in the bilateral cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.

The Prime Minister was referring to the Japan-Philippine-US Summit Meeting in April, the Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting in July and the unanimous approval of the ratification of the RAA by the Philippine Senate recently.

Japan, the Philippines and the US are natural partners, being maritime nations connected by the Pacific Ocean, he said.

The Japanese leader pointed out the importance of sharing the principle of the rule of law and strengthening cooperation in maritime security, economic security, and enhancing connectivity, to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. | PND