The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is eyeing to reach its economic target amidst all challenges by staying on track to fulfill the needs and aspirations of Filipinos, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said on Friday.

Speaking during the 2025 Budget Execution Forum at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pangandaman said the administration’s overarching goal for the 2025 national budget is to fulfill the needs and aspirations of the people.

“Under our agenda for prosperity, we need to reach our economic targets of 6 to 8 percent GDP (gross domestic product) growth, bring down our deficit-to-GDP to 5.3 percent from 5.7 percent in 2024, achieve upper middle-income status and bring down the poverty levels into single digits,” she said during the meeting.

“Amidst all the challenges, let us stay on track towards an inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.”

Friday’s meeting underscores the seriousness in turning the nation’s aspirations into concrete actions, the budget chief said, stressing the critical role of budgeting and ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of public services to the people.

“As mentioned by our Executive Secretary, this is a matter we must not take lightly. I hope that by the end of today’s session, we will have a deeper understanding of the budget process and more importantly the key terminologies enabling us to guide the public more effectively and responsibly,” she said.

The President presided over the 24th NEDA Board Meeting with full attendance on Thursday at the Malacañan Palace to discuss the PDR 2024.

The PDR 2024 highlighted progress on advancing economic transformation and growth, ensuring food and water security, investing in social development, protecting the integrity of the environment toward a climate-resilient nation, ensuring peace and order and national security, and pursuing digital transformation and good governance towards inclusive progress. | PND

Public servants should ignore the noise and remain focused on improving and uplifting the living conditions of Filipinos, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Friday.

“As we begin a new year, let us take the opportunity to renew our commitment to build the Bagong Pilipinas we all envision. Our mission today is crystal clear, to serve the Filipino people with unwavering integrity, relentless dedication, and genuine compassion,” Bersamin said during his attendance at the 2025 Budget Execution Forum in Pasay City.

“Let us forge ahead, undeterred by the noise, focused on uplifting the lives of our people to the best of our abilities,” he added.

Led by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the forum seeks to provide an avenue to discuss this year’s budget execution.

In December last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed in to law the 2025 national budget amounting to P6.326 trillion.

Earlier this week, the DBM issued National Budget Circular No. 595, outlining the framework for implementing the national budget under Republic Act No. 12116 along with the continuing appropriations under Republic Act 11975 and automatic appropriations.

“This budget represents not just numbers on paper but our connected vision for a prosperous Philippines,” Bersamin said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed satisfaction with the government’s economic achievements last year.

The President underscored the need to resonate to the public the achievements that benefit ordinary Filipinos.

“I’m quite satisfied. I’m even proud. I would go as far as saying I’m proud of the things that we have achieved,” President Marcos said over the 24th NEDA Board Meeting in Malacañang discussing the Philippine Development Report 2024.

“But we have to make it known to people that this is what we are doing. So, it has to be in a language that is easily digestible and in a language that makes sense to Juan dela Cruz. We’re falling behind in making the connection between what we are doing to the lives of ordinary Filipinos,” he added.

The President acknowledged the government is implementing major structural reforms and projects that may take years to complete.

While some projects are finished, the government must explain why others are still ongoing and highlight their long-term benefits, he said.

As an example, President Marcos mentioned the need to highlight the importance of opening the Bataan-Cavite Bridge, which he said, would ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila and open up all other places in Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

President Marcos also called for a thorough and consolidated report on the government’s efforts to ensure food security.

He said such reports should explain how these initiatives would benefit Filipino families, why they are crucial for the future, and how they improve overall quality of life.

In a video presentation during the meeting, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan stressed that the government must avoid complacency.

Balisacan reaffirmed his commitment to making economic growth even more inclusive.

For 2025, the government aims to sustain a higher growth trajectory—a gross domestic product (GDP) growth target of 6.0-8.0 percent compared to last year’s 6.0 -6.5 percent target; headline inflation rate within 2.0 -4.0 percent; and poverty incidence below 13.2 percent this year and 9.0 percent in 2028.

Balisacan said NEDA will continue to drive social economic transformation by diversifying and developing new growth drivers, enabling the adoption of new technologies, raising economic productivity and establishing meaningful collaborations with various stakeholders.

It will also work together with Congress to secure development priorities to ensure fiscal programs support growth, and institutionalize the regular conduct of monitoring and evaluation and integration in budgeting, planning, and investment programming.

The PDR 2024 highlighted progress on advancing economic transformation and growth, ensuring food and water security, investing in social development, protecting the integrity of the environment toward a climate-resilient nation, ensuring peace and order and national security, and pursuing digital transformation and good governance towards inclusive progress. | PND

The media is playing a key role in the great task of nation-building.

This was highlighted by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin during the inauguration of the new headquarters of The Philippine Star in Paranaque City on January 22, 2025.

Attended by political and business leaders, the event stressed the indispensability of media and the traditional press in Philippine society.

Bersamin said the Philippine media, especially those committed to journalistic integrity, like the Philippine Star, not only helps in keeping Filipinos informed and engaged but also fosters transparency and accountability in government.

“In today’s complex political and social landscape, [the] media should offer itself as [a] vital platform for meaningful discourse and a deeper understanding of the issues that help shape the consciousness of all Filipinos involved in the great task of nation-building,” Bersamin said.

The official implied that the Philippine press is both a witness and participant in the collective drive to attain full economic development.

In a compliment to the paper and a nod to the responsibility that Philippine media holds, Bersamin said that the “Star has chronicled our nation’s journey in times of triumph and turbulence with unflinching candor and directness,” he said.

“It has been a witness to all our struggles in those decades. It has celebrated our triumphs and has been a relentless advocate for economic progress,” he added.

According to Bersamin, like the other examples of excellent journalism in the country, “its stories have been informed and inspired because it has aimed at shaping the consciousness of generations of Filipinos involved in the giant task of nation-building.”

The event also featured a video message from First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos who praised the Philippine Star for inaugurating a new home which marks “a new chapter in its storied history and a testament to its continued growth.”

Also gracing the event were Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Senator Cynthia Villar, and tycoons Tessie Sy-Coson, Hans Sy, Fernando Zobel, Jaime Zobel, and Manny V. Pangilinan whose MediaQuest group has a controlling stake in the paper.

The Star’s new home is located at the Amvel Business Park in Paranaque City. |PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. acknowledged the significant contributions of the Asian Development Bank (ABD) to the country’s development, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The President welcomed outgoing ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa who paid a farewell call at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday.

“I have to always thank you for the involvement of ADB. The partnership of ADB and the Philippines has certainly grown to a great deal,” President Marcos said.

“Of particular note, it was the support of ADB during the pandemic. That was critical. That was absolutely critical for our recovery. Without your help it would have been a much more difficult situation for us,” he added.

According to the President, the ADB has consistently been at the forefront of all foreign-assisted projects in the country. He also expressed his intent to further strengthen the partnership.

“We fully intend to increase that engagements and continue to make them stronger. Again, thank you for all the help,” he said.

To honor ADB’s relentless support and service, President Marcos conferred upon Asakawa the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross) Gold Distinction.

The award was given in recognition of his significant efforts to deepen the partnership and overall relations between the Philippines and ADB.

It also highlights his exceptional leadership in guiding the ADB to remain responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people, particularly in areas such as economic development, health, infrastructure investment, climate resilience, and human capital development.

Asakawa, in turn, expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for allowing the meeting before concluding his tenure.

Asakawa has served as ADB president for five years, beginning his term on January 17, 2020. | PND

All 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels in Yemen since 2023 are set to return home, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said.

“It is with utmost joy that, after more than a year of captivity in Yemen, I announce the safe release of all seventeen [ 17 ] Filipino seafarers, together with the rest of the crewmembers of M/V Galaxy Leader,” President Marcos said in a statement.

“Our Filipino seafarers are now in the care of our Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman and will be reunited with their loved ones in the Philippines very soon,” he added.

President Marcos thanked His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, and his government for their successful mediation, which led in the eventual release, and safe passage of the Filipino seafarers through Oman.

The President also commended the Philippine government agencies and private entities “who worked tirelessly with foreign governments and entities for more than 429 days in making this momentous development possible.”

The Houthis hijacked the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader near Hodeidah in November 2023 while en route to India, taking hostage its 25 crewmembers, including 17 Filipinos.

The move was reportedly in retaliation for Israel’s offensive in Gaza, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Following this development, President Marcos emphasized that the incident serves as a living testament to the importance of signing the Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers into law.

President Marcos said the law will “to protect their rights and overall welfare, to promote their full employment and to ensure equal opportunities in the maritime industry—regardless of gender or creed—including equitable access to education, training and development, consistent with existing domestic and international laws, standards and conventions.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants the government and other stakeholders to prioritize the development of the semiconductor and electronics industry, recognizing its significant economic benefits for the country.

The President met with the Private Sector Advisory Council-Education and Jobs Sector Group (PSAC-EJSG) at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday to present updates on previous recommendations and new proposals regarding the semiconductor and electronics industry, education, and workforce development.

“Actually, we really need to push on the semiconductor industry. It’s because, again, it’s not something that we had in mind but the situation — considering how much money we make as the income we get from exports already,” President Marcos said during the 1st meeting with the PSAC-EJSG.

“We really should be focusing on it more. So, let’s do that now. So, we need to hear from the industry to see what you suggest, and what we can try to incorporate na nga,” he said.

“We’ll do it through the IRR siguro. Kasi it took us such a while to get the CREATE MORE in the first place. Kaya naman siguro kasi it’s just another incentive scheme,” he added.

According to the President, one of the focus should be on granting incentives to semiconductor locators, similar to what are being extended to other industries.

For instance, the President said that in terms of CREATE MORE, there is nothing specific for the semiconductor industry while other industries were given incentives such as car manufacturing.

“So, what we would need from all of you is what you think needs to be done,” he said.

The President suggested it could be done through an IRR for quick implementation.

The President’s remarks came after the PSAC-EJSG recommended the review on the IRR of the CREATE MORE Law, which would cover providing incentives for the semiconductor industry.

The PSAC-EJSG also presented to President Marcos the country’s semiconductor and electronics roadmap.

PSAC also recommended the creation of a National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan), which was supported by the President. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday met Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla in Malacañang to discuss the result of the agency’s budget review under the Fiscal Year 2025 General Appropriations Act vis-à-vis the FY 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

Remulla said the President wanted the fund removed by the bicam reverted to finance the important programs of DILG.

In a press briefing, Remulla said the DILG budget assessment showed a huge part of the agency’s budget was cut in the bicam.

These include the Enhancement of National Police Clearance System, or the payment of Police Clearance online under National Expenditure Program amounting PhP619 million, which was trimmed down to PhP232 million, or a cut of PhP386 million.

The Establishment of Safe Camp Security system also got a much lower allocation from the proposed PhP472 million budget, it was reduced to PhP161 million in the 2025 GAA, a decrease of PhP311 million.

And from PhP553 million budget allocation for the PNP’s drug related data and integrated generation system, it was reduced to PhP196 million, or a reduction of PhP357 million.

According to Remulla, the budget cut of PhP1 billion was allotted for the purchase of an all-terrain amphibious rescue vehicle of the Bicol region and PhP500 million for Philippine National Police (PNP) intelligence fund.

“So, as instructed by the President sa ating Budget Secretary ay iri-revert ang budget ng IT at tatanggalin iyong additional PhP500 million intelligence fund na nilagay sa GAA,” Remulla told reporters.

“So, return to original budget ng 820 million yata ang nasa PNP, naging 1.3 billion – ibabalik na naman sa dati siya. Iyong savings na iyon ay ilalagay natin sa launching and bidding out process ng integrated 911 system para sa buong Pilipinas. So, from intelligence fund to 911 ang gagawin natin doon. So, it will be a fully audited system na under scrutinous bidding,” he added.

The budget of DILG including its attached agencies increased by PhP643.59 million (0.2 percent) from PhP279.46 billion in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Expenditure Program to PhP280.10 billion in the 2025 GAA.

Among the other officials who attended Tuesday’s meeting were Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Arsenio Balisacan, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez, and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go. | PND

Congratulations to POTUS @realdonaldtrump and to the American people on another peaceful transfer of power in their Nation’s nearly 250-year history. I look forward to working closely with you and your Administration.

The strong and lasting PH-US alliance will continue to uphold our shared vision of prosperity and security in the region.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. strongly condemned on Monday the absurd policies proposed in the implementation of sex education in the country.

The President made the remark as he expressed concerns on certain provisions in Senate Bill 1979, which, according to him, contains ‘woke’ elements inappropriate for younger children.

“Over the weekend, I finally read in detail Senate Bill 1979. And I was shocked,” President Marcos said in a media interview on the sidelines of his attendance at the Launching of the Tesla Center Philippines in Taguig.

“I was appalled by some elements of that. All this “woke” that they are trying to bring into our system … That every child has the right to try different sexualities. This is ridiculous. It is abhorrent. It is a travesty of what sexual and sex education should be to the children,” the President added.

The President made clear he still believes in sex education and its importance, particularly in terms of teaching the youth the anatomy of the reproductive systems, the consequences of early pregnancy, and the prevalence of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), among others.

“Kailangan ituro lahat ‘yan para alam nung mga Kabataan,” he said.

“Pero ‘yung mga sinama nila na mga “woke” na absurdities are abhorrent to me,” he added.

According to the President, the bill is not yet passed but once it is, he guarantees parents, teachers, and children that he will immediately reject it.

“If this bill is passed in that form, I guarantee all parents, teachers, and children: I will immediately veto it,” the president said.

“I’m a parent and I’m a grandparent. So, I feel very strongly about this,” he added. | PND