Acting on the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Friday that nearly 430,000 individuals, or about 120,888 families, were preemptively evacuated across several regions as Severe Tropical Storm Opong battered Masbate province and made its second landfall in Palanas municipality.

“Sa utos po ng ating Pangulong Marcos and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, we’ve been providing assistance sa abot ng ating makakaya,” said Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Officer-in-Charge and Assistant Secretary Rafaelito Alejandro IV.

During a press briefing at the NDRRMC in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Alejandro said authorities are validating 14 reported deaths linked to Severe Tropical Storm Opong and the recent Super Typhoon Nando.

The NDRRMC also reported 17 injured individuals and two others missing, with the Eastern Visayas region confirming additional cases of people unaccounted for.

So far, 307 flooding incidents have been reported nationwide.

“As of this morning, nagkaroon na ng halos 120,888 families ang na-preemptively evacuated or close to 433,000 persons or individuals,” Alejandro said.

President Marcos directed the NDRRMC and concerned agencies to maximize government resources in preparation for the expected landfall of Severe Tropical Storm Opong on Friday, while sustaining relief and rehabilitation operations for communities earlier affected by Super Typhoon Nando.

Alejandro said most of the families preemptively evacuated were from Bicol region, with almost 93,000 families in temporary shelters.

“And sumunod dyan ‘yung Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), 14,945 families and Region 4B (Mimaropa), 4,676 families kasi ito ‘yung mga regions na dadaanan o dinaanan itong Samar.”

Alejandro added that Severe Tropical Storm Opong was moving over Masbate, prompting continuous response operations in Regions 5 and 8.

Authorities said preparations were also underway in Region 4B which is bracing for the storm’s impact. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced that around PhP36 billion originally allocated for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects, will be realigned to support various programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“Mga kababayan, ikinalulugod kong ibahagi sa inyo na ang halos 36 na bilyong piso na pondo na galing sa DPWH na nakuha natin mula sa flood control projects, itong halagang ito ay ilalaan natin sa mga programa ng DSWD,” President Marcos said during the “Kumustahan Kasama ang Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya” at Malacañang Palace.

The President said the fund transfer is intended to further strengthen DSWD programs, including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Launched in 2008 and institutionalized in 2019 by Republic Act No. 11310, the 4Ps is the national poverty reduction program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households.

The 4Ps aims to improve the health and nutrition of young children and mothers,

increase the enrollment and school attendance rates, and increase the average food expenditure of low-income households.

President Marcos said the government is studying introducing amendments to the 4Ps Act to appropriately address the needs of beneficiaries.

“Sinisiguro natin na bawat hakbang ay nakabatay sa masusing pagsusuri, upang manatiling matibay at epektibo ang 4Ps para sa lahat ng mga nangangailangan nito,” President Marcos said.

“Batid ko rin ang pangamba ng maraming pamilya na biglang matapos na lang ang suportang hatid ng 4PS nang hindi sila nabibigyan ng sapat na kakayahan,” the President also said.

“Kaya’t pinag-aaralan natin ang pag-aamyenda ng 4Ps Act upang mas matugunan nang wasto ang sitwasyon ng ating mga benepisyaryo.”

The President also said the additional PhP36 billion funds for DSWD will include the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

The Chief Executive said that by allocating additional funding to the AICS program, more Filipinos will receive assistance for medical emergencies, and purchase of maintenance and other medicines.

President Marcos also said the additional funds will strengthen incentives to support former combatants who are the targeted beneficiaries of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program.

The PAMANA program aims to integrate former combatants from the New People’s Army (NPA), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) into society through infrastructure, livelihood, health, and educational programs in conflict-affected communities. ǀ PND

In the midst of response operations for the onslaught of a series of typhoons, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. paid tribute to 18 beneficiary families of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) during the commemoration of National Family Week at Malacañan Palace on Friday.

In recognizing their triumphs in facing daily adversities as an inspiration to Filipino families, the Chief Executive said “Kasabay ng ating National Family Week, kinikilala natin ang pinaparangalan nating 18 pamilya mula sa iba’t ibang rehiyon, bilang mga Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya.”

“Ang bawat isa na naririto ngayon ay nagpapatunay na kaya ng pamilyang Pilipino na harapin ang anumang hamon upang magtagumpay,” the President added.

President Marcos said these exemplary families serve as shining examples and role models not only to beneficiaries of the anti-poverty conditional cash transfer program, but to all Filipinos.

“Itong ating kaunting pagsasalo ay pagkikilala sa inyong trabaho, sa inyong pagsisikap, sa inyong sakripisyo,” the President said.

“Nangyari po ito ay kayo’y umahon sa inyong buhay dahil sa inyong sipag, dahil sa inyong sakripisyo, dahil sa inyong pagmamahal sa inyong mga pamilya, sa inyong pagmamahal sa ating kababayan, sa inyong pagmamahal sa ating minamahal na Pilipinas,” the President added.

The Chief Executive said the government would further strengthen the 4Ps program to empower more indigent families to uplift their lives.

“Nais pa nating dagdagan ang mga pamilyang may sapat na kakayahan na itaguyod ang kanilang buhay kaya’t patuloy nating pinapalakas ang 4Ps,” said President Marcos.

“Layunin ng programang ito na tulungan ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino na maka-ahon sa buhay sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon, serbisyong pangkalusugan, at mga oportunidad sa kabuhayan,” the President said.

Paying tribute to Filipino families, President Marcos said a strong family is the foundation of a strong community and a thriving nation.

“Sabi nga nila na kapag matatag ang pamilya, matatag ang komunidad, at kapag matatag ang komunidad, mas mabilis ang pag-unlad ng ating bansa,” said the President.

President Marcos said the 18 4Ps families also serve as an inspiration to the government to provide better public service.

“Mga minamahal kong kababayan, kayo po ang dahilan at nagbibigay sa amin ng inspirasyon at lakas ng loob na gawin ang aming trabaho nang mabuti at matapat para matulungan ang aming minamahal na kababayan,” said the President.

“Kaya’t patuloy po tayong magtulungan. Ang tagumpay ng bawat pamilya, tagumpay ng Bagong Pilipinas,” the President added. ǀ PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure aimed at providing Filipino Muslims equitable access to Shari’ah courts by digitalizing court processes and strengthening legal support services.

The President signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12304 on September 18, amending several provisions of RA 9997, also known as the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Act of 2009.

Under RA 12304, the NCMF and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in coordination with the Supreme Court, are mandated to create a digital platform that allows paperless filing of pleadings and other court submissions.

“The Commission shall facilitate the paperless filing of pleadings and other court submissions. The Commission shall respect the right to privacy of the parties concerned and shall not retain any copy of the digital documents referred to herein,” the RA stated.

Aside from digitalization, RA 12304 ordered NCMF to assist the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in conducting a census of the Filipino Muslim population at the national, regional, provincial, city, and municipal levels. Both agencies shall submit an annual report containing data on Muslim births, marriages, and deaths for the year.

In strengthening legal support, the law directed NCMF’s Legal Affairs Bureau to provide Filipino Muslims with legal education and assistance in case of litigation involving their persons or interests.

The Bureau shall serve as NCMF’s legal counsel and investigate cases involving its personnel, as well as other valid complaints brought before the NCMF.

The Bureau shall also facilitate the filing or submission of pleadings and other court submissions with the proper Shariah Court for litigants in regions without an existing Shariah Court.

The NCMF is required to submit an annual report on the implementation of the Act to the Senate President, the House Speaker, and the Chairpersons of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs and the House Committee on Muslim Affairs. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12305, also known as the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, which creates an independent authority to oversee the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy and radiation sources in the country.

The enactment of the measure reaffirms the government’s commitment to harnessing nuclear science and technology for the benefit of the Filipino people while upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and accountability.

At the core of the new law is the setting up of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), a quasi-judicial body with exclusive jurisdiction over nuclear energy regulation.

Under the law, PhilATOM will be tasked with protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, issuing licenses for nuclear-related activities, and ensuring compliance with international commitments such as those with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agency will also regulate the transport, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials.

PhilATOM will be responsible for ensuring nuclear emergency preparedness in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

RA 12305 also establishes strict safeguards for the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of nuclear and radioactive materials. It mandates comprehensive authorization for all nuclear-related activities and provides severe penalties, including fines up to PhP100 million and imprisonment for violations and unsafe practices.

The law prohibits the unauthorized siting, construction, operation, commissioning, and decommissioning of a nuclear or radiation facility; acquisition, production, manufacture, import, export, distribution, sale, transfer, use, storage, or disposal of nuclear or other radioactive materials; use of or testing of radiation generators; and radioactive waste management activities. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday ordered the establishment of a floor price for the buying of palay to prevent unscrupulous traders from taking advantage of farmers during harvest season.

During a meeting at Malacañan Palace to address challenges in the agricultural sector, President Marcos directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to coordinate with the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) and the Office of Senator Francis Pangilinan to draft an executive order establishing the palay buying floor price.

The President also ordered the full implementation of Republic Act No. 11321, also known as the Sagip Saka Act of 2019, to support farmers and the Benteng Bigas program, which makes rice available at PhP20 per kilo.

The DA was also instructed to draft the executive order for the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act of 2019, which allows government agencies and local government units to buy agricultural products directly from accredited farmers and fisherfolk.

The Chief Executive also ordered a review of the charter of the National Food Authority (NFA) and proposed necessary amendments to RA No. 12078 or the amended Agricultural Tariffication Law of 2024 to strengthen the provision on farmer support services. RA 12078 extended the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) until 2031.

The President also said that the NFA should return to its original mandate of stabilizing prices and not rely on importation, which was never part of its core function.

President Marcos affirmed the strong support from LGUs for the PhP20 per kilo rice program and efforts to bring down rice prices. However, the President said that while the retail prices of rice are declining, farmers continue to suffer as traders purchase palay at a very low cost.

Pangilinan recommended setting a floor price for buying palay and engaging local government units (LGUs) in palay procurement through the Sagip Saka Act, noting that the farmgate prices of palay remain low during the peak harvest season, leaving farmers vulnerable to traders who buy their produce at lower rates.

The President also directed the DA and the Department of Agrarian Reform to work with Congress on the creation of the Congressional Commission on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security (AGRICOM), as proposed by Pangilinan.

Modeled after the Congressional Commission on Education, the proposed AGRICOM aims to provide an institutional mechanism for assessing the state of agriculture and fisheries and recommending necessary reforms.

President Marcos convened a meeting with key legislators, including Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, to find solutions to the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.

Also present at the meeting were Quezon City 1st District Rep. Mark Enverga, chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on agriculture and food; Apayao Lone District Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, chairperson of House committee on agrarian reform, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella III.

The President also highlighted the need to strengthen the capacity of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and extension services of the DA to help farmers consolidate into cooperatives and clusters in order to scale production or mechanize.

President Marcos emphasized that the ultimate solution is to reduce production costs and increase output, enabling local rice to compete with imports. | PND

Malacañang suspended work in government and classes in several provinces, including Metro Manila, on September 26, 2025, Friday, to ensure public safety as Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” is expected to bring heavy rainfall.

On orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Memorandum Circular 102 on Thursday for the suspension of government work and classes upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

“In view of the forecasted heavy rainfall that will be brought about by Severe Tropical Storm ‘Opong,’ work in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Masbate, Romblon, and Sorsogon are hereby suspended on 26 September 2025,” MC 102 said.

MC 102 added that classes at all levels in Aklan, Albay, Antique, Batangas, Bataan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Cavite, Catanduanes, Guimaras, Iloilo, Laguna, Leyte, Marinduque, Negros Occidental, Oriental Mindoro, Rizal, and Quezon are also

suspended on 26 September 2025 to ensure public safety.

“However, agencies responsible for basic, vital, and health services, preparedness, and response duties must continue to remain operational to ensure continuity of essential government functions,” the memorandum read.

The circular also noted that non-essential government employees of the subject agencies may be engaged under approved alternative work arrangements, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

The MC 102 pointed out that the localized cancellation or suspension of classes and/or work in government offices in other areas may be implemented by their respective governors, mayors, and local chief executives, pursuant to relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

The circular added that the suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads. | PND

Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin has categorically denied the allegations made by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo in a sworn statement submitted to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Thursday.

In his affidavit, Bernardo claimed the existence of a supposed “15% agreed commitment” that was allegedly intended for the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES).

“I deny the imputation contained in the sworn statement of DPWH Undersecretary Bernardo submitted to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee about the delivery of ‘agreed 15% commitment’ ‘supposedly for the Office of the Executive Secretary’. The imputation is not true,” Bersamin said in a statement.

Bersamin stressed that the OES has no involvement in the budget allocation processes of the DPWH.

The Executive Secretary further clarified that the OES has had no transactions whatsoever with Undersecretary Bernardo or with Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, who has publicly denied the allegations made by the former DPWH official himself.

“I stand by my untarnished record as a long-serving public servant, first as a career judicial officer and now as the Executive Secretary,” Bersamin said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday received the outgoing ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Huang Xilian, in a farewell courtesy call in Malacañan Palace.

President Marcos expressed appreciation for the envoy’s years of service in strengthening bilateral ties between Manila and Beijing.

“I think you have made a very good second home already here in Manila,” the President said.

The Chief Executive acknowledged the complexities that characterized the Philippines’ relations with China, including on issues related to the maritime domain. The President emphasized the importance of pursuing diplomacy, maintaining communication and avoiding escalation.

The Chief Executive said “let us not allow these differences to define our relationship,” emphasizing that the West Philippine Sea issues are not the sum-total of Philippines-China relations.

The President added that the two countries should continue to encourage the deepening of trade, people to people interaction, and cultural exchanges.

“It’s unfortunate we didn’t make much more progress on the difficulties that we have in the South China Sea, West Philippine Sea. But I think, considering how difficult the situation was, that we have managed to keep things at least away from too much problem,” President Marcos said.

Ambassador Huang assumed his post as China’s ambassador to the Philippines in December 2019, after presenting his credentials to former President Rodrigo Duterte on December 4, 2019.

During the January 2023 State Visit of President Marcos to Beijing, 14 cooperation documents were signed with China concerning the Belt and Road Initiative; an arrangement on the establishment of a Communication Mechanism on Maritime issues; a Development Cooperation Plan (2023-2025); an Electronic Commerce Cooperation; and a Digital and Information and Communications Technology Cooperation; an agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation; a mutual recognition arrangement between the Philippines’ Bureau of Customs and China’s General Administration of Customs; and a Joint Action Plan on Agriculture and Fisheries Cooperation between the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture and China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (2023-2025).

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China were formally established on 9 June 1975. | PND