President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s infusion of a fresh P1 billion funding for Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) will bolster government’s capacity to respond effectively to typhoons and floods made worse by climate change.

Mahar Lagmay, executive director of the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI), said that with the additional funds, Project NOAH can focus on strengthening flood management, hazard monitoring, and disaster-risk-reduction systems as the country confronts the effects of climate change.

In interviews with state and private broadcast media over the weekend, Lagmay, a UP geology professor, said he hopes that the government’s funding “will continue to transform scientific knowledge into practical action that protects lives and helps build safer, more resilient, and sustainable communities.”

President Marcos ordered the release of P1 billion for Project NOAH, which UPRI manages, to boost impact-based forecasting developed by Project NOAH researchers using years of historical information, satellite images, rainfall data, and other datasets.

The President’s directive to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is another critical move in his data-driven governance, which recognizes the vital role of hard science in statecraft, notably the national infrastructure spending of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) being guided by scientific data from UPRI’s NOAH.

Founded in 2012, NOAH seeks to assist government in disaster-risk reduction and management, climate-change adaptation and mitigation efforts, and related activities through research, development, and extension services.

Science-backed infrastructure projects

The Department of Public Works and Highways has begun laying the technical foundation for future, science-backed flood-management infrastructure to strengthen long-term disaster preparedness and climate-change-risk response nationwide.

At President Marcos’s directive to enhance nationwide flood resiliency, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the updating of all flood-management master plans to protect Filipinos from massive flooding year after year.

To ensure these master plans reflect current climate realities, the agency is collaborating with UPRI’s Project NOAH, local government units, and key partner agencies to integrate detailed hazard mapping and scientific data before their implementation.

On September 2, the President said the government is now implementing a flood-control master plan that has been in place for decades.

“We already have a master plan. It’s just never been executed. We are only executing it now,” President Marcos told reporters after inspecting repair works at a collapsed bridge in Tarlac earlier this week.

“We have had a master plan for decades pero walang ginawa. Ngayon lang natin sinisimulan (but nothing was done. We are only starting it now),” the President said.

The President’s remarks came as Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and other parts of Luzon grappled with widespread flooding brought by heavy monsoon rains.

The administration has repeatedly called on national government agencies to implement long-term flood-control measures, including de-clogging and dredging waterways, improving drainage systems, and proper land-use planning, as the government responds to increasingly intense rainfall linked to climate change.

NOAH aims for faster, more accurate forecasting

Lagmay said NOAH’s impact-based forecasting system is projected to forecast, one day in advance, where flooding may occur and its impact on roads, homes, buildings, and vehicular flow.

“The P1 billion allocation for UPRI will be measured by better information, transparency, evidence-based governance and decision-making, effective flood management, and reduced disaster risks and losses,” Lagmay said.

Of the total allocation, P935 million will support research services, while P65 million will fund general management and supervision of NOAH’s implementation. The allocation is part of the UP System’s built-in appropriation under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

Lagmay said UPRI’s budget will fund high-resolution mapping of major river basins, hazard assessments, land-use planning, and Oplan Kontra Baha initiatives, in coordination with the DPWH, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, local government units, and private-sector partners.

The allocation will also support Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) drone topographic surveys, capacity-building programs with state universities and colleges, native tree mapping, sediment erosion assessments, mapping of hidden waterways, nature-based solutions, and the use of artificial intelligence and analytics for disaster-risk management.

UP President Angelo Jimenez said the Marcos administration’s funding for UPRI is “an investment in the power of research and innovation to serve the nation.”

“We do research because knowledge matters, and knowledge matters most when it can help us make better decisions, solve real problems, and improve the lives of our people,” Jimenez emphasized.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spent the week addressing urgent concerns on flooding, climate change, education, public safety, infrastructure, security, and the economy, while directing government agencies to assist Filipinos affected by emergencies.

On Monday, August 31, 2026, National Heroes Day, President Marcos led the rites at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, honoring national and modern-day heroes, including overseas Filipino workers, teachers, health workers, and fisherfolk.

Citing the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, the President stressed that protecting Philippine territory is a shared responsibility and said, “Ipaglalaban natin ang ating mga karapatan sa paraang mapayapa, naaayon sa batas, at naaayon sa ating mga prinsipyo.”

Amid heavy monsoon rains, President Marcos urged the public to remain alert and follow government advisories, while the Palace warned against stealing parts from government pumping stations that could disrupt flood-control operations.

On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the President administered the oath of 21 newly promoted Philippine Coast Guard flag officers at Malacañang Palace, tasking them to protect the country’s waters, including the West Philippine Sea, assist fisherfolk, secure ports and passengers, conduct search-and-rescue operations, and enforce laws against illegal fishing and smuggling.

President Marcos urged them to lead with integrity and courage, embrace modernization, and strengthen cooperation with other agencies.

On the same day, the President welcomed Nigerian Ambassador-designate Vice Admiral (Ret.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, with both countries looking to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, security, and the welfare of Filipino seafarers. The Philippines and Nigeria are also set to mark 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.

President Marcos directed local government units to strictly enforce “no-build zones” in flood-prone areas, keep waterways and drainage systems clear, and properly manage garbage to help prevent flooding.

The Chief Executive further ordered the Department of Education to strengthen climate change education and disaster preparedness so children can better understand and respond to climate-related risks.

The severe weather affected 622 schools in Central Luzon, requiring about P2.9 billion for repairs, while 2,243 schools nationwide were damaged, needing an estimated P7.78 billion for rehabilitation.

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, President Marcos conducted aerial and ground inspections of flood-hit areas in Central Luzon, beginning in Tarlac, later inspected the damaged Aquino and Agana bridges, and directed the Department of Public Works and Highways to expedite repairs.

The national government allocated about P300 million for the rehabilitation of the two bridges, while a temporary Bailey bridge was being built to restore access.

President Marcos also confirmed the implementation of the P351-billion Flood Management Master Plan to provide long-term flood-control solutions. The President then visited Barangay Santa Fe in Zambales, where affected families received food packs and financial assistance, before proceeding to Lubao, Pampanga and checked on an evacuation center and ordered the immediate repair of the damaged embankment near the Sto. Cristo Dam.

On Thursday, September 3, 2026, the President expressed condolences to the families of two Filipino seafarers killed after the Saudi-flagged oil tanker Sidr was hit by unidentified projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Chief Executive directed the Department of Migrant Workers, together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Department of Foreign Affairs, to provide assistance, benefits, and support to the families and facilitate the repatriation of the remains. The other 14 Filipino crew members were reported safe.

President Marcos also ordered the release of P8.68 billion for the career progression of public school teachers. Amid the weakening peso, which reached P62.565 against the US dollar, the President directed the economic team to study measures to reduce its impact on inflation, food prices, businesses, and logistics.

As flooding caused severe traffic along the North Luzon Expressway, particularly in San Simon, Pampanga, President Marcos directed concerned agencies to strengthen flood-control and traffic-management measures. Toll fees were temporarily waived between Pulilan, Bulacan, and San Fernando, Pampanga, while stranded motorists were provided food, water, and portable toilets.

The President also inspected the Philippine International Convention Center in preparation for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Summits in November and ordered strengthened security and logistics.

President Marcos also encouraged Filipino innovators to develop solutions to concerns such as food insecurity, flooding, soil erosion, and energy shortages.

On Friday, September 4, 2026, President Marcos led the ceremonial signing of amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, expanding support for poor and disadvantaged students, including Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries.

The President highlighted the increase in the number of free higher education beneficiaries to 2.6 million students and in the number of Department of Science and Technology undergraduate scholars to 48,520 for School Year 2025–2026.

Amid ongoing rains and haze, President Marcos also ordered learning continuity measures to ensure students could continue their studies despite class suspensions and other disruptions. The Department of Education estimated about P7.8 billion would be needed to rehabilitate schools damaged by the rains.

Overall, from Monday, August 31, to Friday, September 4, 2026, the President focused on immediate disaster response while advancing long-term programs in flood control, climate action, security, economic protection, teacher support, and education. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday cited several government accomplishments in the education sector that have helped raise educational standards and build a better future for the country.

“We have increased Free Higher Education beneficiaries from two million students to now 2.6 million students in the first semester of this academic year,” President Marcos said during the Ceremonial Signing of the Amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) held at Malacañang Palace on Friday.

The amendments would help in expanding government assistance for college or vocational course students.

“In January of this year, we launched the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program, which caters to outstanding Senior High School graduates pursuing priority degree programs in higher education or priority TVET diploma programs,” President Marcos said.

Through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Science Education Institute, the President said the government has increased the number of undergraduate scholars from around 45,000 scholars in School Year 2022 to 2023 to 48,520 in School Year 2025 to 2026.

Among the guests who attended the ceremony were Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley Agrupis; Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” De Guzman Dy III, members of the House of Representatives, Cabinet officials, other government officials, student beneficiaries and other stakeholders.

“We often speak of our youth as the seeds of our nation’s future. We hope to see them grow and thrive, and reach their full potential. But even the strongest seeds cannot flourish without fertile ground,” the President emphasized.

The Chief Executive pointed out that expanding access and improving the quality of the country’s tertiary education are among the most important investments the government can make in the people and in the future of the country.

President Marcos said that only 12 local colleges made it into the World University Rankings for Innovation in 2022.

“Today, 140 of our colleges have made it into the same rankings. This is a result of deliberate choices that have been made by government,” the President said. “Tulad lang ng nabanggit ko sa aking SONA ngayong taon, ang edukasyon pa rin ang pangunahing nagtataguyod ng kakayahan, kung kaya ito ang nangunguna sa listahan ng aking administrasyon.”

“At patuloy nating tutuparin ang pangakong ito,” said the President.

The ceremonial signing reaffirms the long-term commitment of the government to expanding access to quality tertiary education for each and every Filipino, said the Chief Executive.

President Marcos said the government will sustain this support year after year, because every learner who completes a college degree or Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program brings greater opportunity to a family and strengthens our nation with a more skilled, productive, and empowered citizenry.

According to the Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA), TVET is the education or training process where it involves, in addition to general education, the study of technologies and related sciences and acquisition of practical skills relating to occupations in various sectors of economic life and social life. TVET comprises formal (organized programs as part of the school system) and non-formal (organized classes outside the school system) approaches,

“At sa ating mga benepisyaryo, ang mahabang landas ay nasa inyong harapan, ngunit hindi ninyo kailangan maglakad nang nag-iisa. Narito ang inyong pamahalaan upang tulungan kayong makapasok, manatili, at makatapos sa paaralan o pagsasanay,” President Marcos said.

On the other hand, President Marcos thanked the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate for working together to pass this important measure for students and their families, as the implementation falls on the Executive.

The President also ordered the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), TESDA, the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), and all concerned agencies to complete the implementing rules and regulations within the period required by law and ensure the smooth implementation of this measure.

“Today we make good on our promise of quality education by strengthening its foundation and expanding opportunities for millions of Filipino learners,” President Marcos said.

“May we continue to give every Filipino learner not only the chance to begin, but also the support needed to finish what they have begun. Every learner who completes a college degree or a TVET program brings greater hope to a family, greater opportunity for their communities, and greater strength to our nation,” the President also said. | PND

Iniutos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang pagpapatupad ng alternative learning modes at learning continuity measures sa September 4 sa mga paaralang apektado ng pinalakas na Southwest Monsoon o Habagat at haze mula sa matitinding sunog sa kagubatan at peatland sa Indonesia.

Sa ilalim ng Memorandum Circular No. 134 na inilabas September 4, ipatutupad ang mga hakbang sa lahat ng antas ng pampubliko at pribadong paaralan sa National Capital Region at sa mga lalawigan ng Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas at Occidental Mindoro.

Inilabas ang kautusan kasunod ng rekomendasyon ng National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), dahil inaasahang magpapatuloy ang malalakas na pag-ulan dulot ng enhanced Southwest Monsoon at mahinang kalidad ng hangin dahil sa haze mula sa matitinding sunog sa kagubatan at peatland sa Kalimantan at Sumatra, Indonesia.

Maaari ring magpatupad ang mga local chief executive sa ibang lugar ng localized cancellation o suspension of classes alinsunod sa umiiral na mga batas, patakaran at regulasyon.

Nilagdaan ito ni Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto sa bisa ng awtoridad ng Pangulo. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged Filipino innovators to continue developing solutions to modern challenges facing the country, including food insecurity, flooding, soil erosion, and energy shortages.

Speaking at the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards (PFA) National Competition Awarding Ceremony, President Marcos said Filipino innovators must be given opportunities to develop their ideas into practical solutions that can create a meaningful impact on the lives of Filipinos.

The President said the PFA serves as a platform to showcase Filipino ingenuity while connecting innovators with industry stakeholders, partners, and investors and providing greater access to markets and investment opportunities.

“To every innovator across the country: I know that you have come a long way to reach this point. I also know that there is still much to do to turn your ideas into solutions that can improve the lives of our people, our communities, and our nation. I call on each of you to work with the government in addressing modern challenges—from food insecurity and flooding to soil erosion and energy shortages,” President Marcos said.

To recognize the awardees’ efforts and help bring their innovations to greater heights, President Marcos announced that each awardee received a PhP3.5-million cash grant, medallion and plaque, along with post-competition support, including PhP1 million worth of expert mentorship to help scale up their winning innovations.

The President cited several local innovations that have benefited from government support, including the Immersive Gamification Technology System (ImGTS) developed by researchers from the University of the Philippines.

The ImGTS uses virtual reality and gamification to make rehabilitation more engaging for children with cerebral palsy and mobility limitations.

President Marcos also cited 2025 PFA awardee Pili AdheSeal Inc., which developed Pili Seal, a sustainable adhesive and sealant made from upcycled pili tree resin waste.

The innovation has since gained international recognition, including its selection for Germany’s 2026 Circular Economy Accelerator Program and training in Singapore to strengthen its product development and global market readiness.

The President said innovation has been central to his administration’s national development agenda and is recognized under the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 as a key driver of economic transformation, productivity, and competitiveness.

“This recognition is especially meaningful as the world continues to undergo profound transformation. Technologies are advancing at a pace that we have never seen before. Communities confronting the effects of climate change, while geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions test the resilience of economies and all our systems,” President Marcos noted.

The Chief Executive called on innovators across the country to work with the government in addressing modern challenges and stressed that the competition marks only one milestone in their journey.

“The greater measure of your success will be found in the lives that you improve, the opportunities that you create, and the people that you will inspire. May you continue to give hope to aspiring innovators here and around the world. Because every innovation begins with an idea. Every idea, given the chance to grow, becomes a force for change,” the President added.

Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, who serves as vice chair of the National Innovation Council (NIC), said 16 Filipino innovators have been selected as finalists whose innovations are set to address priority areas such as learning and education, health and well-being, food and agribusiness, finance, manufacturing and trade, public administration, transportation and logistics, energy, and blue economy and water.

Five innovators were named the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awardees include:

1. Capistrano Research and Development on Bio Technology – Compact easy to operate economical biodiesel

2. Golden Sprout Corporation – Philippine Native Chicken helping the industry through scientific innovations

3. PDG Engineering Services – Saltric Marissa Turbine-turning river into 24/7 power for offgrid

4. Vic Metal Fabrication Environmental Services – gastification process for waste disposal and advanced waste solution

5. Breath of Life Foundation Inc – OstreaVent2™ a prototype ventilator for mechanically ventilated adult patients

The remaining 11 finalists will each receive PhP 250,000 to support the continued development of their innovations.

Secretary Balisacan said finalists underwent eligibility screening, technical evaluation, mentoring, live pitching, and prototype demonstrations and received additional capacity-building support to refine their business models and pitch decks before presenting their innovations to the National Board of Judges.

“After nearly four decades, the Philippines has attained upper middle income status. Sustaining this progress will increasingly depend on raising productivity, advancing technology, and creating greater value. Innovation is therefore central to our next stage of development,” Balisacan said.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, who graced the awarding ceremony, thanked President Marcos for his strong support for Filipino innovators, particularly through the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards, and assured that funding will be allocated to support and further develop innovative ideas.

“Dahil sa kaniyang nakapalaking suporta sa innovation, ipinakita ng Pangulo ang pagpapahalaga sa Filipino innovation at suporta sa mga Pilipinong may malikhaing ideya at makabagong solusyon. Ipinakita nya na seryoso ang pamahalaan sa pagsusulong ng teknolohiya,” Gatchalian added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Thursday personally inspected the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City in preparation for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits this November.

“Abala si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., ngayong araw sa pagdalo sa mahahalagang kaganapan na magsisilbing gabay sa mga paghahanda ng pamahalaan sa ASEAN Summit, gayundin sa pagkilala sa mga natatanging Filipino innovators,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

“Kaninang umaga, pinangunahan ng Pangulo ang inspection ng PICC bilang paghahanda para sa 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits sa Pasay City.”

The Philippines, under President Marcos, is hosting the 2026 ASEAN Summit, which will take place in Metro Manila from November 13 to 15, 2026. The regional meeting will be held under the theme: “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

Last week, President Marcos formally reopened the newly renovated Coconut Palace, highlighting Filipino architecture, craftsmanship, and ingenuity as the country prepares to welcome leaders and delegates from across ASEAN.

According to the President, the Coconut Palace’s renovation was undertaken to provide additional space for the country’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit this November.

At the reopening ceremony of the iconic landmark in Pasay City, President Marcos described the Coconut Palace as a significant example of Filipino architecture, now ready to welcome Filipinos and guests from around the world.

The Palace official said intergovernmental meetings continue as part of government preparations for the ASEAN Summit. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered concerned government agencies to address vehicle buildup along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to prevent traffic jams amid heavy rains.

In a Palace press briefing on Thursday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) deployed high-capacity pumps to remove floodwater from inundated portions of the NLEX.

The DPWH is being assisted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), said Castro.

“Ilan pa sa mga solusyon na nakita ng DPWH at ng NLEX management ang paglalagay ng sheet piles upang hindi tumawid ang tubig mula sa Tulaoc River sa expressway,” the Palace official said.

“Kasama rin dito ang pagpapalalim ng Tulaoc River na magsisilbing imbakan ng nabombang tubig upang maiwasan ang pag-apaw sa expressway tuwing high tide o tuloy-tuloy ang buhos ng ulan,” Castro added

Castro said traffic conditions are normal on northbound lanes of NLEX, particularly at the Tulaoc and San Simon interchanges, which were earlier affected by flooding as a result of continuous downpour.

According to Castro, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), through Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez, NLEX will shoulder the toll fee for all vehicles traversing Pulilan, Bulacan, going to San Fernando, Pampanga, and vice versa.

Citing a report from the DOTr, Castro said that lane one of the Tulaoc northbound lane is passable to all vehicles; lane two is passable to class two and class three vehicles; and lane 3, not passable to all vehicles.

She added that lanes one and two of the Tulaoc southbound are already passable to all kinds of vehicles, while lane three is not passable to all kinds of vehicles.

At the San Simon interchange, the northbound lane one is passable to all vehicles, while lane two is open only to Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles. Lane three remains closed to all vehicles.

As for lane one of the San Simon southbound lane, it is already passable, while only class 2 and class 3 vehicles are allowed to use the expressway’s lane two. Lane three remains closed, she said.

The flow to traffic in other parts of NLEX and SCTEX is normal, said the Palace official. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to fully implement policies on climate change response as the Philippines strengthens strategic preparations for the increasingly severe impacts of a warming planet.

During a Palace press briefing Thursday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Philippines, as a tropical archipelago, remains highly vulnerable to stronger, more frequent typhoons, rising sea levels, and more intense rainfall.

She said climate change poses significant risks to businesses, communities, infrastructure and ecosystems, while also threatening food supply, agricultural production, prices, livelihood, and public health.

“Kapag hindi matugunan ang isyu ng climate change, malaki ang magiging epekto nito sa supply ng pagkain, sa pananim, mataas na presyo ng bilihin, mataas na inflation rate, mataas na public debt at pati mga banta sa kalusugan katulad ng leptospirosis at dengue cases,” Castro said.

She said the government continues to prepare for a warmer climate while pursuing measures to curb and eventually reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“Sa pamamagitan ng estratehiya nito sa mabilis na pagbabago ng klima, layunin din ng pamahalaan na ilatag ang pundasyon ng isang matatag at inklusibong ekonomiya na mapapakinabangan ng kasalukuyan at hinaharap na mga henerasyon,” she said.

Castro said President Marcos has directed all government agencies to step up implementation of climate change policies and fulfill their respective responsibilities to accelerate action.

“Kaya ang utos ng Pangulo… ipatupad ang mga polisiya para sa pagtugon sa climate change,” Castro said.

She said the Climate Change Commission and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are leading the intensified government response, with other agencies and local governments also taking part.

Castro called for collective action from government institutions and communities to address the effects of climate change.

“Magkaisa tayong labanan ang epekto ng climate change. Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa? Huwag tayong magpahuli,” she said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the release of an additional PhP8.68 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd) to support the continued implementation of the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System for public school personnel nationwide.

During a Palace press briefing on Thursday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the additional funding, to be released through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) under Acting Secretary Kim Robert de Leon, is part of the Marcos administration’s continuing efforts to recognize the experience, competence, and professional development of personnel in the education sector.

More than 93,344 public school personnel nationwide are expected to benefit from the funding.

“Saklaw din ng pondo ang implementation requirements para sa Fiscal Year 2025 at Fiscal Year 2026 para sa mga nabigyan ng Notices of Organization, Staffing, and Compensation Action o NOSCA at appointments,” Castro said.

Thousands of public school teachers have already been promoted nationwide under the ECP System.

The ECP System allows public school teachers to advance to higher teaching positions with corresponding salary increases without having to leave classroom teaching for administrative posts.

The program is also in line with President Marcos’ commitment that no public school teacher should retire at the entry-level Teacher I position by providing clearer opportunities for career advancement based on qualifications, experience, and professional growth.

Castro said DBM regional offices will process the funds to facilitate the immediate release of the funds to the corresponding DepEd regional offices.

For Fiscal Year 2027, the administration has proposed PhP12.9 billion for the continued implementation of the ECP System. The proposed allocation is PhP5.94 billion, or 96.6 percent higher than the program’s funding for Fiscal Year 2026, according to Castro.

“Ang hakbang na ito ng Pangulo para sa sektor ng edukasyon ay patunay lamang sa seryosong hangarin ng Pangulo sa pagyabong ng kaalaman ng mga batang Pilipino,” Castro said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday commended the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing (PAW) for nearly six decades of dedicated service, citing its role in providing safe and reliable presidential air transport and helping the government respond to Filipinos in need during disasters and emergencies.

Speaking at the 58th Founding Anniversary of the 250th PAW, President Marcos underscored the unit’s responsibility of providing safe, secure, and reliable air transport for the President, the First Family, visiting heads of state, and other high-ranking foreign and local dignitaries.

“It is a very great responsibility because you cannot allow any room for error, no room for complacency,” President Marcos said.

The President said the PAW has evolved significantly since its beginnings in 1968, recalling that he had witnessed its development from its early years and had benefited from its services for most of his life.

“So, I have been watching and I have been a beneficiary of the service that this Wing has been providing to the President and the First Family for most of my life—practically all my life,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos noted that the unit’s capabilities allow him and his staff to travel efficiently to different parts of the country to perform official duties.

The President cited his visits earlier in the day to Tarlac, Zambales, and Pampanga, where he checked on communities affected by flooding brought about by monsoon rains and recent tropical cyclones.

President Marcos also mentioned his recent visit to Bacolor, Pampanga, where he inspected communities affected by severe flooding, as well as his visits to earthquake-hit areas in Cebu and Sarangani.

“So, when floods and communities, for example are isolated, you help bring us closer to the families that are waiting for assistance. When earthquakes damage homes and shake people’s spirit, you carry relief and hope for them to carry on,” the President said.

President Marcos also cited the PAW’s role in bringing him to communities for government programs, including Pasinaya Homes in Magalang, Pampanga, where the administration is providing affordable housing for Filipino families.

“Hindi natin magagawa ang mga ito kung hindi dahil sa mahahalagang papel na ginagampanan ng ating 250th,” President Marcos said.

“You give the President and the presidency — because you do not only fly me – you fly my staff, you fly all the support staff that is necessary for me to be able to do my job properly… and you provide the readiness to respond when circumstances call for a quick and rapid response,” the President added.

The Chief Executive also expressed his trust in the men and women of the PAW, whose work is vital to the safety of the President and the First Family.

“To our Bluebirds: the aircraft may carry the mission, but it is your discipline and your teamwork that make each operation possible and make each operation successful,” President Marcos said.

During the event, President Marcos, assisted by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and 250th Presidential Airlift Wing Commander Brigadier General Arthur Laylo, conferred awards on outstanding PAW squadrons and personnel in recognition of their accomplishments and service.

The awardees include the 252nd Presidential Airlift Squadron, named as Flying Squadron of the Year, while the 482nd Supply and Support Squadron received the Support Squadron of the Year award.

Major Guadalito Sanoy was named Field Grade Officer of the Year, Captain Paolo Briones as Company Grade Officer of the Year, Technical Sergeant Christian Punio as Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Sergeant Mark Lawrence Coronel as Airman of the Year, and Ms. Sharmaine Bellen as Civilian Human Resource of the Year.

The President congratulated the awardees and thanked the PAW’s pilots, aircrew, maintenance and security personnel, civilian workforce, and their families for their contributions to the unit’s mission.

“Continue to fly with skill, serve with purpose, and uphold the trust that the nation has placed in you,” President Marcos said.

As a token of appreciation for the President’s presence, Laylo presented him with a memento, which is a scale replica of a reconfigured S-70i presidential Black Hawk helicopter.

The 250th PAW marked its 58th anniversary with the theme, “Focus to Fly, Maintain, Protect, and Communicate: 58 Years of Commitment to Mission Excellence and Professionalism.” | PND