President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to ensure the swift delivery of all forms of support to farmers to prevent any gaps during this planting season.

“There should be no significant delays to the implementation of agri-support to farmers,” President Marcos told the DA during the meeting with the administration’s economic managers at the Malacañan Palace on Monday.

President Marcos ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) “to be mindful of the planting season” and ensure that the agriculture sector is well-supported and prioritized.

He called on the DBM to guarantee timely budgetary support for the agriculture sector.

“Be mindful of the planting season. Huwag tayo maiiwanan sa planting season. That’s why you need to come up with the timely budgetary support,” President Marcos told the DBM.

During its presentation, the DA emphasized that with sufficient assistance in fertilizers, quality seeds and technologies, farmers can achieve higher yields and maximize productivity across various ecosystems.

The DA said adequate support prevents delays in seed and fertilizer distribution, allowing farmers to plant on time and optimize harvest potential.

“Increased rice production supports job creation across the value chain, farm laborers, transporters, millers, and traders, stimulating rural economies,” the DA said. | PND

The Philippines, the US, and Japan vowed on Monday to continue working together to enhance and deepen trilateral ties, particularly in the areas of economic, maritime, and technology cooperation.

“I am confident that our three countries will continue to work together closely to sustain the gains that we have made in enhancing and deepening our ties,” President Marcos said in his remarks during the trilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden Jr. and Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru.

President Marcos, President Biden, and former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida participated in a trilateral summit in Washington, DC, on April 11, 2024, where they reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, guided by the values of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

The Chief Executive noted that since the adoption of the Trilateral Joint Vision Statement in April, substantial progress had been made in implementing bilateral and trilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest between the Philippines, the US, and Japan.

These interests include inclusive economic growth and resilience, crucial and emerging technologies, climate cooperation and clean energy, and promoting peace and security among the three nations.

President Biden echoed President Marcos’ sentiments, stating that the Philippines, the US, and Japan “have made historic progress” since the Trilateral Summit last April, “especially in maritime security, economic security, and technology cooperation.”

“Since then, we’ve made historic progress in our trilateral partnership, especially in areas of maritime security, economic security, technology cooperation, and high-quality infrastructure investments … We should continue to deepen our cooperation in these areas, I believe,” President Biden said.

President Biden also commended President Marcos for his diplomatic response “to China’s aggressive and coercive activities in the South China Sea.”

“Simply put, our countries have an interest in continuing this partnership and institutionalizing our cooperation across our governments so that it is built to last. I’m optimistic that my successor will also see the value of continuing this partnership, and that it is framed the right way,” President Biden said.

Prime Minister Ishiba also highlighted the importance of deepening trilateral cooperation between the Philippines, the US, and Japan, noting the progress made since the trilateral summit in April.

“Going forward, it is important to deepen trilateral cooperation in a variety of fields,” Prime Minister Ishiba said.

In a trilateral phone call on Monday, President Marcos, President Biden and Prime Minister Ishiba committed to enhance the trilateral relations among the three countries. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday urged Filipinos to have discipline in every aspect of their lives and contribute in nation-building.

“Tuwing Bagong Taon ay hindi nawawala ang usaping New Year’s Resolution: Bagong Taon, Bagong Panimula, Bagong Ako, Bagong Pag-asa, at idagdag na rin natin– Bagong Pilipino!,” President Marcos said in his PBBM VLOG: Bagong Taon, Bagong Piliino!

“Dahil sa inyong pagpapabuti at pagpapahusay ng sarili, sa anumang bagay, maliit man o malaki, lahat po ‘yan ay nakakatulong sa pagpapaganda ng bansa natin,” the President said.

A “Bagong Filipino“ should be disciplined in oneself, disciplined at home, and in the streets, he said.

The Chief Executive also urged all Filipinos to achieve health and fitness goals.

He also called for discipline in using social media, especially in communicating or delivery of messages.

He also sought discipline on the road to avoid fights in the streets and throwing trash indiscriminately.

President Marcos said one of his New Year’s Resolution is to take care of his health for him to continue his job of improving the nation. He wanted Filipinos to do the same.

“Ang New Year’s Resolution ko naman para maging mas disiplinado, mas aalagaan ko ang aking kalusugan. Dahil sa dami ng aking ginagawa, bawal talaga ang magkasakit. Bawal talaga na hindi makapasok. Bawal talaga na hindi maganda at maliwanag ang inyong pag-iisip,” the President said.

He also vowed to continue pursuing Filipino culture of excellence, which the public must also do.

“Ang Bagong Pilipino ay pinapahalagahan ang kultura ng kahusayan at kagalingan. Ang ating Culture of Excellence na tinatawag,” the President said.

“Gagalingan ko pa ngayong taon! At lalong susuportahan ko din ang mga magagaling at nagpupursige. Kikilalanin natin at ipakikilala ang mga mahuhusay na Pilipino sa buong mundo!” he added.

The President also encouraged Filipinos to change their mindset from mediocrity to excellence.

“Dapat ilagay na natin sa ating pag-iisip na ngayon, hindi na puwede ang puwede na. ‘Yan ang pag-iisip ng mahuhusay na Bagong Pilipino!” President Marcos said.

He likewise pushed for improved standards in technology so the country could be at par with the rest of the world.

“Kung may bagong teknolohiya, hindi tayo intimidated. Bukas ang isipan natin matuto para makasabay sa buong mundo!” he said.

President Marcos also exhorted Filipinos to love the motherland.

“ang Bagong Pilipino ay mapagmahal sa bayan,” he said.

“There is a renewed sense of patriotism. Dapat sa ating mga New Year’s Resolution, lagi nating kasama ang pagmamahal sa ating minamahal na Pilipinas, mas mamahalin pa natin ang ating Bansang Pilipinas,” President Marcos said.

There are many ways to show or express patriotism — by helping out our communities, barangays, schools and homes.

Another way a Filipino could do this is to show love and dedication for his job or livelihood.

The President also asked for cooperation in government’s projects.

He also required from the public a new thinking and behavior in facing new challenges.

“Ang Bagong Pilipino ay disiplinado, mahusay, at higit sa lahat – mapagmahal sa bayan! Mapagmahal sa kapwa Pilipino!” the President said.

“Ito sana ang mga katangiang isasabuhay natin ngayong BagongTaon!,” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday urged Filipinos to shun mediocrity and pursue excellence to boost the government’s bid for progress.

A key feature of the Bagong Pilipinas, he said, is the “culture of excellence” where Filipinos excel in various fields and welcome new technologies to be globally competitive.

“Ang Bagong Pilipino ay pinapahalagahan ang kultura ng kahusayan at kagalingan. Ang ating culture of excellence na tinatawag,” the President said in a video message.

“Magaling tayo kaya’t dapat ilagay na natin sa ating pag-iisip na ngayon, hindi na puwede ang puwede na. ‘Yan ang pag-iisip ng mahuhusay na bagong Pilipino,” he said.

“Kung may bagong teknolohiya, hindi tayo intimidated. Bukas ang isipan natin matuto para makasabay tayo sa buong mundo.”, he added.

The President Marcos also said a Bagong Pilipino has a renewed sense of patriotism which can be shown in small but helpful deeds to boost nation-building. “Ang Bagong Pilipino ay mapagmahal sa bayan. There is a renewed sense of patriotism,” he said.

“Huwag na siguro tayo lumayo. Hindi naman kailangang [pang] national level [ang tulong]. [Isipin natin kung] paano tayo makakatulong sa ating lokal na komunidad, sa ating syudad, sa ating barangay o sa ating tahanan,” he said.

What can we do to shape the community? [Let’s] help our schools, build the playground. Kahit na maliliit lang na bagay, he said.

“Iyang mga maliliit na bagay, napakalaking bagay iyan ‘pag pinagsamasama mo lahat ng Pilipino na pare-pareho ang asal tungkol diyan sa ating pagmamahal sa Pilipinas,” he added.

Further, the Chief Executive said the Bagong Pilipino is disciplined and patriotic.

“Ang Bagong Pilipino ay disiplinado, mahusay, at higit sa lahat – mapagmahal sa bayan. Mapagmahal sa kapwa Pilipino,” President Marcos.

He said the Filipino under the Bagong Pilipinas is disciplined in health and physical development, finance management, communication, social responsibility and garbage management.

“Ang Bagong Pilipino ay disiplinado. Disiplinado sa sarili. Disiplinado sa sariling tahanan. Disiplinado sa lansangan. Health and fitness goals; sa pagkain; paghawak ng pera; pag-iipon; Disiplina sa oras ng mga gadget,” he said.

“[May] disiplina sa pagmamarites at sa pananalita, Disiplina sa lansangan: pagda-drive; pagtatapon ng basura; pagiging pasaway sa kalye,” he said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday expressed his deepest sympathies to the victims of the devastating wildfires in California.

In a statement released on social media, President Marcos wished the Filipinos in Southern California for a recovery initiated by spirit of strength, compassion, and solidarity.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I extend my deepest sympathies to all who have been affected by the devastating wildfires in Southern California, USA — a place that many of our kababayans call home,” President Marcos said on Sunday.

“May the community’s road to recovery begin with strength, compassion and solidarity. Please stay safe and vigilant,” he added.

Southern California is home to around two million Filipinos, with over three million residing across the state. | PND

The Philippines will open more embassies in different parts of the world as part of the country’s independent foreign policy, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Saturday.

Speaking before the members of the diplomatic corps during the Vin D’Honneur in Malacanang, President Marcos said that through the government’s independent foreign policy, his administration broadened and strengthened its diplomatic reach and engagements with the world.

“Last year, we opened four Embassies in Europe and in Latin America. This year, we will be opening four more Foreign Service Posts in North America, in Asia, and the Pacific. And by the end of 2025, we will have 102 Posts, effectively widening our reach globally,” he said in his toast remarks.

“We are poised to establish more down the road. We welcomed the opening of some Embassies in Manila in 2024, such as Bahrain and Slovenia, and are eager to welcome new foreign missions in the years to come, such as from Central Asia.”

 The President said he introduced the Philippines to the world and jumpstarted meaningful, concrete, and mutually beneficial partnerships that drive growth for the country in the 21st century economy.

“A great deal has transpired in the last two and a half years,” he said.

“The Philippines has since embarked on a diplomatic agenda that leverages international partnerships, which have translated to increased bilateral engagements and cooperation with traditional partners and new allies in key economic sectors and security areas.”

This has resulted, he noted, in a vibrant exchange of high-level visits of officials from many countries, as well as several outgoing visits of Philippine officials. |PND

The diplomatic corps accredited in the Philippines expressed optimism on Saturday evening regarding the country’s economic prospects under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic corps, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown III, highlighted the country’s economic performance under the Marcos administration as a good reason to be hopeful.

“The diplomatic corps congratulates the government for the encouraging economic figures recently released on inflation, economic growth, and employment, mentioned by you, Mr. President in your speech, and these areas are a good reason to be hopeful about the future economic prospects of the country,” Brown said.

Brown was one of the guests during the Vin d’Honneur at the Malacañan Palace on Saturday. He also underscored the significance of the Bangsamoro Peace Process, calling it a “viable path to peace, security and prosperity” of the people of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

He also emphasized the importance of everyone’s commitment to truthfulness, balance, and fairness in navigating divergent opinions on social issues.

“For all of us, men and women serving the government and, in the diplomacy, our mission is to help guide a course of human events in a path that leads to peace, prosperity and security for all. That is only possible when there is communication—the authentic and respectful exchange of ideas and proposals and continuous dialogue,” he said.

Before concluding his speech, Brown commended the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for their warm and thoughtful engagement with the Philippine-accredited diplomatic corps. |PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday asked for the support of the diplomatic corps and the governments they represent for the country’s non-permanent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat bid aimed at further strengthening multilateralism at the global stage.

In his toast remarks during the Vin D’Honneur in Malacanang, President Marcos said the Philippines candidature stands on the Philippines’ rich experience in building peace, forging consensus, and finding new paths for cooperation.

This is highlighted, he pointed out, by the country’s unfaltering contribution to UN Peacekeeping Operations over the past 60 years, deploying over 14,000 troops in 21 UN peacekeeping operations and special political missions.

“Our candidature is consistent with our long-held view that we need to further strengthen multilateralism through efforts that will reform the Security Council and revitalize the General Assembly,” he told the members of the diplomatic corps during the event.

“I take this opportunity anew to convey to your respective governments our earnest request for your support to our UNSC bid, and we hope for your support when the time comes when we are indeed sitting as a member of the Security Council.”

The Philippines is running for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028.

Concluding his remarks, he expressed gratitude to the members of the diplomatic corps for being able partners and for supporting the government in its various social and economic programs for the Filipino people. |PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed optimism on Saturday that the country could hit this year the gross national income (GNI) per capita range set by the World Bank for it to reach upper middle-income country (UMIC) status.

“With strong macroeconomic fundamentals, we are confident that the country will be able to hit this year the GNI per capita range set by the World Bank to reach upper middle-income country (UMIC) status, coming off from an all-time high record registered in 2023 to the tune of USD 4,335 or PHP 241,165.00,” President Marcos said in his toast remarks during the Vin D’Honneur in Malacanang.

“Looking forward, this Government is committed to accelerating infrastructure investments, enhancing the ease of doing business, and boosting national competitiveness. These will support businesses, attract foreign investments, and spur higher economic growth.”

The President also touted the Philippines’ economic performance last year, describing it as a banner year for the country, with the economy remaining among the strongest in Asia by expanding 5.8 percent for the first three quarters in 2024.

The country’s revenue collection last year is about PhP4.42 trillion, accounting for 16.7 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), the highest in the last 27 years since 1997, he said.

And with prudent and transparent debt management, the Philippines scored the highest in debt transparency among the 50 countries surveyed by the Institute of International Finance in 2024.

At the same time, the President said the Philippines also earned last year its first-ever credit rating upgrade of “A minus with stable outlook” from Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (R&I), and an “upgrade of outlook to positive” from S&P Global Ratings. These upgrades made the country more attractive to investors, helping lower borrowing costs for government and businesses.

The Philippines’ unemployment rate also dropped to 4.0 percent, well below the full year target range of 4.4 percent to 4.7 percent owing to the sustained strength of the country’s labor market, he noted. |PND

A social welfare official is optimistic the government can achieve single-digit poverty level by 2028 through the current anti-poverty initiatives of the Marcos administration.

In a news forum in Quezon City, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Edu Punay said the goal is attainable within three years given the development programs of the state.

“Yes, we’re almost halfway the administration and the national government is targeting that we become a middle-income country,” Punay said.

“So, one of the requirements ay iyon hinahabol namin sa DSWD na single digit poverty level,” he said.

“Upon consultation and a thorough review of that data and analytics, statistics – this is possible within the administration. By 2028, talagang kaya po nating ibaba sa single-digit ang poverty level,” he said.

Such view is supported by the government’s developmental partners such as the World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and World Food Program (WFP), Punay added.

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) earlier said the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is on track to implementing the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. |PND