The government will continue to uplift the living conditions of Filipinos by providing state subsidies, ensuring access to food, and creating job opportunities, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared on Thursday.

“Sana po ay makatulong po itong aming ginagawa. Napakahalaga po para sa ating pamahalaan na iyong mga nangangailangan ng tulong ay mabibigyan ng tulong kaya po namin ginagawa ito,” President Marcos said during a visit in Iloilo.

“Isipin po ninyo na ang pamahalaan po ninyo ay laging nandito at nakikinig sa inyong mga hinaing, sa inyong mga pangangailangan, at gagawin po namin ang lahat upang tumulong,” he said.

President Marcos said the government has been organizing job fairs, making affordable food available, and extending state support to the poor.

The President was in Iloilo to observe the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) payout and the ongoing jobs fair.

Regarding job offerings, the President announced that about 2,000 jobs are currently available from employers. He said the government assists workers through job matching and providing the necessary skills for employment.

The President announced to the people of Iloilo that they can now purchase rice for PhP29 per kilo from Kadiwa outlets. Kadiwa has sold 1,106 metric tons of rice to over 220,000 households.

Government initiatives to reduce rice prices include lowering the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) from PhP55 per kilo to PhP49 per kilo this March. Additionally, the government is implementing the Rice for All program.

The government reduced the rice import tariff from 30 percent to 15 percent to increase supply, stabilize prices, and declare a food security emergency.

With the food security emergency declaration, Iloilo City can purchase rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) for PhP 35 per kilo. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on Iloilo local government chief executives to coordinate with the national government in developing infrastructure projects in the province.

Speaking at the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting in Iloilo City on Thursday, President Marcos said local chief executives play a crucial role in improving the province and the welfare of their constituents.

“Nobody is more expert in your area than the governor and mayors, and so, we always consider your inputs to be very, very valuable,” President Marcos said.

“Do not be hesitant if there’s something else that you want to bring up, if there is a problem or if you think there is a good idea that we can develop, iparating ninyo sa amin and we will look into it,” he added.

President Marcos was briefed on the progress of the major infrastructure projects in Western Visayas, including the rehabilitation and improvement of the Boracay Circumferential Road and the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage III.

He also received updates on the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridge Project, the Panay Railway System, the Boracay Bridge Project, and the Road Widening along Jaime Cardinal Sin Avenue in Aklan.

The local chief executives also presented updates on the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway, the Panay East-West Road, the Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project, and the Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway.

“This has been very useful for us because it is very important for us at the national level to hear from the locals. I am always reminding everyone that you must do all of these big projects, small projects, whatever it is basta’t national initiative,” he said.

The President then reaffirmed his support for all priority projects in Western Visayas. | PND

Cambodian Ambassador to the Philippines Phan Peuv on Thursday thanked the Philippine government for its “unwavering support and commitment” during his stay here, saying such a gesture was vital for the two nation’s common interest.

“For the past three years, I have been privileged to work with you to further push our bilateral relations and cooperation in common areas. Recently, the fruitful outcome of the official visit of Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia,” Phan told President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during a farewell call in Malacañang.

Phan, who presented his letter of credence on May 25, 2022, said he was delighted to meet the President, saying it was “a great honor and privilege” to be assigned as Cambodian ambassador to the Philippines.

Phan ended his tour of duty today following a two-day official visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his delegation early this week.

President Marcos said he was glad to receive the Cambodian Ambassador, particularly after his “very successful and productive” meeting with Hun Manet.

While here, Hun Manet and the President agreed to strengthen the ties between their countries through agriculture, education, trade, and other investments.

The President said that his previous engagements with Hun Manet during international meetings resulted in productive discussions in the Philippines.

“During the ASEAN, APEC meetings, Prime Minister Hun Manet and I have always been somehow discussing many, many things about both our countries and the similarities,” the President said.

“That’s why I think that led to the very productive meetings that we had the other day when he came to visit,” the President said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting.

The Philippines and Cambodia established diplomatic relations in 1957. Since then, their friendship has evolved in terms of bilateral cooperation and within the context of strong regional partnership. | PND

Local chief executives should assess their disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies to handle increasingly severe weather disturbances caused by climate change.

“Kailangan ay gagawin natin ang lahat upang mabigyan ng proteksyon ang ating mga constituent dito sa mga bagong pangyayari,” President Marcos said during the 2025 League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) General Assembly Wednesday at the Manila Hotel.

“Hindi naman natin masasabi na iyong nakaraan na anim na bagyo na dumaan sa Pilipinas sa 23 araw ay hindi natin masasabi na hindi mauulit ‘yan kaya’t kailangan na natin paghandaan,” he said.

The President stated that everyone must analyze the problem, learn from the country’s past disaster experiences, and adjust the response and mitigation measures.

He noted that typhoons are now more frequent and devastating, making areas that previously did not experience flooding and landslides vulnerable.

“Kailangan na natin tingnan ano ang naging problema sa mga nakaraan dahil ang mga nangyayari, ang panahon ngayon, ang weather ngayon ay hindi na natin maasahan ‘yung mga dating ginagawa natin,” the President said.

“Kailangan natin tanggapin na ang weather ngayon ay hindi kagaya ng panahon (noon)– ang mga bagyo ngayon hindi kagaya ng bagyo noon. Sila ay mas malakas at mas madalas.”

The President encouraged mayors to engage the public as they cannot address challenges alone. That is why the national government has adopted a whole-of-government approach, he said.

The government later expanded the strategy into a whole-of-society approach that involved the private sector, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society.

The President also highlighted the efforts under the Kalinga at Inisyatiba Para sa Malinis na Bayan, or KALINISAN sa Bagong Pilipinas Program.

Last year, 22,200 barangays participated in regular cleanup activities, demonstrating a collaborative effort to create a healthier and more dignified nation. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged local officials to embrace the latest technologies to keep up with global advancements and provide optimal service to the public.

President Marcos made the pitch during the 2025 League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) General Assembly at the Manila Hotel.

“What faces us today is a highly technical world, a highly technical system for our different economies, for the global economy, and a rapidly accelerating development in all kinds of research and technology,” the President told thousands of local officials attending the meeting.

“That is why we must keep up with that (technological advancement),” he added.

The President said the collaboration between the national government and Local Government Units (LGUs) will greatly benefit the nation.

“Napipilitan na tayo ngayon. Kailangan lahat tayo maging techie, kailangan lahat tayo. Hindi na maaari ‘yung ‘pag may gagawin kayo ipapagawa mo sa anak mo kasi hindi mo naintindihan,” the President said.

“Kailangan maintindihan na ninyo ang technology. Kailangan maintindihan na ninyo ang bagong sistema upang ma-maximize ito para sa serbisyo sa publiko,” he also said.

The President said it was important for the public also to learn to use the latest technology to assist government workers in providing faster, more convenient, and more accountable services.

“We have seen the differences not only within our political system but also with the different countries around the world,” the President stressed.

The President noted that other countries have developed and adopted faster technologies, contributing to their progress.

He said those unable to adopt and use new technology will lag in providing better service to the public.

“Kaya’t namin ito ay isinulong upang huwag naman ang Pilipinas maging isa sa mga bayan na naiiwanan,” the President said.

The LMP is a non-profit, non-government organization that includes all municipalities in the Philippines. It was formed to address issues affecting municipal government administration and develop solutions through legal means. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized the significant role of municipal mayors in governance and praised local government units (LGUs) for improving fiscal discipline and transparency.

Speaking before the local chief executives during the 2025 League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) General Assembly at the Manila Hotel Wednesday, President Marcos thanked LGUs for their contributions to developing significant legislation.

He stressed the vital role of mayors as first responders who address citizens’ concerns based on the realities they face.

The President noted that mayors understand their towns’ strengths and limitations, allowing them to create programs that meet the specific needs of their constituents.

“A testament to this is the progress that we have made in local governance,” the President said, pointing to more LGUs getting the Seal of Good Local Governance.

The President highlighted that mayors have contributed significantly to developing and promoting key legislation, such as the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act and the Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units Act. These laws ensure better standards for managing real properties and create a fairer system for financing local governments.

Local chief executives organized island cluster conferences to localize the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring municipal leaders are equipped to align local programs with global sustainability and development targets.

The President highlighted the evolving nature of governance, which heightened public expectations of their leaders amid current challenges.

The President said that the drivers of economic progress have shifted from traditional industries to innovation-based services, as technology has advanced significantly and climate change has disrupted lives.

He said people expect an efficient, responsive, and inclusive government.

” The solutions of yesterday no longer are relevant today, it could not address the problems of today,” President Marcos said. ” So, we carry a mission that is more crucial than ever: we must lead and we must lead with integrity, serve with competence, and govern with a vision that extends beyond our terms in office.”

The LMP is a non-profit, non-governmental organization representing all municipalities in the Philippines. It was established to address municipal government administration issues and develop solutions through legal means. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged elected officials to maintain a positive impact on their constituents even after their terms have ended.

President Marcos made the call during the End-Term General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) at the Manila Hotel.

“Today we are convened here as leaders and public servants who have dedicated our years and, in many cases our lives, to civil service. For many of us, this is a calling and it is a lifelong commitment to serve our people,” the President told thousands of local leaders at the meeting.

The President acknowledged municipal mayors as essential first responders in governance, stressing their role in connecting people with the national government, especially during critical times.

“Our municipal mayors, you are the frontlines of governance. You are the first to hear the concerns of our people, the first to act on their needs, and the first to bear the weight of their expectations,” the President said.

He reflected on his journey as a public servant, from being a local official to becoming a senator and President.

“Public service has defined much of my life. I have had the privilege of serving in various capacities—as a legislator, as a governor, and now as President,” he said. ”

” Throughout these years, one thing has remained constant: The challenges before us are always great, but the opportunity to create lasting change is even greater.”

The President said that more local government units (LGUs) could achieve the highest standards due to initiatives introduced by municipal mayors in assessing financial sustainability under the Seal of Good Local Governance.

In 2024, the number of local government units (LGUs) increased from 493 to 714. The President called this growth “a clear sign that more local governments are enhancing fiscal discipline and transparency.”

Building on their hard work, the President cited the contributions of local officials in streamlining and digitizing bureaucracy through the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS).

Already, 113 LGUs have complied, and 1,203 others initiated automation efforts to enhance their transactions in 2024, he said.

The government developed the eLGU as a ready-to-use eBOSS platform, which was adopted by 741 LGUs in the same year.

During the assembly, the President spoke about the Kalinga at Inisyatiba Para sa Malinis na Bayan (KALINISAN) sa Bagong Pilipinas Program, which involves over 22,000 barangays participating in regular cleaning activities.

The President expressed hopes that local public officials will continue to adopt and sustain the national government reforms even after their tenure.

He urged the municipal mayors to strengthen their partnership beyond their terms of office so that governance continues to foster prosperity and public service endures.

“Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, hangad natin ang tunay at pangmatagalang pagbabago para sa lahat ng Pilipino. At ang pagbabago ay hindi lamang tungkulin ng gobyerno, kundi ng bawat mamamayan,” the President said.

“So, together we will forge a legacy of leadership, not only measured by words but by livelihoods created, by lives improved, by dreams that have been realized. A legacy that will uplift our people today and empower our nation for many many generations to come,” he added. | PND

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) partners with VERA Files in a collaborative series of training to combat misinformation and disinformation and to further strengthen media literacy within state-run media outlets.

The training series entitled “Siguraduhing Totoo: A VERA Files Fact Checking and Online Verification Training” aims to enhance the skills of the state media fact-check officers across the nation: in Luzon on February 13-14, in Visayas on February 20-21, and in Mindanao on February 27-28.

Participants will include FCOs from regional units of state media outfits such as the People’s Television Network Inc. (PTV), Radyo Pilipinas, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

VERA Files, an independent non-profit media organization and a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network, will facilitate the workshops, providing their expertise at no cost to the PCO. As outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), VERA Files will not receive any monetary compensation for conducting these training sessions, underscoring their commitment to combating misinformation and disinformation across all media platforms and segments of society.

This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening a transparent and independent fact-checking mechanism within state media. It also aligns with the government’s ongoing ‘Maging Mapanuri’ campaign to promote media literacy and combat misinformation.

The training will focus on equipping fact-checkers with the necessary skills to navigate complex information issues, fostering resilience against misinformation in the digital age.

The PCO remains dedicated to advancing digital literacy and ensuring the public receives accurate, credible information.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on elected officials to prioritize the core values of public service as campaigning for this year’s midterm elections intensifies.

Despite heated arguments among candidates, the President said the focus of public service should remain on assisting Filipinos.

“Huwag nating kakalimutan na tayo ay nandito, tayo ay pumasok sa serbisyo ng publiko upang tulungan ang taong-bayan,” President Marcos said at the 2025 League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) General Assembly ay the Manila Hotel.

The President said the election is a crucial part of democracy and a means to restore the public service mandate.

“That is the process of democracy. Kailangan natin dumaan sa eleksyon. Kailangan natin makuha ulit ang mandato ng tao upang tayo ay magawa natin ang ating trabaho,” he told the LMP delegates.

The President also recalled his local government experience, saying that the barangay election is the most intense because it involved personal connections.

“Alam naman natin, at ako sa karanasan ko, ang pinakamainit na eleksyon ay nilalaban sa local government. As a matter of fact, palagay ko siguro mag-agree kayo sa akin mga mayor kayo nakikita ninyo ito, ang pinakamainit na eleksyon ay barangay,” he said.

The President stressed the importance of rekindling connections after the election to ensure collaboration toward a common goal.

“Pagkatapos ng halalan…alam ko kung minsan ay napakahirap na magpalamig ng ulo ulit ngunit kailangan natin gawin ‘yun dahil kailangan natin ng lahat ng mga gustong tumulong na magkapit-bisig upang magtulungan,” he said. | PND

Cambodia is keen on taking its collaboration with the Philippines to a new level to create more opportunities for growth for both nations.

Visiting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said this on Tuesday during a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace.

“We are keen on taking our collaborations to (a) new height,” Manet said.

“Today, I look forward to our discussions to deepen our engagement and unlock opportunities for shared growth and prosperity for our two nations and beyond.”

The Cambodian Prime Minister expressed confidence that his first official visit would strengthen and enhance the partnership with the Philippines.

Hun Manet expressed his gratitude for the invitation and the warm hospitality provided by President Marcos. He said his visit stresses the strengthening relationship between Cambodia and the Philippines.

“The friendship between our two countries is long-lasting, which historical ties date back to 1872 when the late His Majesty and King Norodom visited the Philippines,” Prime Minister Hun Manet said.

“Over the decades, our relationship has flourished built on mutual respect and shared interests,” he also said.

This year marks 68 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, where collaborations extend beyond government-to-government ties rooted in a strong bond between our two peoples,” the Cambodian leader said.

Prime Minister Hun Manet said that his government valued the Philippines’ contributions to the peace process and human resource development in civilian and military sectors.

He acknowledged the Filipino community’s significant contribution to Cambodia’s socioeconomic development. Currently, over 7,000 Filipinos reside and work in this Southeast Asian country.

Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the cooperation between the two countries, which spans multiple sectors, including defense, security, trade, investment, the economy, and people-to-people exchanges. | PND