President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ warm ties with Ukraine in a call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday.

President Marcos and President Zelenskyy discussed potential cooperation in food security, agriculture, and digitalization.

“I spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today to reaffirm our warm relations and discuss areas where our countries can work together. We focused on cooperation in food security, agriculture, and digitalization,” President Marcos said in a statement.

President Marcos added that they also explored opportunities to bolster the engagement between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Ukraine as Manila assumes the bloc’s chairship next year.

“As the Philippines assumes the Chairship of ASEAN, we also discussed ways to strengthen ASEAN–Ukraine engagement for the benefit of our peoples,” President Marcos said.

Zelenskyy visited Malacañang in 2024, where he announced the opening of a Ukrainian Embassy in Manila.

The Philippines and Ukraine officially established diplomatic ties in 1992. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn during a courtesy call in Malacanan Palace on Thursday.

Dr. Kao is on a working visit to the Philippines from November 27 to 28 to provide full support for the preparations for the Philippines’ Chairship of ASEAN in 2026.

Dr. Kao paid a courtesy call on President Marcos to discuss key priorities and deliverables for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship under the theme, “Navigating our Future, Together.”

Joining the President during the courtesy call were Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, Communications Secretary Dave M. Gomez and Undersecretary Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Director General for Operations of the ASEAN National Organizing Council.

During his working visit, Dr. Kao is also scheduled to meet with Lazaro, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

The ASEAN Secretary-General is also scheduled to meet with the Chair of the 2026 ASEAN Business Advisory Council.

During the formal launch last November 14 of ASEAN Philippines 2026, President Marcos said the Philippines’ leadership of the 11-nation bloc will focus on three priorities, namely peace and security anchors; prosperity corridors; and people empowerment.

The official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo features the rice stalk representing food security; the weave pattern symbolizing interconnection; a wave signifying maritime security and cooperation; and the traditional Filipino boat called illustrating ASEAN’s collective journey. | PND

“Napakagandang modelo itong ginawa ninyo.”

Pinasinayaan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Huwebes ang San Lazaro Residences, isang 20-palapag na socialized in-city vertical housing project sa Sta. Cruz, Maynila, na inaasahang magiging modelo rin para sa ibang lokal na pamahalaan.

Humigit-kumulang 400 pamilya ang makikinabang mula sa proyekto na matatagpuan sa kanto ng Alvarez at Quiricada Streets.

“Sa lahat ng aming ginawang housing sa national government, lagi po naming sinasabi hindi sapat na magtatayo ka lang ng bahay o magbibigay ka lang ng unit. Dahil ang buhay ng tao ay hindi pabahay lamang,” ang sabi ni Pangulong Marcos.

Nagpasalamat ang Pangulo kina Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, at sa Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Maynila sa implementasyon ng urban housing ordinance na naglalayong matulungan ang mga residente at kawani ng gobyerno.

“Dahil ang ginawa nila ‘yung Manila Urban Housing Ordinance na ginawang opisyal ang pabahay para sa mga mahihirap na Manila resident at empleyado ng gobyerno na Salary Grade 18 at pababa,” ayon sa Pangulo.

“Pagka nakita ng ibang LGU ito, gagayahin ito, asahan mo dahil napakagandang modelo itong ginawa ninyo.”

Pinuri ni PBBM ang mabilis na pagtatayo ng mga pabahay at binigyang-diin ang kahalagahan ng koordinasyon sa pagitan ng pambansa at lokal na pamahalaan na kapaki-pakinabang sa mga mamamayan.

“Kahit hindi national government project po ito ay gusto kong ipakita sa lahat ng taumbayan na ito ang maaari nating gawin,” ayon sa Punong Ehekutibo.

“Basta’t maganda ang ugnayan, basta’t maganda ang pag-coordinate ng national at saka local government ay marami tayong magagawa.”

Sinabi ng Pangulo na layunin ng proyekto ang pagbuo ng isang komunidad na may kasamang mga pasilidad para sa kalusugan, edukasyon, palakasan, at iba pang serbisyo.

Sa halagang PhP1.9 bilyon, naglalayon ang San Lazaro Residences na magbigay ng ligtas, sapat, at maayos na tirahan para sa mga mahihirap na residente ng Maynila sa pamamagitan ng dekalidad na disenyo at pagsunod sa tamang construction standards.

Itinayo ito gamit ang pautang mula sa Land Bank of the Philippines at may 382 yunit, na binubuo ng dalawang silid-tulugan, living at dining area, kusina, at banyo.

Ilan pa sa mga pasilidad dito ay ang Manila Public Health Laboratory, administration office sa ground floor, swimming pool, function room, outdoor activity area, paradahan, elevator, at mga commercial space.

Itinakda ang buwanang hulog sa PhP2,000 para sa mga kwalipikadong tenant na minimum wage earners at kawani ng gobyerno na Salary Grade 8 pababa, habang PhP3,000 naman para sa mga kumikita nang higit sa minimum wage at mga kawani na may Salary Grade 9 hanggang 18.

Kabilang sa iba pang natapos na in-city vertical housing projects sa Maynila ang Tondominium 1 at 2 sa Tondo; Binondominium 1 sa Binondo; Pedro Gil Residences sa San Andres; at San Sebastian Residences sa Quiapo.

Ipinapanukala rin ng Maynila ang pagtatayo ng Binondominium Projects 2 at 3, pati na rin ang apat na tore ng Bureau of Plant Industry in-city vertical housing. | PND

“Napakagandang modelo itong ginawa ninyo.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday inaugurated a socialized vertical housing project in Sta. Cruz, Manila, which he hoped could be replicated by other local government units (LGUs).

The 20-storey San Lazaro Residences, located at Alvarez and Quiricada Streets in Sta. Cruz will benefit close to 400 families.

“Sa lahat ng aming ginawang housing sa national government, lagi po naming sinasabi hindi sapat na magtatayo ka lang ng bahay o magtatayo ka lang ng bahay o magbibigay ka lang ng unit. Dahil ang buhay ng tao ay hindi pabahay lamang,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos thanked Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, and the City Council for implementing an urban housing ordinance for Manila residents and government employees.

“Dahil ang ginawa nila ‘yung Manila Urban Housing Ordinance na ginawang opisyal ang pabahay para sa mga mahihirap na Manila resident at empleyado ng gobyerno na Salary Grade 18 at pababa,” the President said.

“Pagka nakita ng ibang LGU ito, gagayahin ito, asahan mo dahil napakagandang modelo itong ginawa ninyo.”

The President commended the city government for the speedy construction of housing projects, stressing that good coordination between the national and local governments can really benefit the people.

“Kahit hindi national government project po ito ay gusto kong ipakita sa lahat ng taumbayan na ito ang maaari nating gawin,” said the Chief Executive.

“Basta’t maganda ang ugnayan, basta’t maganda ang pag-coordinate ng national at saka local government ay marami tayong magagawa.”

The Chief Executive underscored the project’s goal: to build a community by incorporating health, education, sports facilities, and other features.

With a contract cost of PhP1.9 billion, the housing project will provide safe, adequate, and comfortable shelter as well as facilities for underprivileged Manila residents, improving living conditions through quality design, compliance with construction standards, and efficient project delivery.

Constructed through a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines, the facility has 382 units, each unit consisting of two bedrooms, a living and dining area, a kitchen, and a toilet and bath.

Other amenities and facilities include the Manila Public Health Laboratory, a primary city-level diagnostics, surveillance, and public health support facility; an administration office on the ground floor; a swimming pool; a function room; an outdoor activity area; parking areas; an elevator; and commercial spaces.

The monthly contribution of qualified tenants was set at PhP2,000 for minimum wage earners and government workers with Salary Grade 8 and below, and PhP3,000 for those earning above minimum wage and government workers with SG 9 to 18.

Other completed in-city vertical housing projects include the Tondominium 1 and 2 in Tondo; Binondominium 1 in Binondo; Pedro Gil Residences in San Andres; and San Sebastian Residences in Quiapo.

The Manila city government is also proposing the construction of Binondominium Projects 2 and 3 and the Bureau of Plant Industry in-city vertical housing, with four towers. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday emphasized the need to strengthen the collaboration between local and national governments to enhance the country’s healthcare system and deliver improved services to the public.

During the visit to the Baseco community and the rehabilitated President Corazon C. Aquino General Hospital at the Baseco Compound in Port Area, Manila, President Marcos announced an additional PhP15 million funding for the hospital from the Office of the President.

“Ito ay ginawa ng ating local government. Kami naman sa national government… ay lahat ng suporta, lahat ng benepisyo na maaaring gawin ng pamahalaan ay gagawin natin,” the President said.

Having served as Ilocos Norte governor for nine years, the President said he understood the situation of local government units (LGUs) and the need for closer coordination and cooperation between LGUs and the national government to deliver public services.

The Manila city government opened the President Corazon C. Aquino General Hospital, also known as Baseco Hospital, last September 5 to serve the residents of Baseco Compound, one of the city’s poorest communities.

President Marcos said he was impressed by the facility, which serves an average of 200 to 220 patients each day. As of November 24, the hospital has served around 7,300 patients.

Currently an outpatient department, the facility is preparing to be a full Level 1 hospital.

President Marcos said around 20,000 Baseco residents have been registered with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) so they could avail of the medical services.

The President also highlighted the government’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), an enhanced primary care services package from PhilHealth.

Baseco Hospital is a PhilHealth-accredited YAKAP clinic that provides free consultations, primary care check-up and diagnostic and screening tests.

The President recognized the service provided by Barangay Health Workers (BHW), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and district city personnel in promoting PhilHealth programs.

President Marcos reiterated his administration’s priority to strengthen the healthcare system.

“Kaya’t ang administrasyon pong ito ay ginagawa ang lahat upang mapatibay natin ang ating tinatawag na healthcare system,” said the President.

“Nandito po ang pamahalaan para tumulong sa inyo, para hindi ninyo na kailangan maubos ang inyong inipon na pera, na maubos dito sa healthcare. Kami na po ang bahala.” ǀ PND

Inaasahang makakabawi ang ekonomiya ng bansa pagsapit ng 2026, kasunod ng pulong sa pagitan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona nitong Miyerkules kung saan tinalakay ang desisyon sa monetary policy nitong nakaraang Oktubre at ang kasalukuyang economic outlook.

Ayon sa BSP, bumaba ang inflation sa 1.7 porsiyento, habang ang inflation para sa bottom 30 porsiyento ng mga kabahayan ay nasa –0.4 porsiyento.

Dahil dito, ibinaba ng Monetary Board ang policy rate sa 4.75 porsiyento upang suportahan ang mas abot-kayang pangungutang para sa mga pamilya at negosyo.

Ipinaliwanag ni Remolona na ibinaba nila ang policy rate upang pasiglahin ang mas mataas na demand.

Patuloy naman ang magandang inflation outlook, kaya kampante ang Pilipinas sa pagrepaso at pagbabawas ng policy rate. Para sa 2026, ang inflation forecast ay nasa humigit-kumulang 3.1 porsiyento na pasok sa target, habang sa 2027 inaasahang nasa 2.8 porsiyento ang inflation outlook.

Sinabi ng BSP na nakikita ang pagbangon sa 2026 at ang pagbabalik sa target range ng pamahalaan pagsapit ng 2027.

Muling tiniyak ni Pangulong Marcos ang kanyang pangako na pangalagaan ang katatagan ng ekonomiya at lumikha ng mga kondisyon para sa mas matatag at mas malawak na paglago para sa lahat ng Pilipino. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona on Wednesday to review the October 2025 monetary policy decision and the country’s economic outlook.

The BSP reported that inflation has eased to 1.7 percent, with inflation for the bottom 30 percent of households at –0.4 percent, allowing the Monetary Board to cut the policy rate to 4.75 percent to support more affordable borrowing for families and businesses.

The BSP Governor explained that they reduced the policy rate to stimulate more demand.

The good news is, the inflation outlook was good enough for the Philippines to be confident about reducing the policy rate. For 2026, the inflation forecast is about 3.1 percent, which is basically the target. In 2027, the inflation outlook is about 2.8 percent.

Although there was poor growth in 2025, the economy is expected to recover by 2026 and return to the government’s target range by 2027.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding economic stability and creating conditions for sustained, broad-based growth for all Filipinos. | PND

Muling kinilala ni Pangulong Marcos nitong Miyerkules ang mga local government units (LGUs) at mga regional office ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-ROs) sa kanilang kahusayan sa pagpapatupad ng mga lokal na proyekto sa imprastraktura at pampublikong serbisyo sa seremonya ng SubayBAYANI Awards 2025 sa Manila Hotel.

“Keep up the good work. Continue to show that the public can trust and rely on public servants,” ayon sa Punong Ehekutibo.

Ibinigay ang parangal sa siyam na LGU bilang Top Overall Performers, 126 bilang Exemplars, at tatlong DILG Regional Offices bilang pagkilala sa kanilang matatag na kolaborasyon, tapat na proseso, at maagap na pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng bayan.

Hinikayat ni Pangulong Marcos ang mga lokal na opisyal na patuloy na maging tapat at masigasig sa paghahatid ng de-kalidad na serbisyo dahil ang mga tapat na lingkod-bayan ang pundasyon ng tagumpay ng anumang pampublikong proyekto.

“High quality remains our standard. A government worthy of its people does not settle for mediocrity, does not cut corners, and does not waver,” ayon sa Pangulo. “We strive for excellence because that is what our citizens deserve, and that is what our country deserves.”

Ayon sa Pangulo, ang mga dedikado at tapat na public servants ay may malaking papel sa tagumpay ng proyekto ng gobyerno.

“Kayo po ang magandang halimbawa na matatag pa rin ang puso ng serbisyo publiko sa ating bansa,” ayon sa Pangulo.

Sinabi ng Pangulo na ang tagumpay ng Bagong Pilipinas ay bunga ng sama-samang pagkilos, hindi lamang ng iisang lider o sektor.

“Ito ay binubuo ng bawat kawani ng pamahalaan na tapat na naglilingkod sa ating kapwa at bawat mamamayan na handing makibahagi sa mga proyekto ng gobyerno,” pahayag pa ni PBBM.

Kabilang sa mga Top Overall Performers ang sumusunod na LGU at ang kanilang mahahalagang proyekto:

Mountain Province – Upgrading ng Ampawilen-Sadanga Provincial Road

Aklan – Rehabilitation at improvement ng Balete-Arcanghel-Ogsip-Calamcan-Julita-Libacao Road (Phase 3)

Zamboanga Sibugay – Concreting ng Pangi-Guitoan-Gomotoc-Malagandis Provincial Road

Pasig City – Major improvement sa Mega Dialysis Compound

Science City of Muñoz – Konstruksyon ng multi-purpose building

Victorias City – Konstruksyon ng two-storey evacuation center at multi-purpose building

Victoria, Oriental Mindoro – Konstruksyon ng health station

Sumilao, Bukidnon – Konstruksyon ng multi-purpose building sa Barangay Kisolon

Magpet, Cotabato – Konstruksyon ng Basak Water System Level III sa Barangay Basak

Kinilala rin ang tatlong DILG Regional Offices mula sa National Capital Region (NCR), Eastern Visayas (Region VIII), at SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII) dahil sa kanilang makabago at epektibong monitoring initiatives para sa mga LGU infrastructure projects.

Nagpasalamat din si Pangulong Marcos sa Manila Water Company Inc. bilang katuwang ng gobyerno sa pagtataguyod ng participatory governance, citizen engagement, at evidence-based monitoring.

Itinatag noong 2021 ng DILG ang SubayBAYANI Awards upang kilalanin ang mga LGU na matagumpay na nagpapatupad ng mga proyekto habang isinusulong ang transparency, pananagutan, at aktibong partisipasyon ng mamamayan.

Ang mga parangal ay ibinibigay sa lahat ng mga lalawigan, lungsod, at munisipalidad na may mga proyektong nakarehistro sa SubayBAYANI Portal. | PND

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Wednesday presented President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. with the 10-peso Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026 Commemorative Coin and the 12-coin series of the 100-peso Philippine Festivals Commemorative Coins which will be released next year.

President Marcos received the 10-peso ASEAN 2026 Commemorative Circulation Coin from BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. and BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan in a ceremony held in Malacañan Palace.

ASEAN National Organizing Council Representative Aian Caringal and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Ana Marie L. Hernando also joined the presentation ceremony.

The BSP will launch the 10-peso ASEAN Coin to commemorate the Philippines’ leadership in steering the Southeast Asian region next year.

Meanwhile, the 100-peso Philippine Festivals Silver Commemorative Non-Circulation Legal Tender 12-coin series, which will be released starting January next year, was presented to the President by Remolona, who is also the BSP Monetary Board chairman.

The 10-peso Commemorative Coin features the ASEAN 2026 logo showing a woven pattern, rice stalk, waves, and a balangay boat.

The coin also has a QR code that can be scanned using a mobile phone to view information about ASEAN 2026.

The 100-peso Philippine Festivals Commemorative Coins, meanwhile, feature a giant lantern that represents the symbols and elements of 12 Philippine festivals.

One design will be released each month to coincide with the celebration of the featured festival.

The 12 featured celebrations, by order, are the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City; Tan-Ok Ni Ilocano Festival in Ilocos Norte; Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon; Moriones Festival in Marinduque; Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon; Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival in Tacloban City;

T’nalak Festival in South Cotabato; Kadayawan Festival in Davao City; Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City; MassKara Festival in Bacolod City; Higantes Festival in Angono, Rizal; and the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

The Philippine Festivals Commemorative Coins are expected to boost the tourism industry as they create curiosity among a niche global collector community, sparking interest in Philippine festivals and the destinations they represent.

They also elevate local festivals to national prominence and showcase the country as a vibrant and diverse cultural destination. | PND

“Tandaan natin na ang mamamayang Pilipino ay nagmamasid at may karapatang pumuna. At tayong mga nasa gobyerno ang tagapanday at tagahatid ng tunay at maaasahan na serbisyo.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday emphasized the importance of transparency in all government programs and projects to prevent corruption, while highlighting the need for high standards in the delivery of public services.

“So, let us prove that when the public has access to government processes, they become more empowered as our partners in promoting accountability,” President Marcos said during the SubayBAYANI Awards 2025 at the Manila Hotel.

“This is why, and I say this with all my firm belief, we must further strengthen open and participative governance at all levels,” the President added.

The Chief Executive said this year’s awardees – consisting of nine top performing local government units (LGUs), 126 exemplary LGUs, and three Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Offices (DILG ROs) – chose to perform their duties effectively, honestly and with consideration for their constituents.

“Napatunayan nila ito sa paghikayat sa mamamayan na makilahok sa mga proyekto ng kanilang bayan, lungsod, o probinsya, at sa pagsubaybay sa mga lokal na imprastraktura na pinondohan ng taumbayan,” the President.

By implementing projects according to plan, the LGU and DILG RO awardees demonstrated their ability to deliver high-quality infrastructure — from a simple multipurpose building to a major provincial road, President Marcos said.

“Ipinakita ninyo na kapag may datos, may basehan. Kapag may proseso, may direksyon. At kapag may resulta, may tiwala naman ang taumbayan sa atin,” said the President.

President Marcos said the newly launched Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Transparency Portal aims to ensure that infrastructure projects can be observed, analyzed, monitored, and be of use to the community.

Through the Transparency Portal, the public could monitor every step of the implementation of infrastructure projects – from the procurement process to the foundation laying, up to their utilization.

“Inaasahan natin na kapag bukas tayo sa publiko, mas titibay ang kanilang tiwala sa gobyerno at mas lalawak pa ang kanilang pakikibahagi sa pagbabago,” President Marcos said. ǀ PND