Several victims of the massive fire in Parola Compound on Monday expressed their gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the distribution of relief goods held at the Leonardo B. Fugoso Sports Complex in Delpan, Manila.

“Taos-puso po ang aming pasasalamat sa kanyang pagtulong, dahil sa mga ginagawa ni Presidente Bongbong Marcos sa mga ginagawa niyang pagtulong sa mga mamamayan! Maraming salamat po!” said Criselda Fernandez, 64, of Area C, Parola Compound. Fernandez has two children.

“Natutuwa kami kay Presidente Marcos sa pagpunta nya rito sa amin. Natutulungan niya kami sa mga kailangan namin. Hindi nila kami pinababayaan,“ added Fernandez, who claimed that they are only renting a shared house, where five families currently reside.

Over 2,000 families were displaced by the massive fire that swept through a residential community at the Parola compound in Binondo during the weekend.

For her part, Amparo Bantula, 63, married, with one son and three daughters, resident of Area C of Parola Compound, also thanked President Marcos for the assistance provided to them.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami kay Presidente Marcos, sa mga tulong niya na binibigay sa amin,” said Bantula. “Hindi niya po kami pinababayaan. Maraming maraming salamat po!” said Bantula. She claimed she and her family shared a house with four families, around 20 people.

Vanessa Guzman, 48, with three children, also expressed gratitude to President Marcos and the government for all the help they have given them during their time of need.

“Very satisfied po kami! Nagpapasalamat po ako. Ang laking tulong po nito sa amin. Maraming salamat po, Presidente Marcos,” said Guzman.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the DSWD will distribute cash assistance of PhP10,000 to each family under the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

The DSWD is also distributing food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, cooking kits, and other materials.

Gatchalian also said that the National Housing Authority (NHA) will provide an additional PhP30,000 per family as part of their rebuilding or recovery efforts.

For his part, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has vowed that the City Government of Manila will also provide cash assistance to the families, as well as other forms of help.

Gatchalian and Domagoso assisted President Marcos during the relief goods distribution held at the Leonardo B. Fugoso Sports Complex, Delpan, Manila, earlier in the day. The Delpan Evacuation Center, where the victims are temporarily staying, is located just beside the sports complex. | PND

Defense and security, maritime cooperation, energy concerns, and economic matters are among the key agenda items expected to be discussed during the upcoming meeting in Japan this week between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.

President Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos are leaving Tuesday for Japan for the President’s first State Visit from May 26 to 29 upon the invitation of the Japanese government, said DFA Spokesperson Analyn Ratonel at a Palace press briefing.

“Napakahalaga po ng biyaheng ito sapagkat ito ang pagkakataon para makapag-usap si Pangulong Marcos Jr. at Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi tungkol sa kooperasyon ng Pilipinas at Japan sa larangan ng seguridad, maritime and defense, ekonomiya, energy resilience and decarbonization, at emerging and future-oriented sectors,” Ratonel said.

“Inaasahan din na mag-uusap ang dalawang leaders tungkol sa mga regional and global issues na nakaaapekto sa Pilipinas at Japan gaya ng ASEAN at challenges sa Indo-Pacific Region, at developments in the Middle East,” she added.

The President will hold a summit meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi, where the two leaders are expected to discuss Philippines-Japan cooperation, in which they are expected to announce new agreements on defense, trade and investment, and human resources.

“Naka-schedule din ang Pangulo to meet with Japanese business groups and members of the Filipino Community in Japan,” Ratonel said.

The President and the First Lady will be received by Their Majesties, The Emperor and Empress at the Imperial Palace for a welcome ceremony and a state call, which will be followed by a state banquet in honor of the President and the First Lady.

During their audience, the First Couple and the Imperial Couple will mutually confer and exchange decorations.

The Philippines and Japan commemorate this year the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to continue the agency’s assistance to the victims of fire in Parola Compound, Binondo, Manila, as well as make their stay in the evacuation center as comfortable as possible.

In an interview with the media during the relief goods distribution held at the Leonardo B. Fugoso Sports Complex in Delpan, Manila, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the agency will distribute cash assistance of PhP10,000 per family under the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

The DSWD is also distributing food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, cooking kits, and other materials.

“Narinig niyo naman ‘yung utos ng Pangulo,” Gatchalian said.

President Marcos on Monday led the distribution of relief goods to victims of the massive fire that struck Parola Compound last Saturday.

Gatchalian also said that the National Housing Authority (NHA) will provide an additional PhP30,000 per family as part of their rebuilding or recovery efforts.

“Yun inanunsyo ng ating Pangulo kanina, una, PhP10,000 cash relief assistance galing sa AICS ng DSWD. ’Yun PhP30,000 ay galing sa National Housing Authority, pang-rebuild, pang-recovery na iyon,” Gatchalian said.

“Pero on top of the cash assistance, we are working closely with the LGUs’ social welfare office sa food relay that we started since yesterday (Sunday). Complete set of kits, family packs, cooking kits, hygiene kits,” he added.

Gatchalian said that as of Monday, around 2,100 families had lost their homes in the massive fire.

“Kausap ko kanina ang local social welfare, they expect the number to go up a bit. Nang nag-census sila meron mga wala doon, bumibili ng materyales, o inaayos ang mga gamit nila. We are looking at around 2,100 to 2,400 families,” said Gatchalian. “Right now we are catering to 2,140 families.”

Gatchalian also thanked Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso for the help they plan to give to the fire victims.

“Gusto ko ring magpasalamat sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Maynila sa pamumuno ni Mayor Isko Moreno dahil mayroon din silang sariling financial assistance mamayang hapon,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian said that with the cash assistance from all levels of government pooled together, there would be enough for the victims to start their lives again.

The DSWD chief also said they would try to make the evacuation center in Delpan as comfortable as possible.

Gatchalian and Domagoso assisted President Marcos during the relief goods distribution held at the Leonardo B. Fugoso Sports Complex, Delpan, Manila, earlier during the day. The evacuation center is located just beside the sports complex.

Meanwhile, in an interview with the Presidential News Desk (PND), Bienvenido Barbosa, Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) at the DSWD Field Office-National Capital Region (FO-NCR), said, “We are here to provide, through the initiative of the President, we will be providing augmentation assistance.”

Barbosa said the LGU of Manila is the first responder, and the DSWD is for support, under orders of President Marcos. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday announced that medalists in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa will receive incentives from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), marking the first time such financial rewards will be given in the country’s premier national sports competition for students.

In a video message aired during the opening ceremonies, the President said the incentive program recognizes the hard work, dedication, and excellence of young Filipino athletes competing in both regular sports and para games.

“Masaya akong ibalita sa inyo na, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, maglalaan ang Philippine Sports Commission ng mga incentive para sa mga medalista sa regular sports at sa para games bilang pagkilala sa inyong husay,” President Marcos said.

The President reminded the more than 10,000 competing athletes that they are not only carrying the names of their schools and regions, but also the dreams and inspiration of fellow young Filipinos.

“Alam ko sa pagsali sa palarong ito, bitbit ninyo ang pangalan ng inyong paaralan at rehiyon. Ngunit bukod pa riyan, dala ninyo rin ang pangarap at inspirasyon ng inyong kapwa batang atleta,” President Marcos said.

The President assured the athletes of the government’s continued commitment to support grassroots sports and youth development programs across the country.

“Kaya para sa inyo at sa ibang batang atleta, patuloy ang pamahalaan sa pagsuporta sa inyong pagsasanay sa larangan ng palakasan,” President Marcos added.

The Chief Executive also encouraged participants to enjoy the competition while striving to give their best in every event.

“Alam ko na gagawin ninyo ang lahat ng inyong makakaya, ngunit huwag ninyong kalimutang mag-enjoy na rin,” President Marcos noted.

The President emphasized that beyond medals and victories, the Palarong Pambansa teaches values that athletes can carry throughout their lives, including discipline, perseverance, respect, and compassion for others.

“Dito ninyo matutunan ang disiplina, tiyaga, respeto at malasakit sa kapwa,” President Marcos said.

The President also assured the student-athletes that they are not alone in their journey, stressing that the government stands behind them together with their families, teachers, and coaches.

“Lagi ninyong isipin na kami ay susuporta sa inyo kasama ng inyong mga magulang, mahal sa buhay, guro, at mga coach,” President Marcos said.

The opening ceremony formally launched the week-long 2026 Palarong Pambansa hosted for the first time by the Province of Agusan del Sur, with around 16,000 delegates from 18 regions, the National Academy of Sports, and Philippine Schools Overseas participating in this year’s games.

Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto “Anton” Lagdameo Jr. delivered the President’s keynote message during the ceremony held at the D.O. Plaza Memorial Sports Complex.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the continued expansion of the Palarong Pambansa reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots sports and opening more opportunities for Filipino youth.

With the theme “Unlocking the Future Through Sports,” this year’s Palaro highlights the role of sports in nation-building, character formation, and youth empowerment. | PND

Teachers in the Caraga Region who were promoted under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System have expressed deep gratitude, describing their promotions as an “answered prayer” after decades of waiting.

ECP aimed at promoting professional development and career advancement for teachers. The program defines career lines of teachers in the public basic education system (Kindergarten to SHS) managed by the Department of Education (DepEd).

In an interview with the Presidential News Desk (PND), 57-year-old Maria Antonieta Abugan, who was promoted from Teacher III to Teacher VI, said the promotion boosted her morale and renewed her passion for teaching.

“Finally, answered prayer talaga…Kala namin hanggang dito na lang pero ngayon medyo ganado,” Abugan said.

Abugan shared that she had waited nearly 20 years for the promotion. She added that the salary increase would greatly help her in supporting her children, who are about to enter college.

“Malaking tulong talaga, lalo na ngayon na magka-college na ang mga anak ko.

Tatlo ang college ko, sabay-sabay, kaya medyo pinoproblema ng pamilya ang pinansyal. Answered prayer na na-promote ako at nadagdagan ang sahod ko,” she said.

She also thanked President Marcos for the ECP program and expressed hope that more teachers would benefit from it.

“Maraming salamat. Sana ay marami pang matutulungan na tulad ko na teacher. At talagang ang ganda at galing lang ng programang ito na marami talagang natutulungan, napaangat na teacher kasi akala namin mag-retire na kami Teacher III lang,” Abugan added.

“So, by three years magre-retire na ako so thankful na teacher VI ako magre-retire,” she said.

Meanwhile, 59-year-old Corazon Simon, who was also promoted from Teacher III to Teacher VI after waiting 35 years, said she still finds it hard to believe.

“Mahalaga po ang ECP kasi hindi namin akalain na ma-promote kami sa Teacher VI. Dahil po dito, nakamit namin itong promotion na ito,” Simon said.

She added that the promotion would help both her finances and her teaching career.

“Sa ating Pangulo, maraming-maraming salamat po sa ganitong opportunity,” she said.

Another beneficiary, William Flores, 59, who was likewise promoted from Teacher III to Teacher VI after almost 34 years of service, said the ECP provided teachers with long-overdue recognition and financial support, especially as they approach retirement.

“Ito po ay malaking tulong po sa aming nga guro dahil hindi namin inaasahan na mangyari po ito sa amin na mayroong promotion na ganito,” Flores said.

Flores also thanked President Marcos for the initiative.

“Salamat po Pangulong Marcos sa inyong tulong na naibigay ninyo sa aming mga guro. Talagang answered prayer po sa aming mga guro,” he added.

Since August 2025, almost 80,000 educators have been promoted under the ECP program, making promotions no longer vacancy-based but rather anchored in teachers’ actual proficiency and merit. | PND

A total of 1,559 teachers and school heads across the Caraga region, including some who have been in service for over three decades, have been granted long-awaited and well-deserved promotions under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Career Progression (ECP) system initiative.

The promotions were formalized during a Mass Oathtaking ceremony held at the Agusan Valley Convention Center in Agusan del Sur on Sunday, recognizing the dedication and long years of service of public school educators in the region.

The Caraga Administrative Region, also known as Region 13, is located in the northeastern part of Mindanao and is composed of the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur, with Butuan City as the regional center.

In his speech delivered by Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr., President Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing educators’ welfare and career growth, stressing that no teacher should retire as Teacher I alone.

“Dahil limitado noon ang oportunidad para sa career advancement, maraming mahusay na guro ang nananatili sa parehong posisyon. Isa ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit natin isinulong ang Expanded Career Progression or ECP System. Sa ilalim ng sistemang ito, mas malinaw na ngayon ang landas para sa pag-angat ng ating mga guro,” the President said.

“Muli ko pong uulitin ang aking pangako noong SONA: wala nang public school teacher ang magre-retire na Teacher I,” the President added.

Established under Executive Order No. 174, s. 2022, the ECP system provides a progressive policy framework that enables public school teachers to advance in rank and salary through either classroom teaching or school administration career paths, without having to wait for plantilla vacancies.

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), among the 1,559 promotees are 23 of the region’s longest-serving educators who have rendered up to 39 years of continuous and dedicated service to public education.

Also included are 91 teachers aged 55 to 64 who were promoted from Teacher I, allowing them to receive long-overdue career advancement and improved compensation before retirement.

“Simple lang ang hangarin natin. Gusto naming maramdaman ninyo na ang inyong sipag at sakripisyo ay kinikilala, binibigyang-halaga, at sinusuportahan ng pamahalaan,” President Marcos emphasized.

Since August 2025, nearly 80,000 teachers and school heads nationwide have been promoted under the ECP System.

Beyond promotions, President Marcos also announced that nearly 33, 000 teaching positions have been approved this year, a move expected to lessen the teaching backlog in the country.

President Marcos said more than 60,000 teaching positions had already been filled as of April 30, translating to a 97.7 percent completion rate. The President vowed to make it 100 percent at the soonest possible time.

The Chief Executive likewise highlighted other government efforts aimed at easing teachers’ workload and improving their welfare.

These include reducing administrative tasks through the hiring of Administrative Officers and Project Development Officers; granting 30 days of uninterrupted annual vacation service credits; providing PhP10,000 teaching allowance; and expanding the Special Hardship Allowance coverage for teachers and DepEd personnel from remote areas.

Expressing his deep appreciation for the country’s educators, the President assured them of continued support to improve both their working conditions and quality of life.

“Mga Ma’am at Sir, hinding-hindi ako magsasawang magpasalamat sa inyong pagmamahal, dedikasyon, at pasensya,” the President said.

“Makakaasa kayo na narito ang inyong gobyerno, katuwang ninyo sa pag-angat ng inyong trabaho at ng inyong pamumuhay,” President Marcos added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the kickoff of the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program in Obando, Bulacan, benefiting thousands of families from 11 barangays through rice assistance and educational support initiatives.

“Nandito naman po ako ngayon upang tingnan ‘yung aming programa. Ito ‘yung sa Bawat Bayan Makikinabang,” the President said, underscoring the administration’s goal of ensuring that government aid directly reaches communities in need.

The program has two major components: the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) and the Socio-Civic Projects Fund.

President Marcos explained that the LGSF, previously underutilized, is now being maximized to empower local governments in delivering aid.

“Ngunit sa nakaraang ilang taon, hindi po nagagamit para sa local government itong pondo na ito. Kaya nung nakaupo na ako, sabi ko, ito na yung pagkakataon natin. Gamitin na natin sa tama yung LGSF,” the President emphasized.

Drawing from his experience as a former governor of Ilocos Norte, the President highlighted the importance of collaboration between national and local governments.

“At kako ay pinalalapit ko naman talaga ang national government at saka ‘yung local government.  Alam niyo po galing po ako sa local government. Nag-gobernador ako sa Ilocos Norte ng siyam na taon. Kaya nakikita ko kung ano ‘yung mga puwedeng gawin ng local – ano ang kakayahan ng local government, ano ‘yung kailangan tulungan,” President Marcos said.

As part of the program, more than 2,000 families in Obando received 10 kilos of rice each, sourced from the LGSF.

“Kaya sabi ko, bigyan natin ng rice subsidy lahat ng nangangailangan sa bawat bayan. At kaya po kami nandito para sinimulan natin ang pagbigay ng itong tigsa-10 kilo na sako ng bigas. Iyan po ang nanggagaling po sa LGSF, binaba po natin,” the President declared.

He assured the public that this is not a one-time effort: “Huwag po kayong mag-alala dahil hindi po ito minsanan lamang. Magbibigay kami ng 10 kilong bigas kada dalawang buwan, anim na beses sa isang taon, paulit-ulit po.”

The program also extended support to local government units, with each barangay receiving PhP200,000 in assistance. Of the amount, PhP100,000 will be allocated for educational aid benefiting 55 scholars from the 11 barangays of Obando.

“Mayroon naman, kadugtong doon, may kadugtong na programa para naman sa mga barangay… Bawat barangay ay binigyan natin ng PhP200,000,” the President added.

In addition, families from the coastal barangays of Salambao and Binuangan also received assistance, ensuring that vulnerable coastal communities are included in the government’s outreach programs.

According to Rejean Ruiz, a social worker in Obando, Bulacan, the initiative aims to ensure that government assistance directly reaches families and students in need, especially those in underserved and coastal communities.

The “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program reflects the Marcos administration’s commitment to delivering direct assistance and inclusive development initiatives to communities nationwide, particularly to families in need. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday encouraged beneficiaries of the Presidential Scholarship Program in Obando, Bulacan, to study hard and make the most of the government’s educational assistance.

President Marcos met with Presidential Scholars from 11 barangays in Obando, with a total of 55 scholars receiving financial assistance at Obando Central School in the Municipality of Obando, Bulacan.

“At lagi kong sinasabi sa ating mga presidential scholars na nakikita ko ay dapat eh mapakinabangan ninyo nang mabuti ito, ‘yung PhP20,000 na ‘yan at gamitin ninyo nang mabuti para matulungan ang pag-aaral ninyo, matulungan ang pag-edukasyon ninyo,” President Marcos said.

The scholarship initiative is part of the Socio-Civic Projects Fund, under which each barangay receives a P200,000 special support fund, half of which is allocated to educational assistance, with the remainder intended for community development projects.

Under the initiative, each barangay receives PhP200,000, with PhP100,000 allocated for five scholars who each receiving PhP20,000.

The President emphasized that education is a right, not a privilege, and stressed the government’s commitment to helping Filipino youth complete their studies.

“Para sa pamahalaan, ang edukasyon ay hindi pribilehiyo kundi karapatan ng bawat kabataan,” the Chief Executive emphasized.

President Marcos also reminded the students that education is a lifelong investment that no one can take away from them and one that can help uplift their lives, their families, and their communities.

“Kaya mag-aral kayo nang mabuti, study hard, work hard, at makikita natin napakaganda ang magiging tulong ng magandang edukasyon para sa inyong lahat,” the President added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on local government units (LGUs) to help strengthen public awareness on various government healthcare programs, stressing that many Filipinos are still unaware of the benefits and assistance available to them.

In his speech during the oathtaking of the newly elected national and regional officers of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP) at Malacañang, President Marcos emphasized the vital role of LGUs in ensuring that government programs reach even the most remote communities.

“The other example that we need your help in local government is ‘yung sa healthcare system natin. Maraming-marami tayong niro-roll out, pero ang problema, hindi pa alam ng ating mga kababayan na may ganoon,” the Chief Executive said.

The President cited the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) as an example of a government program that still needs wider public awareness, saying, “nagugulat ako hanggang ngayon, kasi panay ang sigaw ko ng Zero Balance Billing at hanggang ngayon, hindi pa alam ng marami.”

The ZBB offers free healthcare services to patients admitted in basic or ward accommodations in hospitals under the Department of Health.

The President also highlighted the expanded Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits, including increased coverage for dialysis treatments, cancer care, maternal healthcare, which he said needs to be further amplified.

President Marcos also shared that he continues to encounter patients complaining about the high cost of medicines despite existing government assistance programs such as the provision of PhP20,000 worth of free medicines.

“Tapos mayroon ‘yung may sector ng community, nagbibigay naman tayo ng allowance na every year PhP20,000 na free medicine. So, hindi alam ng tao ito. Kasi pumupunta pa ako sa hospital, sasabihin sa akin, “Ay naku, kasi napakamahal ng gamot.” Eh sabi namin eh, “Teka, hindi ka dapat nagbabayad ng gamot,” the President said.

“So, dapat ipaano (ipaalam) natin,” the President added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday inspected the ongoing G. Araneta Drainage Improvement Project in Quezon City as part of the government’s intensified flood mitigation efforts under the “Oplan Kontra Baha” program.

During the visit, President Marcos stressed the importance of continuous cleaning, dredging, and rehabilitation of drainage systems in the area to reduce flooding and improve safety in nearby communities.

“Dito historically pagka masyadong malakas ang ulan o kahit basta umulan lang baha agad dito… Pagka malakas ang ulan, lumalagpas sa tao ang tubig,” the President said.

The Chief Executive noted that the G. Araneta area is among the critical flood-prone locations being prioritized by the government, but stressed that similar interventions are being carried out across Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

President Marcos also highlighted ongoing works, noting that pipe-laying activities are expected to be completed next week, while the construction of a pumping station is targeted to start within the year or early next year.

“These are the strategies we are employing… Isa lang ito. Napakarami na ang ginagawa natin around Metro Manila at sa buong Pilipinas — to find a way to flood control,” the President said.

In an interview, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, who joined the President during the inspection, said residents have already felt some “alleviation” during recent rains since the interventions began.

“Noong huling ulan noong weekend, nakita natin na mayroon na tayong nakikitang alleviation, mayroon na tayong nakikitang improvement. Pero hindi pa tayo makuntento doon. Kailangan tuloy-tuloy at matapos natin ito bago mag-June,” Dizon said, noting that the President’s directive is to complete the project before the onset of the rainy season.

Launched in November 2025, “Oplan Kontra Baha” involves waterway clearing operations, drainage rehabilitation, and pumping station upgrades intended to reduce flooding in Metro Manila and other flood-prone areas in the country.

As part of the inspection, the President witnessed the ongoing pipe-laying works that will channel rainwater from G. Araneta Avenue toward the San Juan River. The project features the installation of large high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, upgraded water inlets, and improved outfall structures to increase drainage capacity and ensure faster water flow during heavy rainfall.

President Marcos also observed the operation of a temporary pumping unit deployed to expedite the drainage of floodwaters into the San Juan River.

The G. Araneta Drainage Improvement Project spans 758 meters from Kaliraya Street to E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue and includes the installation of two 1.50-meter-diameter HDPE pipes beneath the roadway, supplementing the existing 0.91-meter-diameter drainage line beneath the sidewalk.

Funded with almost PhP500 million under the Fiscal Year 2024 General Appropriations Act, the project began in March 2025 and is now 96.75 percent complete as of May 18, with full completion targeted within the month.

Before leaving, President Marcos took time to interact with some residents in the area, assuring them of the government’s continued interventions to improve flood control. | PND