The First Couple will join around 170 world leaders and other dignitaries expected to arrive in Vatican as the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos will depart for the Vatican on Thursday, 24 April 2025, to attend the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis,” the Palace said in a statement released Thursday evening.

“The President and the First Lady will convey the thoughts and prayers of the Filipino people, who fondly recall Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines in 2015, his compassion, and his life of humility and service to the world,” the statement said.

The funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, 10:00 am (4:00 pm Philippine time), at the Saint Peter’s Basilica parvis, or the open space in front of the basilica surrounded by its colonnades.

The Philippines, being the largest Catholic country in Asia, joins the global Catholic community in honoring the life and legacy of the pontiff. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday honored three exceptional Filipino world travelers who had visited all 193 UN-member-countries, a rare feat accomplished by less than 500 people.

The distinguished travelers are Odette Ricasa, the first Filipino to achieve the milestone; Luisa Yu, the oldest; and Kach Medina Umandap, the youngest.

The travelers were accompanied by Donalito “Dondon” Bales, the founder of the global community of Filipino World Travelers (FWT), during their courtesy call in Malacañan Palace.

During the visit, President Marcos and his guests discussed their travel experiences.

The President said he was amazed at how dedicated the travelers are in achieving their dreams.

When he was informed that the three Filipinas had visited all the UN member-countries, President Marcos told his guests that he wanted to meet them and “benefit from their experience.”

Filipinos are popular globally for their innate hospitality and empathy, he said.

“Most importantly kahit saan tayo pumunta gusto tayo … We create nice communities. Nagtutulungan talaga,” the President told the three.

“So, nakaka-proud naman. I’m sure you left a whole trail of new friends and new Filipino fans everywhere in the world,” he said.

Bales gave the President his book titled, “Galà: Adventures of the Most Well-Traveled Filipinos” which was released in September 2021. It features the stories of Ricasa, Yu, Umandap, himself, and other inspiring Filipino travelers. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged all public servants to adopt the latest technologies and innovations for improved public service to the Filipino people.

“It is an opportunity now for us to rethink, to innovate, and serve our people better through technology,” President Marcos said.

The President made the remarks during the ceremonial presentation of the signed Memorandum of Agreement on the Philippine Civil Service Digital Leadership Program in Malacañan Palace.

During the event, President Marcos said it was in June 2023 when the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Digital Infrastructure Sector Lead proposed the Philippine Civil Service Digital Leadership Program.

The PSAC announced on February 14, 2025, the collaboration among various stakeholders that led to the drafting of the Memorandum of Agreement, the President said.

“Now, the early results of this initiative have come to fruition,” he said.

This month, the first batch of dedicated participants—including 30 representatives from the Civil Service Commission (CSC)—completed their pilot training in Singapore, the President said.

They returned equipped with essential knowledge on digital leadership, citizen-centric design thinking, and data-driven decision-making to help modernize public service delivery.

Between now and 2027, Phase 2 of the program targets to train at least 10,000 civil servants, the President said.

Equipped with the necessary skills and a renewed vision for public service, these civil servants will then be catalysts in leading the digital transformation of the bureaucracy from within, President Marcos said.

During the event in Malacañang, President Marcos thanked the partners from the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the National University of Singapore’s Institute of Systems Science, and the PSAC through the Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corp. for working on the initiative.

He also expressed gratitude to visionary partners like the Temasek Foundation, SM Group, and Ayala Group for their invaluable support and commitment to advancing public sector transformation.

“This collaboration brings us closer to realizing our shared aspiration of building a modernized public sector workforce,” President Marcos said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed the nation’s solidarity with the global community mourning the passing of Pope Francis as he officially declared a period of national mourning to honor His Holiness, who passed away on April 21, 2025.

In Proclamation No. 871, President Marcos declared a period of national mourning effective immediately until the burial of Pope Francis on Saturday.

President Marcos also cited the late Pontiff’s enduring legacy, describing him as “a global symbol of humility, compassion, and peace,” who spent his life “devoting his ministry to the care of the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable, and advocating tirelessly for social justice, equality, and interfaith dialogue.”

The President underscored the deep bond between Pope Francis and the Filipino people, recalling his historic Apostolic Visit to the Philippines in January 2015, during which he offered comfort and solidarity to victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and celebrated the resilience of the Filipino faithful despite adversities.

“The passing of Pope Francis is a moment of profound sorrow for the Catholic Church and for the Filipino people, who recognize him as a global leader of compassion and a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and human dignity,” President Marcos stated in the proclamation.

As a mark of national respect, the Philippine flag shall be flown at half-staff on all government buildings and installations throughout the country and abroad, from sunrise to sunset, effective immediately until the day of Pope Francis’s burial.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years. He was the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years. He led more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, including millions of Filipinos.

President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are set to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City this Saturday, joining world leaders in paying their final respects to the late pontiff.

The funeral ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM (08:00 GMT) in St. Peter’s Square, where Pope Francis made his last public appearance during his Easter Sunday blessing and popemobile tour. | PND

The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced plans for the pilot rollout of the PhP20-per-kilo rice initiative, which will begin in the Visayas region, following a closed-door meeting with the President and 12 governors from the Visayas region at the Cebu Provincial Capitol on Wednesday.

According to Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the said regions shall serve as a testbed for implementation strategies and logistical coordination.

He added that the program is intended to be scaled up nationwide, with the goal of making affordable rice accessible to more Filipino families across the country.

“We launched it here (Cebu) because mas marami ngang nangangailangan sa mga regions na ‘yun. But, of course, ang eventual intention nitong programang ito — once we sort out all the issues logistically and para makita talaga how to operate it and launch it and manage it — nationwide ito eventually,” he said.

As part of the initial phase, the DA will provide up to 40 kilos of rice per household per month. The program is set to run until December, with the possibility of extension to February 2026 or even until 2028, Laurel said.

“Our President has given the directive to the Department of Agriculture to formulate this to be sustainable and tuloy-tuloy hanggang 2028,” the DA secretary said.

Laurel said selling cheaper rice to the public will decongest National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses, which are currently operating at full capacity due to the large volume of milled and unmilled rice stocks.

He noted that the country’s stockpile has grown from 300,000 metric tons to 358,000 metric tons due to harvest season.

“So, we really have to move out and dispose of. That’s also the other factor,” Laurel said. | PND

Expanding digital infrastructure beyond Metro Manila, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the launch of the AI-ready VITRO Santa Rosa (VSR) Data Center, urging stronger public-private collaboration and innovation to build an inclusive and tech-driven Bagong Pilipinas.

In his speech, President Marcos emphasized the vital role of collaboration between the government and the private sector in advancing the country’s digital transformation.

“Our job in the government is to create the conditions for growth. But real progress comes from partnership—from trust, commitment, and a shared vision,” the President said.

Labelling the Filipino workforce as “the greatest asset,” the President invited investors to explore opportunities in the Philippines’ growing digital economy.

“Let us shape the digital economy together—with the Filipino being your greatest asset,” he said.

The VITRO Santa Rosa Data Center is an AI-ready, hyperscale-capable facility that offers secure digital data storage and access. It serves as a key pillar in expanding the country’s digital infrastructure beyond Metro Manila.

The VSR site is linked to key hubs in the cities of Makati, Parañaque and Pasig through the VITRO Data Center Interconnect (DCI), ensuring seamless network reliability and scalability.

The President hailed the data center as a symbol of the country’s readiness for a digital future and a reflection of the administration’s people-centered approach to technological advancement.

“The launch of this landmark ICT infrastructure is also a testament to the people-centered future we are building—a Philippines where technology and human connection go hand in hand and exist seamlessly,” he said.

“In today’s world, data is as critical as water and electricity. We need to strengthen further our digital infrastructure, especially for critical, private, and confidential data. We need to safeguard our digital identity. We need to secure our digital future,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos cited the country’s progress in the digital sphere, pointing to the Philippines’ improved ranking in the Global Innovation Index — from 56th in 2023 to 53rd in 2024 out of 133 economies.

Despite these gains, the President said the government remains committed to driving further growth through major initiatives, including the National Fiber Backbone Project, expanded free public Wi-Fi, and streamlined processes for energy projects supporting the digital economy.

To complement infrastructure development, the government is also preparing the workforce for future jobs through the implementation of the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act.

President Marcos expressed his gratitude to the VITRO and ePLDT Group for their confidence and contribution to the country’s digital future.

President Marcos also toured the facility, accompanied by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, PLDT Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan, VITRO Inc. President Victor Genuino and other officials.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda was also present during the event along with Santa Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday fully supported the revival of the national steel mill industry in Northern Mindanao, citing its crucial role in propelling the country’s industrialization.

Speaking during the Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) meeting in Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday, President Marcos said that there are ongoing discussions with both local and foreign groups interested in forming ties to bring the National Steel Corp. back to life.

“There are already discussions among certain groups, both foreign and local, that would ensure a partnership to revive the steel mill,” the President said.

President Marcos said that locally producing steel “is critical for any industrialization that we are planning.”

In December 2024, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the (RDC-X) hosted “Building the Future: A Forum on the Establishment of an Integrated Steel Mill (ISM) in Northern Mindanao” which assembled leaders and representatives from government agencies, business, local government units, and the academe to discuss a pathway to resuscitate the region’s potentials into transforming itself into a steel powerhouse.

Meanwhile, the President also said that he will instruct the Department of Energy (DOE) to evaluate the capability of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex (APHC) to supply the necessary power needed to operate a steel mill.

The APHC, located in Maramag, Bukidnon, is composed of seven run-of-river hydropower plants with a total installed capacity of about 1,000 megawatts (MW). However, steel production in Region X would require at least 1,500 MW of consistent power supply.

“I will bring your concerns to Secretary (Raphael) Lotilla of the Department of Energy to see what’s possible. We need to do a technical analysis to determine if we can meet the 1,500 MW power production threshold,” he added.

The members of the RDC pushed for the revival of the 500-hectare property previously occupied by the National Steel Corp., citing its potential to restore the city’s status as the “industrial city of the South” and to create jobs. | PND

23 April 2025 — H.E. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, will undertake an Official Visit to the Philippines on 29-30 April 2025.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos will welcome Prime Minister Ishiba and his spouse, Mrs. Ishiba Yoshiko, in official engagements at Malacañan Palace on 29 April 2025.

The meeting of President Marcos and Prime Minister Ishiba will aim to deepen and improve economic and development cooperation, political and defense engagements, and people-to-people exchanges. Both leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global developments, and explore new pathways towards peace and stability under the ‘Strengthened Strategic Partnership’ between the two countries.

The two leaders last met in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic on the sidelines of ASEAN Summits in October 2024.

The exchange of high-level visits is a main feature of Philippines-Japan relations. It may be recalled that President Marcos undertook an official visit to Japan in February 2023, which was returned by Japan’s then Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio in an official visit in November 2023. END

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the ceremonial turnover of 91 ambulances, underscoring the government’s continuing commitment to improving access to healthcare services across the country.

The President emphasized the crucial role of ambulance in ensuring timely medical attention, particularly during emergencies.

In a ceremony held in Cagayan de Oro City, President Marcos turned over 85 ambulances or Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) for Northern Mindanao and six PTVs for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

He expressed optimism that all local government units nationwide will receive at least one PTV within the next three years.

“Kapag nangyari ito, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, masasabi natin 100 percent coverage na lahat ng munisipalidad sa loob lamang ng tatlong taon. Ito’y para sa akin isang tagumpay na hindi pa nagagawa sa ating kasaysayan,” the President said.

The PTV distribution is part of the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), President Marcos said.

The President said 570 PTVs have been distributed nationwide (excluding the National Capital Region) since June 2022, with an additional 291 units delivered in 2024.

“Ikinagagalak kong makasama kayo ngayong araw para sa isang napakahalagang layunin—ang paghahatid sa inyo, kasama na ang mga kababayan natin sa Hilagang Mindanao at BARMM, ng mga tinatawag nating Patient Transport Vehicles o PTVs,” President Marcos said.

“Batid naman nating lahat na kapag kalusugan ang pinag-uusapan, ang bawat segundo ay mahalaga. Kaya ang tunay na hamon dito ay kung papaano tayo makarating kaagad sa ospital o kung anong health facility,” he added.

Drawing from his experience as a former local government official, President Marcos acknowledged the logistical challenges faced by remote communities. He recalled instances where ambulances could not reach patients due to the remoteness of an area and the ruggedness of the terrain.

“Kaya naisip namin, hindi pala praktikal ang mga ganyang klaseng PTV lalo na’t nais natin na matulungan ang mga nangangailangan lalo na ‘yung mga nasa malalayo,” he said.

The President said with the previous size and design of the PTVs, there were instances that they couldn’t reach the patient because the roads were too narrow. He noted that patients had to be carried on tricycles just to get past the tight spots before they could be loaded into the ambulance.

The President said the new PTVs were designed specifically to navigate even the most challenging routes in far-flung barangays.

President Marcos urged local government units to take good care of the vehicles entrusted to them.

He also honored the strength and perseverance of the people of Northern Mindanao and BARMM, recognizing their courage in the face of systemic challenges.

“Alam ninyo kung paano nagkulang noon ang sistemang dapat sana ay naging sandigan ninyo sa mas maayos na buhay. Ngunit, ipinakita ninyo sa amin kung papaano bumangon. Kailanman, hindi kayo sumuko,” he said.

The President dedicated the PTVs not just to patients but also to the medical frontliners, including doctors, nurses, drivers, and volunteers.

“Ito po ay para rin sa inyo. Kayo ang mga Bagong Pilipino na may disiplina, may kahusayan, at pagmamahal sa bayan,” he said.

“Nawa’y sa bawat paglakbay ng mga PTVs na ito, makapag-abot tayo ng pag-asa at tulong—anumang oras, saang sulok man ng bansa.” | PND

A local government official led farmers in Misamis Oriental in expressing their gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the government’s support to the agricultural sector.

“Let me express my deep appreciation for him to come to Balingasag despite his very busy schedule. Despite the noise going around, he’s still focused. That’s character. And I would like to thank him for that,” said Mayor Alexis Quina, of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.

“And with his project in place in Balingasag, we are very, very optimistic to have a bright future for our people, not only for Balingasag, but for the province as well. So maraming, maraming salamat po, Mr. President!,” Quina added.

President Marcos led the launching and turnover of agricultural support to farmers in Barangay San Isidro, Balingasag on Tuesday.

Farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) from Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental received various agricultural interventions from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 and its attached agency, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHilMech), and from a public-private partnership focused on accelerating the development of the coconut industry.

Quina said the assistance given is among Chief Executive’s legacy projects.

“And Balingasag is very, very grateful. This will help us a lot in terms of revenue generation, employment, livelihood, especially for our coconut farmers. This is a very, very good project, and we are forever grateful to the President,” Quina said.

For his part, farmer beneficiary Neri Cagaanan, 53, chairman of the Salay Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, also thanked President Marcos on behalf of the farmers.

“Una po, malaking pasasalamat namin dito sa Misamis Oriental. Nabigyan po kami ng magandang facilities. Ito po yung first time na nangyari po (ito) sa Mindanao para po sa pagpapaunlad sa system po sa agriculture, especially sa coconut,” he said.

“Itong project na ito, magbibigay ng mas mataas na kita sa farmers. Nandoon na processing sa system, sa juice, at lahat, lahat na po. Pati na po na gagawin na fertilizer. Sa ating mahal na Presidente maraming salamat po. Two years ago po nag-groundbreaking at natuloy na ngayon,” he added.

The cooperative handles farms planted with coconut, rice, and high value crops. | PND