President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed his deep sorrow over the tragic events that unfolded during the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

“I am completely shattered to hear about the terrible incident during a Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, BC, Canada,” President Marcos said in a public statement on Sunday.

President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, on behalf of the Philippine government and the Filipino people, extend their heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families.

“Liza and I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and the strong and thriving Filipino community in Canada,” the President said.

President Marcos also assured the public that the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is in close coordination with the Canadian authorities for the update of the investigation into the incident. The Consulate likewise provides assistance and support to the victims and their families.

“We are one with the families of the victims and the Filipino community in Vancouver during this difficult time,” the President added.

The Marcos administration stands in solidarity with all affected by this tragedy and reaffirms its commitment to support Filipinos abroad in times of grief and adversity. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday dedicated an evening of music and celebration to honor the nation’s “modern-day heroes” — the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) — during the latest edition of Konsyerto sa Palasyo.

In a video message played during the concert, President Marcos expressed the government’s profound gratitude and unwavering support for OFWs, recognizing their invaluable contributions to their families, communities, and the Philippines as a whole.

“Mga minamahal kong kababayan na overseas Filipino workers, ang gabing ito ay handog namin sa inyo,” the President said.

President Marcos said he hopes that the evening’s celebration would bring the OFWs joy and a moment of rest, while reminding everyone of the nation’s collective journey toward a brighter future.

“Ngayong gabi, nawa’y ang alay namin na musika at saya ay makapagbigay sa inyo ng ligaya at kaunting pahinga. Magsilbi rin nawa ito bilang isang paalala na bilang magkakaisang lahi, sama-sama tayong naglalakbay tungo sa isang mas progresibo at mas maliwanag na Bagong Pilipinas.”

President Marcos described the event as a symbol of the nation’s “taos-pusong pasasalamat at pagsaludo” to all the OFWs for their sacrifices and dedication. The President also recognized their crucial role in driving the country’s ongoing growth and prosperity.

“Isa kayo sa mga dahilan sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan. Patuloy ninyong ipinapamana sa mundo ang likas na galing, tatag, at sipag ng lahing Pilipino,” the President said.

The Chief Executive also shared that he often receives high praises for Filipino workers during his travels abroad—a recognition that makes him “truly proud to be a Filipino.”

“Kayo ang patunay na ang mga Pilipino ay kayang-kayang makipagsabayan sa ibang lahi saan mang sulok ng mundo, dahil sa inyong disiplina, tapang, at malasakit sa bayan,” the President said.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the President assured OFWs and their families of the government’s continued support and protection.

“Makakaasa kayo na laging nandidito ang pamahalaan upang protektahan, alagaan, at itaguyod ang kapakanan ninyo at ng mga pamilya ninyo,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are set to arrive tomorrow (Monday) after attending Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday, which he described as “a gesture of deep respect.”

“I attended the funeral of Pope Francis as a gesture of deep respect — from one of the world’s most faithful nations, to a Pope who touched the hearts of millions,” the President said in a statement.

President Marcos said, “I represented not just the Philippine government, but the everyday Filipino — prayerful, hopeful, and grateful — who would have wanted to be there to say thank you to a shepherd who made them feel seen.”

The Funeral Mass for Pope Francis, held Saturday at St. Peter’s Square, drew world leaders, dignitaries, and thousands of Catholic faithful from around the globe. The solemn rites marked the end of an era for a pontiff who championed the poor and the marginalized.

The rites reflected the Pope’s lifelong commitment to humility, service, and social justice.

“This is a moment of shared faith, national pride, and quiet tribute from the Filipino people to a Pope who walked with the humble and gave voice to the unseen,” Marcos added.

The President also shared messages of gratitude online, using the hashtags #ThankYouPopeFrancis, #ForeverInOurHearts, #PaalamLoloKiko, #GratitudeAndFaith, and #RestInPeace. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joined world leaders and Catholic faithful on Saturday to pay their final respects to Pope Francis as the Funeral Mass began at St. Peter’s Square.

The Mass reflected Pope Francis’ lifelong dedication to humility, service, and social justice, drawing worldwide dignitaries, pilgrims, and ordinary believers.

Earlier, Malacañang announced that the First Couple left for the Vatican on Thursday, April 24, 2025, to represent the Filipino people at the funeral.

In a statement, the Palace said the President and the First Lady would convey the nation’s prayers and condolences. They remember the Pope for his compassion, concern for the poor, and historic 2015 visit to the Philippines.

The Philippines, the largest Catholic country in Asia, joins the global Catholic community in mourning and honoring Pope Francis’s life and legacy. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vetoed a bill seeking to amend the charter of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), citing concerns that it may conflict with existing laws and adversely impact the government’s fiscal position.

Although President Marcos recognized Congress’ noble intention in crafting the bill, he said he could not ignore the concerns raised by the national agencies.

In his veto message dated April 24, and transmitted to both Houses of Congress, the President noted several issues with the enrolled bill, including the proposed increase of PhP100 billion in authorized capital, which he said could affect the government’s fiscal integrity.

He said that the proposal to use the proceeds from the sale of the allocated lands from the ecozones to accrue mainly to the BCDA is inconsistent with the government’s one-fund policy, limiting its fiscal flexibility in deciding fund utilization for more pressing concerns.

“In addition, the bill antithetically grants to the BCDA the authority to determine alienable and disposable lands, which clearly falls under the mandate of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” President Marcos said.

At the same time, he said the bill’s language granting land ownership and authority to the BCDA in disposing of lands contradicts Republic v. Heirs of Bernabe, which provides that the state is the beneficial owner of the lands transferred to the BCDA by virtue of Republic Act No. 7227. | PND

Malacañang on Friday renewed its warning to the public against the spread of fake news and malicious rumors, particularly those intended to cast the administration in a negative light.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro expressed concern over the proliferation of fake news, particularly the false claim that she and ACT Teachers partylist Rep. France Castro are related.

“Siguro ito po iyong nakakalungkot. Bilang isang Bise Presidente, dapat na nanunood po siya ng mga press briefings. Niliwanag ko na po iyan minsan,” Castro said during a Malacañang press briefing.

In an interview posted on social media, the vice president criticized Rep. Castro and “her cousin Claire Castro” for their public statements against her.

The Palace press officer clarified that she and France Castro merely share the same surname and are not related.

“At alam ninyo po iyan … ang patungkol sa nasasabing relasyon namin ni Representative France Castro. Sinabi ko po na kami po ay hindi magkamag-anak. Magkapareho lang po siguro ng surname,” she added.

She noted that she would be proud to have an ACT Teachers partylist representative as a relative.

“Pero hindi ko po ikakahiya kung siya man po ay naging kamag-anak ko dahil siya po ay makabayan. Masasabi po nating makabayan, makatao rin po. Pero nagkataon lang po, hindi po kasi kami magkamag-anak,” Castro said. | PND

Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Education (DepEd) has relieved a school principal for inappropriate behavior during a graduation ceremony at a school in Antique.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Friday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the DepEd will still monitor the behavior of Venus Divinia Nietes, the principal of Col. Ruperto Abellon National School (CRANS).

“Dahil na rin po sa naging direktiba po ng Pangulo, agaran pong kumilos ang ating secretary, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, at ang sinasabing pong guro ay tinanggal na po bilang principal sa nasabing eskuwelahan,” Castro added.

Castro, however, clarified the principal was removed from the particular Antique school for her position, not for her profession as a teacher.

As to the charges that she may possibly face, Castro said it would depend on the DepEd secretary’s succeeding actions.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara requested an exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from the ban on the transfer of public officials and employees during the election period, in connection with the relief of Nietes.

The Comelec approved the request on April 24.

A video of Nietes went viral as she asked students to take off their togas during the April 15 end-of-school-year (EOSY) ceremony.

Reports had it that Nietes allegedly believed the student did not adhere to the DepEd Order 9 to keep the ceremony meaningful but straight forward, as well as the “No Collection” policy, where learners were not supposed to shell out money during their graduation, including for their togas. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has recognized a local non-governmental organization for its work in promoting vaccination and immunization to safeguard the country’s health.

President Marcos, in a speech read by former Health Undersecretary Dr. Enrique A. Tayag, said the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PVF) “has done what many promise and few deliver, not for the spotlight but for the long, hard, and necessary work that strengthens our country.”

“In an age when faith in institutions frays easily, to persist in this work is to declare, without spectacle but with resolve, that public health is not an event—it is a discipline, practiced daily, until it resembles something lasting: a nation not only protected, but prepared to believe in itself again,” President Marcos said.

“In remote sitios and health centers, in humid classrooms turned into clinics, the PFV has shown up, not for spectacle, but for service,” he said.

Former Health Undersecretary Tayag is now PVF adviser and overall chair of the PVF 25th anniversary committee. He is a former PVF president.

The President’s speech was read on Thursday evening during the PVF’s 25th anniversary celebrations held in Manila. The anniversary theme was “Celebrating 25 years of PFV, Silver Linings: Hitting Immunization Goals with a Silver Bullet.”

The World Health Organization describes the PVF as “a non-stock, non-profit organization to protect and advocate for the promotion of vaccination as essential to disease prevention, especially among infants and children.”

The Chief Executive said that vaccination is not merely about protecting the body from harm, “but to act on behalf of a life still unfolding— the child whose fever will never come, and the parent who can return to work without fear.”

The president said the PFV has delivered not simply immunization but assurance and “a quiet infrastructure of trust, built dose by dose, dialogue by dialogue, across islands and doubt.”

“This milestone proves that persistence can outlast noise, outwit indifference, and quietly redraw the map,” he added.

The President likewise urged the public to continue strengthening the foundation of Bagong Pilipinas by serving, protecting, and upholding the dignity of every Filipino.

During the event, several individuals, labelled as “Vaccine Heroes Awardees,” were honored for their vaccination advocacy. They were Dr. Benito Atienza, Dr. Remedios F. Coronel, Dr. Alicia B. Tamesis, late journalist Sheila Crisostomo (received by her mother Luzviminda Crisostomo on her behalf), Dr. Eduardo Gatchalian, former Health Sec. Enrique T. Ona Jr., former Health Sec. Francisco T. Duque III, and Dr. Jonathan D.A. Flavier. | PND

Malacañang reminded the public on Friday that the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is providing benefits for confined patients with severe heat-related illnesses at its accredited hospitals nationwide.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to promoting public health.

“Patuloy ang pagtutok ng pamahalaan sa kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Kasabay ng pagsisimula ng mainit na panahon, nagpaalala ang PhilHealth na saklaw ng PhilHealth benefits ang mga karaniwang sakit tuwing tag-init,” Castro said.

Castro said the health package covers common illnesses such as heatstroke, dehydration, chickenpox, typhoid fever, and sore eyes. The cost of treating these conditions ranges from PhP7,000 to PhP19,000.

PhilHealth also announced that the health packages cover infectious diarrhea or acute gastroenteritis and the toxic effects of contact with marine animals.

For acute health care needs, heat-related or beyond, members can also use the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) Package, which can be availed at any accredited Level 1 to 3 hospital.

The dry season officially began on April 16, aligning with Holy Week, a nationwide peak period for travel and outdoor activities.

PhilHealth reported 77 cases of heat-related illnesses with seven fatalities for the period Jan. 1 to Apr. 29, 2024.

PhilHealth advised the public to stay hydrated, avoid going out under the searing sun, practice proper hygiene, and bathe regularly to prevent illness. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Administrative Order No. 32 creating the National Task Force Kanlaon to tackle volcanic threats and safeguard communities in the Negros Island Region.

President Marcos signed the order on April 24, following a situation briefing in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.

President Marcos had stressed the importance of stronger coordination among government agencies to ensure a more effective, efficient and strategic response to natural disasters.

The Task Force Kanlaon was formed in response to the increasing volcanic activity at Mt. Kanlaon. On Dec. 9, 2024, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level to 3.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported the eruption has affected about 12,360 families, or more than 48,500 people. It has also caused PhP129 million in damage to agriculture.

President Marcos called for a “coordinated government approach” to reduce the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the eruption.

The task force will lead the planning and implementation of recovery, rehabilitation, and resettlement programs.

It will be chaired by the Department of National Defense (DND). Other members include the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other concerned agencies.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will serve as the secretariat and provide support to the task force.

The creation of Task Force Kanlaon is a move that reflects the government’s commitment to the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA No. 10121).

It also upholds the Mt. Kanlaon National Park Act of 2001 (RA No. 9154), which protects the Mt. Kanlaon ecosystem and nearby communities. | PND