President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stands in solidarity with rallyists who demand to hold accountable those behind ghost and anomalous flood control projects, Malacañang reiterated on Sunday.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos fully supports the legitimate calls aired in the protest actions, which do not include calls meant for destabilization.

“Even before sinabi naman ng Pangulo na ang freedom of expression ay iginagalang ng administrasyon na ito. At alam din naman natin kung anong panawagan ng mga kababayan natin, para panagutin ang mga sangkot at hindi naman para mag-destab(ilize),” Castro said in an interview over dzBB.

“At ito naman ay sinasangayon din ng Pangulo, dahil lahat tayo ay may karapatan na magalit sa nangyayaring mga anomalya sa tungkol dito sa flood control project at mga ibang imprastraktura,” Castro added.

The Palace Press Officer emphasized President Marcos is focused on ensuring accountability for the infrastructure projects corruption, which the President himself exposed.

“Ang Pangulo po, lagi nakikinig sa sinasabi ng taong bayan. Gawin lamang natin ng legal ang lahat ng mga aksyon na magaganap ngayon,” Castro said.

In another interview with GMA News, Castro reiterated President Marcos’ commitment that the investigation will not spare anyone, including allies or relatives, and that charges will be filed based on solid evidence.

“Hindi naman i-open ng Pangulo ang issue na ito kung alam niya na tatamaan siya. Alam niya sa sarili niya na wala siyang ginawang mali att kailangan ma-imbestigahan ito para malaman ng taong bayan ito ang nangyari sa pondo,” Castro pointed out.

“Dahil sa pagbubunyag ng Pangulo dito, nabukas ang utak natin, ang mata natin na talaga palang inaabuso ng mga makapangyarihan itong pondo ng bayan. At ‘yun ‘yung gustong labanan ng Pangulo,” the Palace Press Office stressed.

Castro emphasized that case build up should not be compromised due to rushed investigation.

President Marcos has said that cases should be airtight so that guilty parties will not escape liability due to insufficient evidence or legal technicalities. | PND

Tiniyak ni Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez na masusing binabantayan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang mga kilos-protesta na dulot ng kontrobersya sa korapsyon sa flood control projects.

Binigyang-diin ni Gomez na determinado ang Pangulo na panagutin ang mga sangkot sa anomalya na siya mismo ang naglantad.

“Binabantayan ng Pangulo at ng buong administrasyon ang mga rally. Kami in the government, we respect the people’s right to peaceably assemble and express their anger over these flood control. Kaisa nila kami,” sinabi ni Gomez sa panayam sa ANC nitong Linggo.

“Ito (protest actions) ay parte ng kanilang freedom of speech. So kami patuloy lang nagmo-monitor at sana manatiling mapayapa ‘yung mga rally at maging vigilant lang tayo na bantayan natin ‘yung ating mga hanay sa mga may masamang balak na manggulo,” dagdag ng PCO chief.

Nagkaroon ng mga kilos-protesta sa Luneta at Mendiola sa Maynila, at sa People’s Monument sa EDSA, na nananawagan ng pananagutan sa mga iregularidad sa flood control projects.

Ayon kay Gomez, hindi madidistract ang Pangulo sa mga panawagan ng mas malawak na accountability kaugnay ng iskandalo.

“The President will not be distracted by any of these calls for him to step down, to resign. He will finish the job, the job that he began. If you remember, it was the President himself who blew the whistle on these flood control anomalies in his ‘Mahiya naman kayo’ SONA (State of the Nation Address),” sabi pa ni Gomez.

“(President Marcos) is not blinking and he will see this through. He will finish this. At sabi nga ng ating Pangulo, ‘Sinimulan ko ito, tapapusin ko ito,” pahayag pa ng PCO chief.

Kasabay nito, kinilala ng Palasyo ang lumalaking pagkadismaya ng publiko sa flood control scandal at ang mga protesta sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa, pero tiniyak ang pangakong seryoso at responsableng pagtugon at pagresolba sa isyu.

“Ramdam namin ‘yung galit ng mga tao. Ramdam rin namin ang kanilang pagkainip. Sa mga dumadalo sa rally at mga dadalo pa sa mga ibang pagtitipon. Ito lang ang masasabi ko, we feel you, we hear you, and we will not disappoint you. Tandaan lang natin, kailangan natin obserbahan ng due process sa lahat ng ito,” ang sabi ng PCO chief.

Binigyang-diin ni Gomez na umabot ng halos isang taon bago nakapagsampa ng kaso sa nakaraang Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scandal.

Ilang buwan lamang matapos ang 4th SONA ni Pangulong Marcos noon Hulyo, inirekomenda na ng Office of the Ombudsman at ng Independent Commission for Infrastructure ang pagsasampa ng mga kaso ng graft at nakapagpakulong na ng ilang sangkot sa mga ghost at anomalous flood control projects.

“Ngayon tatlong buwan pa lang simula nung binunyag ng ating Pangulo ito at marami nang nakasuhan at marami pang makakasuhan at meron ng mga nakulong at pangako nga ng Pangulo natin, bago mag-Pasko, mas marami pang makukulong. Kasama na dyan ‘yung mga tinatawag nilang big fish,” diin ni Gomez.

Dagdag pa ni Gomez, “Ang importante lang talaga, mapatibay natin ‘yung ating mga ebidensya sa ating case build-up para this time around walang makakalusot sa mga nagnakaw sa bayan. Sisiguraduhin natin mananagot sila at mababawi natin yung kanilang mga ninakaw.”

Iginiit ni Gomez na hindi bibigyang-pansin ng Pangulo ang alegasyon ni dating Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, isa sa mga akusado sa kaso sa flood control. Sinabi ni Gomez na dapat bumalik sa bansa si Co upang harapin ang kanyang arrest warrant at patunayan sa ilalim ng panunumpa ang lahat ng kanyang sinasabi. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is closely monitoring protest actions sparked by the flood control corruption scandal, said Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez, who stressed that the Chief Executive is determined to pursue accountability in the controversy he himself exposed.

“The President and the entire administration are monitoring the rallies. Kami in the government, we respect the people’s right to peaceably assemble and express their anger and frustration over these flood control issues. Kaisa nila kami,” Gomez said in an interview with ANC on Sunday.

“Ito (protest actions) ay parte ng kanilang freedom of speech. So kami patuloy lang nagmo-monitor at sana manatiling mapayapa ‘yung mga rally at maging vigilant lang tayo na bantayan natin ‘yung ating mga hanay sa mga may masamang balak na manggulo,” the PCO chief added.

Protest actions are being held in Luneta and Mendiola in Manila, and at the People’s Monument on EDSA, calling for accountability over flood control project anomalies.

Gomez maintained that the President will not be distracted by the protests calling for more accountability in the corruption scandal.

“Well, the President will not be distracted by any of these calls for him to step down, to resign. He will finish the job, the job that he began. If you remember, it was the President himself who blew the whistle on these flood control anomalies in his ‘Mahiya naman kayo’ SONA (State of the Nation Address),” Gomez added.

“(President Marcos) is not blinking, and he will see this through. He will finish this. At sabi nga ng ating Pangulo, ‘Sinimulan ko ito, tapapusin ko ito,” the PCO chief noted.

At the same time, Gomez said the Palace acknowledged the growing public frustration over the flood control scandal and the surge of protests across the country, but noted that the government remains committed to addressing the issue thoroughly and responsibly.

“Ramdam namin ‘yung galit ng mga tao. Ramdam rin namin ang kanilang pagkainip. Sa mga dumadalo sa rally at mga dadalo pa sa mga ibang pagtitipon, ito lang ang masasabi ko: We feel you, we hear you, and we will not disappoint you. Tandaan lang natin, kailangan natin obserbahan ng due process sa lahat ng ito,” the PCO chief added.

Gomez pointed out that in the case of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scandal, it took about a year for charges to be filed in court.

Only a few months after President Marcos’ 4th SONA, the Office of the Ombudsman and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) have recommended the filing of graft charges and sent to jail a number of alleged involved in ghost and anomalous flood control projects.

“Ngayon tatlong buwan pa lang simula nung binunyag ng ating Pangulo ito at marami nang nakasuhan at marami pang makakasuhan at meron ng mga nakulong at pangako nga ng Pangulo natin, bago mag-Pasko, mas marami pang makukulong. Kasama na diyan yung mga tinatawag nilang big fish,” Gomez noted.

He added that, “Ang importante lang talaga, mapatibay natin ‘yung ating mga ebidensya sa ating case build-up para this time around walang makakalusot sa mga nagnakaw sa bayan. Sisiguraduhin natin mananagot sila at mababawi natin yung kanilang mga ninakaw.”

Gomez maintained that the President will not dignify the claims of former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, one of the accused in the flood control case. Gomez said the fugitive ex-lawmaker must “return to the country to face the music, to face his arrest warrant, and swear under oath all these allegations.” | PND

As the nation marks the birth anniversary of revolutionary hero Gat Andres Bonifacio today, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to draw inspiration from the Supremo’s courage, nationalism, and unwavering fight against injustice — values which remain vital in safeguarding the freedoms he once fought for.

“Ngayon ay ating ipinagdiriwang ang ika-162 Anibersaryo ng Pagsilang ni Gat Andres Bonifacio — isa mga dakilang bayani ng ating kasaysayan, nagpaalab sa ating nagkakaisang damdamin, at nagmulat sa ating mga mata upang labanan ang pang-aapi sa mga Pilipino,” President Marcos said in his message.

“Tulad ni Gat Andres, pangalagaan natin ang ating dangal at manatiling puspos ng kadakilaan sa mga gawaing para sa ikabubuti ng lahat. Buong-lugod nating isapuso ang tungkuling wala nang hihigit pa sa pag-ibig sa ating Inang Bayan,” the Chief Executive added.

As the country honors Bonifacio’s legacy, the President reflected on how his ideals continue to resonate in today’s complex and challenging times, emphasizing that the hero’s courage and steadfast commitment to freedom remain a powerful reminder of the responsibilities Filipinos carry in protecting the nation’s hard-won liberties.

“Sa panahong puno ng hamon, binigyang-sigla niya ang sambayanan upang tumindig para sa kalayaan at tumutol sa kawalang katarungan na nagpapahirap sa ating lipunan,” said President Marcos.

“Bagaman higit isang siglo na ang nakalipas, patuloy siyang nagbibigay-inspirasyon sa bawat isa sa atin, at pinagniningas rin ng kanyang alaala ang ating determinasyong pangalagaan ang kasarinlang kaniyang ipinaglaban noon at ating pinahahalagahan ngayon,” the President added.

The President also highlighted how Bonifacio’s personal journey shaped his vision for a just and equitable society.

“Sa kabila ng bigat ng kanyang mga pasanin sa buhay, pinagyaman niya ang kanyang kaisipan, lalo na sa mga usapin ukol sa pagkakapantay-pantay na siya namang humubog sa kanya upang maging isang repormista,” President Marcos said.

“Dahil sa lumalalang kalagayan ng bansa noon, itinatag niya ang ‘Kataas-taasang, Kagalang- galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan,’ na nagsilbing gabay sa taumbayan tungo sa pagkamit ng ganap na soberanya.”

President Marcos added, “Mula sa kanyang payak na pinagmulan hanggang sa kanyang pagkahirang bilang Supremo, ipinamalas ni Bonifacio na ang tunay na kabayanihan ay nagmumula sa puso-sa tapang, sa dalisay na hangarin, at sa wagas na pag-ibig para sa bayan.”

“Nawa ay magsilbing tanglaw sa ating paglalakbay ang mga aral na isinulong ni Maypagasa sa ating patuloy na pagsisikap tungo sa isang payapa, malaya, at maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas,” the President said, referring to Bonifacio by his chosen codename in the revolutionary group Katipunan against the Spanish colonizers. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has recently launched dedicated Transparency Portals for various government agencies, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda announced on Friday.

Aguda said separate Transparency Portals were established for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Social Security System (SSS), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), noting that the message of President Marcos is clear –to use technology in fighting corruption, make government services more efficient, and restore public trust.

“Ang transparency portal ay bahagi ng mas malaking bisyon para sa digital governance,” Aguda said in Palace press briefing.

“Noon November 24, ngayong taon, inilunsad ni Presidente Ferdinand Marcos ang DPWH Transparency Portal kasama po si Secretary Vince (Dizon) bilang bahagi ng mas malawak na push para sa open government at mas malinaw na pag-uulat sa publiko,” Aguda added. “Kamakailan, ni-launch iyong PhilHealth last Tuesday, nais naming ibahagi ang transparency portal ng PhilHealth at SSS.

Aguda described the initiative as a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s “digital governance, adding that the newly launched portals are designed to make information on government spending more transparent, open, and easily accessible to the public.”

The DICT chief explained that the effort aligns with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas, where every Filipino has the right and the capability to see, understand, and actively take part in monitoring government operations.

He pointed out that the DPWH, Philhealth, and SSS were the first to launch these portals, and that other government agencies’ portals would also be launched soon.

“So, in the coming weeks po, lalabas po iyong mga transparency portal ng mga ibang ahensya. Matapos ang taon, magiging standard na iyan at normal,” Aguda said.

Aguda explained that a transparency portal is an AI-powered platform that clearly presents the government’s budget and spending in a simple, easy-to-understand format.

He noted that government transactions can often be complex and challenging for the public to interpret.

Using artificial intelligence, the portal can quickly generate explanations and provide answers to inquiries, helping citizens better understand how public funds are managed.

Aguda said each portal basically has two primary features –a visual dashboard that would show a breakdown of the budget, displaying charts, graphs, and infographics. The screen would show the information and is mobile-friendly.

He assured that even with a basic smartphone, the portals could be accessed.

Aguda said the second key feature of the portals is an AI-powered chatbot that enables users to ask questions in English, Filipino, or even “Taglish,” without requiring technical expertise or specialized terminology. For example, he noted that the AI can explain how a specific budget was allocated or spent.

The DICT chief said the goal is to establish a wide “digital transparency system” that allows every Filipino to access clear updates on the government’s use of public funds.

The portals could be accessed through the websites of the DPWH, SSS, and PhilHealth, as well as the open.gov.ph website.

With the portals, Aguda said the public will now be able to see where their taxes go clearly.

For the government, he said, the portals are expected to help restore public trust, make irregularities more difficult—if not impossible—to commit, accelerate and standardize reporting across agencies, and strengthen efforts to curb corruption.

“Sa simpleng logic, mas maraming mata sa datos, mas mahirap magtago ng anomalya. Ang bawat Filipino at puwedeng maging watchdog ng gobyerno at diyan po sa ating transparency portal makakaasa kayong walang fake news,” Aguda also said.

Meanwhile, Aguda said the DICT has also pioneered live-streamed bidding for its procurement processes, initially broadcasting these in real time on Facebook. The agency has since moved the livestreams to YouTube for broader accessibility and improved archiving.

He added that several local government units (LGUs) have begun adopting the same practice, livestreaming their procurement activities on digital platforms to promote greater transparency.- PND

“You cannot steal from the Filipino people and expect to hide or fly away on your private jets. You may have the money to run, but you cannot outrun the Republic of the Philippines.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued this warning as he directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to coordinate with Malaysian and Singaporean authorities to secure the air assets linked to fugitive ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

“Ngayong araw, inatasan ko ang DOTr at saka ‘yung CAAP na makipag-ugnayan sa mga kaibigan natin sa Malaysia saka sa Singapore dahil ang mga pag-aari na helicopter at saka eroplano ay mukhang doon tinatago ni Zaldy Co at nakarehistro po ito sa kaniyang kumpanya na tinatawag na Misibis Aviation and Development Corporation,” President Marcos said in a video message on Friday to report developments in the investigation into flood control irregularities.

Co’s air assets are covered by freeze orders issued by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) covering assets linked to the flood control scam, as part of the government’s efforts to recover stolen taxpayers’ money.

“Nagkaroon na ng freeze order ang AMLC, kaya lahat ng galaw at disposisyon ng mga aircraft na ito, lalong-lalo na ngayon ay ipinagbabawal,” the President said.

The President emphasized that the government is taking firm action to prevent fugitives from using stolen public funds to evade accountability.

“Dahil kailangan natin ipaalaman sa lahat ng mga pugante: hindi puwedeng gamitin ang mga ari-arian na galing sa kaban ng bayan, ninakaw ninyo para tumakas o umiwas sa batas,” the President said.

President Marcos warned that unscrupulous individuals would not be able to evade the law.

Expressing firm resolve, the Chief Executive said the government will recover stolen public funds and hold accountable every person connected to the infrastructure projects corruption.

“Kaya kayong mga pugante, umuwi na kayo. Ang payo ko sa inyo, hindi na kayo turista. Hinahabol na kayo ng batas,” President Marcos said.

The President also announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, who has been implicated in the flood control mess, has returned PhP110 million to the government and will return PhP200 million more in the next two weeks.

“This government intends to bring back every peso, every asset, every person responsible and return it to the Filipino people,” President Marcos said.

Co and 15 officials of the DPWH and Sunwest Corporation are facing graft and malversation charges over an anomalous road dike project in Oriental Mindoro, in the first batch of cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the distribution of livelihood assistance and delivery of government services to indigenous peoples (IPs) during the “Handog ng Pangulo: Tulong at Serbisyo Para sa Indigenous People Communities” program held in Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga City.

The President personally met with around 500 members of the Sama Bajau IP community, underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving their quality of life and preventing them from becoming street dwellers.

“Nandito lang naman po ako ang sadya ko rito para tingnan na maayos ang pagbigay ng tulong sa ‘yung ating tinatawag na mga unang Pilipino, ang ating IP community mga Sama Badjau,” President Marcos said in his remarks.

The President said the program is part of the administration’s goal to bring government services closer to the people, especially vulnerable and remote communities.

“Nandito kami dahil kung minsan ang gobyerno ay naghihintay lang na kayo ang lumapit, hindi naman namin naseserbisan kayong lahat. Hindi namin kayo natutulungan lahat. Kaya ang ginawa namin, kami na lang ang pupunta, ang gobyerno ang pupunta sa inyo,” President Marcos said.

The President encouraged the IP communities not to hesitate to seek help and ask questions from government agencies present during the event.

President Marcos then vowed to continue delivering essential aid and programs that will strengthen the well-being and future of IPs.

“Lagi kong sinasabi kasi maraming nagte-thank you. Huwag na kayong mag-thank you. Ito ‘yung trabaho namin. Ito lang talaga ang dapat namin ginagawa at sige lang hindi namin ito ititigil. Hangga’t may buhay itatrabaho namin ito,” the President said.

President Marcos thanked the local government units for their strong support, saying that working closely with the national government has enabled the efficient implementation of government programs.

As part of the program, a caravan of government services was organized at the Sinunuc Covered Court to provide holistic support to the Sama Bajau community. This included food assistance, livelihood support, and access to a wide range of government programs to address both the immediate and long-term needs of IP families.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided PhP10,000 each to 500 IP families through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. In addition, 71 families received grocery packs worth PhP3,000 under the Walang Gutom Program; 500 families received family food packs; and 100 beneficiaries were granted PhP15,000 each under the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Various government agencies also extended essential services. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources assisted with boat registration and distributed informational materials, while the Office of the City Civil Registry provided free verification and certified copies of civil registry records.

The Department of Trade and Industry conducted program orientations and offered free business name registration; the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples issued Certificates of Confirmation and provided consultations on IP concerns; and the Department of Agrarian Reform distributed informational materials.

The Department of Health provided services and aid, including medical consultations, hygiene and oral care kits, jerrycans, nutrition counseling, family planning services, and health tests.

The Philippine Statistics Authority facilitated national ID registration and updates and retrieval of transaction numbers during registration, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered skills enhancement and free grooming services.

The Department of Labor and Employment provided livelihood assistance and registration for the National Skills Registry Program, while PhilHealth assisted with membership registration and the Yakap Program.

Prior to the caravan, President Marcos witnessed the turnover of 10 fishing boats, complete with accessories, to members of the Maasin Fisherfolk Association at the Sinunuc shoreline.

The initiatives in Zamboanga are part of the administration’s broader effort to ensure that no community is left behind in the country’s development.

Also present during the event were DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Zamboanga City 1st District Representative Katrina Reiko Chua-Tai, and Zamboanga Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso. | PND

Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Biyernes ang inagurasyon ng isang mahalagang bahagi ng Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project na titiyak sa tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng tubig para sa Metro Manila at mga kalapit na probinsya.

Ayon sa Pangulo, ang Tunnel No. 5 ay isang malaking tagumpay tungo sa layunin na mabigyan ang bawat Pilipino ng maaasahan at sapat na suplay ng tubig.

Pinalalakas ng bagong tunnel ang deka-dekada nang Umiray–Angat–Ipo–La Mesa system, na nagsisilbing gulugod sa paghahatid ng tubig mula sa Angat Dam patungong Metro Manila at Mega Manila.

“This is why the establishment of Tunnel No. 5 is not only important, it is essential,” sinabi ng Pangulo sa inauguration ceremony na ginanap sa Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Compound sa Norzagaray, Bulacan.

Pinasinayaan ng Pangulo ang project marker sa Bigte Basin sa Barangay Bigte, kasama nina Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael Lotilla, MWSS Administrator Leonor Cleofas, Maynilad President at CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez, at ni Manila Water President at CEO Jose Victor Emmanuel A. De Dios.

Ang Umiray–Angat–Ipo–La Mesa ang nagdadala ng halos 90 porsyento ng tubig na ginagamit ng mahigit 20 milyong residente sa Metro Manila, Bulacan, at ilang bahagi ng Cavite at Rizal.

“These numbers show how important it is to keep the Angat system strong, reliable, and future-ready,” ayon sa Punong Ehekutibo.

Ayon sa Pangulo, ang Tunnel No. 5 ay may kakayahang magdala ng higit sa 1.6 bilyong litro ng tubig kada araw, na nagpapataas sa kapasidad ng sistema mula 6 bilyon tungo sa halos 8 bilyong litro kada araw.

“Ibig sabihin, mas maraming pamilya ang magkakaroon ng tuloy-tuloy at maaasahang suplay ng tubig sa kanilang mga tahanan,” ang sabi ng Pangulo.

“Maisasaayos ang mga dati nang tunnels dahil may backup ng puwedeng pagdaanan ng tubig. ‘Yung mga tunnel po na sinara dahil kailangan nang mag-maintenance, maaari na ngayon natin buksan – balikan ulit, baka may pag-asa pa, baka may rehab pa para magamit pa rin natin,” punto pa ng Pangulo.

Ang mas pinahusay na daloy ng suplay ng tubig ay makatutulong din sa paghahanda ng mga komunidad laban sa tagtuyot at iba pang epekto ng climate change, at lalo pang magpapatatag sa sistema ng tubig ng bansa.

Pinuri ni Pangulong Marcos ang walang sawang suporta ng mga concessionaire na Maynilad at Manila Water, gayundin ang mga inhinyero, manggagawa, at lahat ng nagbigay ng kanilang husay at pagsisikap para sa proyekto.

“This project reminds us that we can accomplish what – when the government and the private sector, and the LGUs are anchored on a shared vision,” ang sabi ng Punong Ehekutibo.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let this milestone encourage us to value the resources that we are blessed with, use them responsibly, and take part in building a more inclusive, sustainable future for everyone.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated on Friday a key component of the Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project that secures the continuous water supply for Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

President Marcos said Tunnel No. 5 of the Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project represents an achievement toward the goal of providing every Filipino dependable access to water.

The new tunnel strengthens the decades-old Umiray–Angat–Ipo–La Mesa system, the backbone that delivers water from Angat Dam to Metro Manila and to Mega Manila.

“This is why the establishment of Tunnel No. 5 is not only important, it is essential,” said the President during the ceremony held at the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Compound in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

The President unveiled the project marker at the Bigte Basin in Barangay Bigte, witnessed by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael Lotilla, MWSS Administrator Leonor Cleofas, Maynilad Water Services Inc. President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez, and Manila Water Company Inc. President and CEO Jose Victor Emmanuel A. De Dios.

The Umiray–Angat–Ipo–La Mesa system conveys almost 90 percent of the water used by nearly 20 million people in Metro Manila, Bulacan, and parts of Cavite and Rizal.

“These numbers show how important it is to keep the Angat system strong, reliable, and future-ready,” the Chief Executive underscored.

President Marcos said Tunnel No. 5’s raw water conveyance tunnel can carry over 1.6 billion liters of water per day, which increases the system’s transport capacity from 6 billion to almost 8 billion liters of water per day.

“Ibig sabihin, mas maraming pamilya ang magkakaroon ng tuloy-tuloy at maaasahang suplay ng tubig sa kanilang mga tahanan,” the President said.

“Maisasaayos ang mga dati nang tunnels dahil may backup ng puwedeng pagdaanan ng tubig. ‘Yung mga tunnel po na sinara dahil kailangan nang mag-maintenance, maaari na ngayon natin buksan – balikan ulit, baka may pag-asa pa, baka may rehab pa para magamit pa rin natin,” the President pointed out.

The improved water transmission would also help communities prepare for droughts and other effects of climate change, and strengthen the country’s water system.

President Marcos acknowledged the steadfast support of concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water, as well as the engineers, workers, and all those who poured their skill and effort to the project.

“This project reminds us that we can accomplish what – when the government and the private sector, and the LGUs are anchored on a shared vision,” the Chief Executive said.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let this milestone encourage us to value the resources that we are blessed with, use them responsibly, and take part in building a more inclusive, sustainable future for everyone,” the President said. | PND

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