Malacañang said the Department of Health (DOH) will implement the Medical Assistance for Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients or MAIFIPP to insulate it from politics while expanding its coverage.

According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the plan of the DOH is to increase the budget for MAIFIPP next year to implement the zero-balance billing policy in hospitals under local government units (LGUs).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced during his Fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28 that the government is implementing a zero-balance billing policy to ease the financial burden on patients.

The zero-balance billing policy guarantees full coverage of the medical expenses of patients in basic or ward accommodation in DOH hospitals.

“May mga ospital dito na hindi kaugnay ng DOH hospitals at nais palawakin pa ang serbisyo sa ating mga mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay din ng zero balance billing sa LGU hospitals,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing on Monday.

“Hindi kasi dadaan sa mga politiko ang pondo na ito. Didiretso ito sa local government units, sa LGU hospitals, at ang magpapatupad din nito ay DOH,” Castro added. | PND

Malacañang assured the public on Monday that safeguards are in place to prevent corruption in farm-to-market roads, stressing that reforms are aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing a repeat of past irregularities.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said reforms initiated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. include transparency in budgeting, public bidding, and the transfer of program implementation to agencies working closely with local government units.

“Tandaan natin, sino po ba ang ang unang nagsabi na gusto niyang maging maayos ang budget? Ang Pangulong Marcos Jr. Siya rin po ang nagpaimbestiga ng mga maanomalyang flood control projects at infrastructure,” the Palace Press Officer said.

“So, ayaw niya pong maulit iyong mga naganap noong nakaraan. Kaya ito ang nais niya, maging maayos lahat ang transaksiyon, maging bukas sa publiko, kaya nagkakaroon tayo ng transparency portal at iyan din ang gagawin ng DA (Department of Agriculture),” Castro added.

The assurance comes as the implementation of farm-to-market road projects will be shifted from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The transfer is intended to align project implementation more closely with needs on the ground, while strengthening transparency through open bidding and closer coordination with local government units (LGUs).

“Ang programang ito ay pamumunuan ng DA at ng LGU (local government units), at pati ang mga bidding nito ay open sa publiko para makita nila,” Castro said.

The transfer is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ongoing sweeping campaign to probe anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects, ensure accountability for the abuse of public funds, and implement institutional reforms. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday commended the Department of Agriculture (DA) for successfully keeping African Swine Fever (ASF) under control across the country.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President expressed satisfaction with the report presented by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and other key officials during a meeting on Monday morning, citing the 90 percent efficacy rate of the government’s ASF vaccination program.

“Sa ulat ng DA, halos 500,000 na mga baboy ang nababakunahan ng pamahalaan kontra ASF sa ilang bahagi ng bansa kasama na dito ang Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, Tarlac, at Pampanga,” Castro said.

Castro said the vaccination rollout covers 12 semi-commercial farms, nine smallholder farms, and one government-run farm.

The Palace official said aside from progress in containing ASF, the DA also reported several interventions being done by the agency to continually ease the lives of farmers and fisherfolk.

Castro said the DA has established 33 agri-food hub units that aim to improve market access for local produce across four provinces including Pampanga, Quezon, Camarines Sur, and Bukidnon. The agri-food hubs are also designed to improve the livelihood of farmers and fisherfolk.

In addition, Castro said the government has identified 145 Rice Processing Systems (RPS) nationwide. Of the 145 RPS, 127 have already been completed, while 18 are still under construction.

A total of 145 beneficiaries are expected to gain from these facilities, which aim to increase rice production in the country.

Castro further announced the plan of DA to open a Mega Cold Storage Facility in Pili, Camarines Sur, in January 2026.

She said the government has also identified 33 sites nationwide where more cold storage facilities will be built.

“Sa liderato ng Pangulo, lahat ay aangat lalong-lalo na ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda na malapit sa kanyang puso,” Castro said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday directed the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to build more quality housing closer to workplaces, transport terminals and other essential services for the benefit of Filipino families.

President Marcos met with officials of the DHSUD led by Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, and other concerned agencies in Malacañan Palace to discuss the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program catch-up plans and updates on other housing initiatives.

The President wanted to ensure the quality of life for residents in government housing, according to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

“Alinsunod sa layunin ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na pagaanin ang pamumuhay ng mga residenteng lilipat sa mga pabahay ng pamahalaan, ipinag-utos ngayong araw ng Pangulo sa Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development – sa pangunguna ni Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling – na unahin ang pagbibigay ng mga de kalidad na mga pabahay malapit sa trabaho, terminal at iba pang pangunahing serbisyo ng pamahalaan,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

The President also ordered the DHSUD officials to promote flexible and affordable housing options for low- and middle-income families – such as rental housing and other programs – in order to simplify the process in purchasing a house, Castro added.

“Ipinag-utos din ng Pangulo ang pagkakaroon ng mas simpleng proseso para makapagbayad,” the Palace Press Officer said.

President Marcos underscored the necessity of decent, affordable and quality housing for Filipino families, Castro also said. ǀ PND

Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto has underscored that human security must be central to the Philippines’ national security, saying that real security lies in safeguarding everything that allows Filipino families to live with dignity and hope.

In his speech at National Security Summit 2025, Executive Secretary Recto said national security must be defined by the everyday issues that affect the lives of Filipino families.

“It is food that is affordable. Power that stays on. A job that pays enough. Truth in our newsfeeds. Trust in our institutions,” he said.

“Because security is more than the absence of a shooting war. It means the presence of opportunity,” he added.

In line with this, the Executive Secretary commended the National Security Council (NSC) for aligning the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024 with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which addresses every thread of Filipino life—from farmers facing climate uncertainty, to soldiers guarding frontiers, to teachers shaping young minds against disinformation.

To secure the Filipino people’s future, the Executive Secretary highlighted that the Marcos Jr. administration is strengthening food security, expanding universal healthcare, and investing in quality education and workforce development.

“For our greatest asset—our greatest defense—is the empowered, enlightened, engaged and educated Filipino people,” he said.

Restoring Public Trust

Executive Secretary Recto also stressed that weak governance and institutional challenges—including corruption, misuse of public funds, and lack of transparency—pose serious risks to national security.

“This is why we are pushing for good governance reforms—finally pursuing an anti-political dynasty bill, reforming the party list system, and giving public access to government expenditures,” he said.

“For building stronger and more transparent institutions is the nation’s sturdiest security defense,” he added.

He also highlighted the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and maintaining a disciplined national budget focused on quality spending to ensure that public funds are directed to programs that genuinely benefit the Filipino people.

To address multiple challenges the country is facing today, the Executive Secretary emphasized the need for strategic synergy across all sectors, including the uniformed forces, policy leaders, academics, civil society, industry, and local communities.

He said that true national security requires “a government that moves as one, an economy that is strong and felt by every household, and a future defended by all.”

In closing, he urged all stakeholders to view the Summit as a renewed commitment—not just to protect the State, but to safeguard the hopes and dreams of every Filipino family.

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has granted government employees a Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for 2025 to acknowledge their continued hard work, loyalty, and contributions to achieving the country’s development goals and the administration’s socioeconomic agenda.

Under Administrative Order No. 40 dated December 11, President Marcos granted a one-time SRI of up to PhP20,000 to personnel in the Executive branch, including civilian employees of national government agencies, state universities and colleges (SUCs), and government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) whether holding regular, contractual, or casual positions.

Also included in the order are military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the Department of National Defense, and uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Public Safety College, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology under the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Uniformed personnel of the Bureau of Corrections under the Department of Justice, the Philippine Coast Guard under the Department of Transportation, and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources were also included.

The payment of the SRI to all qualified government employees shall be made not earlier than December 15.

“The Administration recognizes all government employees for their collective and invaluable contributions to the government’s continuing efforts in pursuing the objectives, commitments, targets, and deliverables under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the President’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda,” AO No. 40 stated.

For national government agencies, including SUCs and military and uniformed personnel, the incentive will come from their available 2025 personnel services (PS) budget under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. If this is not enough, they may use their maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), following budget rules.

For GOCCs, the SRI will be taken from their approved 2025 corporate operating budgets.

Employees of the Senate, House of Representatives, Judiciary, Office of the Ombudsman, and other constitutional offices with fiscal autonomy may also receive a one-time SRI of up to PhP20,000, depending on their available PS budgets.

For local government units (LGUs), including barangays, the grant and amount of SRI not exceeding PhP20,000 will be decided by their respective sanggunians based on their financial capacity and within the personnel services limits under the Local Government Code.

Employees in Local Water Districts (LWDs) may also receive SRI at a uniform rate up to PhP20,000 to be determined by the Board of Directors, chargeable against their respective corporate operating budgets for 2025.

If an agency does not have sufficient funds, its qualified employees will still receive the SRI at a lower but uniform rate.

Employees qualified to receive the SRI include civilian personnel occupying regular, contractual or casual positions; personnel who are still in government service as of November 30, 2025; and personnel who have rendered at least four months of service as of November 30, 2025.

Qualified employees who have rendered less than four months of service as of November 30, 2025 shall receive pro-rated SRI.

The employees should not have received any additional year-end benefit in Fiscal Year 2025 over and above the benefits authorized under Republic Act 6686, as amended by RA No. 8441, in order to qualify for the SRI. | PND

Recognizing the hard work of every government worker in the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the release of a one-time gratuity pay for Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) workers in government this year.

Under Administrative Order No. 39, signed on December 11, COS and JO employees who have rendered a total or an aggregate of at least four months of actual satisfactory service performance as of December 15 and whose contracts remain in effect on the same date are entitled to a gratuity pay not exceeding PhP7,000.

“Granting a year-end Gratuity Pay to COS and JO workers is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and valuable participation in the implementation of various programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) of the government, and their pivotal role in the delivery of government services amidst the present socio-economic challenges,” the AO stated.

The order noted that while COS and JO workers are paid salaries equivalent to those received by personnel occupying comparable positions in government, they do not enjoy the benefits accorded to regular government employees such as mid-year and year-end bonuses, performance-based bonus and personnel economic relief allowance.

Employees who have rendered less than four months of satisfactory service may still receive the gratuity pay on a pro-rata basis.

Workers with three months but less than four months of service will receive gratuity pay not exceeding PhP6,000. Employees with two months but less than three months service will get gratuity pay not exceeding PhP5,000 while those with less than two months service will receive a pay not exceeding PhP4,000.

The order covers workers in national government agencies, state universities and colleges (SUCs), government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and local water districts (LWDs).

The payment of gratuity pay shall be made not earlier than December 15.

The AO will take effect immediately following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday visited the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) in Tacloban City, where he inspected the training center’s upgraded equipment and facilities.

Established by the President’s mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, the NMP offers maritime training courses and conducts research and studies on industry issues.

President Marcos inspected the modern training equipment that were completed early this December and will be used starting January 2026, namely the Full Mission Bridge Simulator, Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator, and Engine Room Simulator Software Upgrade.

The President was briefed on the use of the simulators that replicate real-world vessel operations, providing trainees with hands-on experience to develop competencies in navigation, cargo handling, engine room operations, emergency response, and decision-making.

President Marcos is focused on modernizing the equipment and facilities of the NMP to ensure Filipino seafarers’ training can keep pace with international standards, said Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

“Ayon sa Pangulo nagsisikap ang pamahalaan upang gawin mas modern ang training equipment at facilities ng National Maritime Polytechnic upang makipag sabayan ang mga marinong Pinoy sa pandaigdigang pamantayan,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

“Para kay Pangulong Marcos Jr. una ang mga Pilipino, una ang mga marino,” Castro added.

The Full Mission Bridge Simulator allows trainees to experience real-world navigation, ship handling and bridge operations.

The Liquid Cargo and Handling Simulator enables hands-on training for the safe operation of pumps, valves, pipelines, and auxiliary equipment.

Meanwhile, the Engine Room Simulator Software Upgrade involves comprehensive simulations of the ship’s main propulsion plant, electrical power generation systems, and auxiliary machinery.

The NMP was created under Presidential Decree No. 1369 issued in 1978. The training center was placed under the Department of Migrant Workers in 2021 under Republic Act 11641 or the Department of Migrant Workers Act. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected on Friday the newly modernized Banago Port in Barangay Banago, Bacolod City, which is now equipped with upgraded facilities that ensure safer and more efficient services for passengers and port workers in the area.

The upgraded Banago Port is likewise expected to significantly boost trade, mobility, tourism, and overall economic productivity in the Western Visayas Region.

During the visit, President Marcos led the unveiling of the marker in front of the Port Operations Building.

The President toured various port facilities along with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago.

“This is now going to be the standard design for our terminals, for our ports around the country. And the reason it’s important to have a standard design so that ang tao, ang pasahero, kahit saan sumasakay, saan bumababa, alam nila kung saan bibili ng ticket, saan maghihintay, saan papasok, saan sila dadaan,” President Marcos said.

Improvements made in the Banago Port include the modernized Port Operations Building (POB); a widened causeway ensuring smoother road access; an expanded port operational area for cargo handling and port-related activities; and a covered walkway, protecting passengers from inclement weather.

The project also provides additional port space that will cater to more passengers, from 50 to 500 daily, through the new passenger terminal on the first floor of the POB.

“Kaya malaking bagay at saka nakita naman ninyo, iba na talaga pagka maayos at maaliwalas to make the traveling experience para sa ating mga kababayan a little more pleasant,” President Marcos said.

According to the PPA, the Banago port plays a crucial role in passenger travel, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) traffic, and the transport of essential commodities such as sugar, rice, and corn.

It also improves travelers’ access to nearby tourist destinations like Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary, Patag in Silay City, and Lakawon Island.

In an interview, PPA General Manager Santiago said President Marcos’ personal visit and assessment reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to ensuring the welfare of travelers and port workers not only in Bacolod City but all throughout the Negros Island Region.

“Makikita din niya na ito ang resulta ng kanyang vision, ito ang resulta ng kanyang mandato na magbigay o maghandog ng mas moderno, mas kumportable, at mas ligtas na mga pasilidad for transportation para ating mga kababayan,” Santiago said.

Santiago said other port facilities in the Negros Island Region will be improved to provide Filipino travelers and port workers with better services and facilities. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday officially launched the nationwide waterways clearing and cleaning operations in Bacolod City to mitigate flooding in the area during heavy rains.

In launching Oplan Kontra Baha, President Marcos inspected the ongoing clearing operations at Mambuloc Creek in Barangay 2, Bacolod City.

Simultaneous clearing operations were held in Banago Creek, Maupay Creek, Lupit River, Magsungay River, Tangub Creek, Pahanocoy Creek, Sum-ag River, Circumferential Road, and Mandalagan River.

President Marcos said based on scientific estimates, restoring the full water carrying capacity of waterways and drainage systems could reduce flooding by around 60 percent.

“Ito ganoon din ang estimate na kapag nalinis natin lahat ng mga ilog, lahat ng mga creek, lahat ng mga estero, matanggal lang natin ‘yung basura at makapag-dredge tayo, ang estimate ng ating mga scientists ay sabi nila mababawasan ang baha by 50 to 60 percent at least,” President Marcos said in his remarks.

“Kaya napaka-importante itong programang ito. Kaya dinadala natin sa iba’t ibang lungsod around the country kung saan nakikita natin talagang nagkakabaha,” the President added.

President Marcos launched Oplan Kontra Baha in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu last November 12 and 21, respectively.

Oplan Kontra Baha involves declogging of drainage systems; dredging and cleaning of rivers, creeks and esteros; clearing obstructions and managing waste disposal.

In Bacolod City, the Oplan Kontra Baha program targets to clean up nine priority waterways and drainage systems or almost 170 kilometers of rivers, creeks, and esteros, and 138 kilometers of drainage systems.

Oplan Kontra Baha brings together national agencies, local governments, and private partners to address flooding issues caused by heavy siltation, waste blockage, and encroachment of obstructive structures along waterways and drainage systems.

The waterways clearing and cleaning operations will run until June 2026. | PND