Describing his visit as productive, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in the Philippines on Sunday after a four-day working trip to Osaka, Japan, where he secured new partnerships and investments aimed at generating jobs, advancing sustainability, and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“I have just returned from a productive working visit to Osaka, Japan, where we secured new opportunities that will create jobs, bring in investments, and help improve the lives of Filipinos,” President Marcos said in a statement upon his return.

“We return inspired to continue building a Bagong Pilipinas that delivers more jobs, more investments, and more opportunities for every Filipino,” the President added.

President Marcos highlighted the outcomes of his key engagements with Japanese business and government leaders as well as his visit to the crowd favorite Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo 2025.

“At the World Expo 2025, I was proud to see how our Philippine Pavilion highlights the best of who we are. It tells the world the story of a nation rich in culture, driven by innovation, and committed to building a sustainable and inclusive future. This strengthens our standing as a destination for tourism, partnership, and investment,” the President said.

President Marcos emphasized the Philippine Pavilion’s role in enhancing the country’s global standing as a destination for tourism, trade, and investment.

With his commitment to improve the lives of Filipinos, the President said he welcomed key business commitments that will directly benefit the people through job generation and other economic activities.

“Kanadevia Corporation will partner with Phil. Ecology Systems Corp. is on a waste-to-energy project that will help manage waste while generating clean energy. Tsuneishi Group will build the world’s first methanol dual-fueled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier in Cebu, creating jobs and positioning the Philippines as a leader in green shipping,” President Marcos announced.

At the same time, the President said his visit also “strengthened our partnership with Japanese tourism leaders to bring more visitors to the Philippines and open more opportunities for our workers.”

“Our meeting with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency opened new paths for cooperation in space technology to enhance disaster monitoring, support farmers, and strengthen community safety,” President Marcos noted.

Giving importance to Filipinos working in Japan, the President emphasized that “no visit would be complete without spending time with our very own Filipino Community in Osaka.”

President Marcos thanked the Filipino community “for representing us with dignity, professionalism, and compassion that continue to bring pride to our nation.” | PND

Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has increased the coverage for kidney transplant procedures by more than 230 percent, or from Php600,000 to PhP2 million.

The increased kidney transplant coverage is on top of other improvements in the PhilHealth benefits package, including expanded hemodialysis sessions from 90 to 156 annually, meant to ease the out-of-pocket payments of Filipinos with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD).

President Marcos’ administration has significantly expanded the health benefit packages through PhilHealth, marking one of the most proactive efforts to enhance public healthcare coverage.

Under President Marcos’ directive, PhilHealth has enhanced the benefits for members with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5.

These improvements include increased maximum number of hemodialysis sessions from 90 to 156 a year, which is equivalent to PhP990,600 under the new rate of PhP6,350 from the previous PhP4,000 per dialysis session; increased coverage for peritoneal dialysis up to PhP1.2 million; and increased coverage for kidney transplantation from PhP600,000 to PhP2 million under the Z benefits package.

This is the first time PhilHealth has increased the Z benefits package for kidney transplant procedures since the launch of the package in 2012.

The Z benefits packages cover catastrophic illnesses and health conditions such as cancer, which require expensive treatments and hospitalizations.

Under President Marcos’s administration, Filipinos with serious healthcare needs can now avail of PhilHealth’s new and expanded benefit packages.

The state health insurer has also launched improved benefit packages for ischemic heart disease-acute myocardial infarction covering various procedures related to heart attack treatment; and the outpatient emergency care benefit which provides comprehensive coverage for emergency services.

PhilHealth also introduced the 50-percent adjustment in case rates which applies to almost 9,000 benefit packages for all admissions starting January 1, 2025.

Last Thursday, President Marcos led the launching of PhilHealth’s new benefit package for post-kidney transplantation services at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City.

PhilHealth has offered two new support packages for adult and pediatric post-kidney transplant patients in further response to President Marcos’ directive to prioritize healthcare.

During a Palace press briefing, PhilHealth President and chief executive officer Edwin M. Mercado said the agency will strive to improve its benefit packages.

“Patuloy naming ipinatutupad ang adhikain ng ating mahal na presidente, si Pangulong Marcos, na bigyan ng pag-asa at bagong buhay ang mga Pilipinong nagtitiis sa kanilang mga dinaramdam,” Mercado said.

“Katuwang ng aming kalihim, Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, at ang ating NKTI Executive Director Dr. Dante Dator, hatid namin ang bagong benepisyong naglalayong ipagpatuloy ang alagang PhilHealth para sa mga pasyenteng sumailalim na ng kidney transplantation,” he said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday called on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to take an active role in building a stronger and more united Philippines, bringing to mind the sacrifices of the Philippine Revolution heroes who fought for the country’s independence.

Speaking before the Filipino community in Osaka, Japan, President Marcos underscored the vital contributions of OFWs in national development and urged them to be part of the government’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas — a reformed, hopeful, and forward-looking nation.

“I call on every Filipino gathered here tonight: As our forefathers, the heroes of the Philippine Revolution, have sacrificed much to give us this freedom that we today enjoy, it is our duty to honor that hard-won gift,” the President declared, drawing parallels between the courage of today’s migrant workers and that of Filipinos who fought for the country’s freedom.

“Tungkulin natin bumuo ng isang kinabukasang karapat-dapat sa ating lahat. Isang bayang pinapanday sa tapang, pag-asa, at pagmamahal – ang isang Bagong Pilipinas,” added the President.

President Marcos reminded the audience that the freedoms and opportunities the nation now enjoys were earned through the sacrifices of those who came before.

The President said it is now the responsibility of every Filipino at home and abroad to honor that legacy by contributing to the country’s progress.

“Bilang inyong Pangulo, hangad kong mabigyan ang bawat Pilipino ng mas magandang buhay at mas maraming oportunidad. Naniniwala ako na ang tunay na pag-unlad ay nasusukat sa kakayanan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino na mabuhay ng buo at maginhawa kasama ang kanilang mahal sa buhay sa sariling bayan,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos assured the overseas Filipino community that his administration is working hard to create an environment where Filipinos can thrive in their homeland.

The President also acknowledged the hardships faced by OFWs who are separated from their families and familiar surroundings to provide for their loved ones.

President Marcos emphasized that their sacrifices fuel the nation’s economy and uplift countless communities across the country. I PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) of the government’s unwavering commitment to improve services that protect their welfare and ease their travel experience, whether they are leaving the country for work or returning home for vacation.

Speaking to members of the Filipino community in Osaka, President Marcos highlighted key initiatives aimed at making overseas employment safer and more dignified, while also providing sustainable reintegration options for OFWs who wish to return to the Philippines.

“Sinisiguro po ng ating gobyerno na may sapat na oportunidad na naghihintay para sa OFWs na gustong umuwi at tuluyan nang manirahan sa Pilipinas,” the President said.

To support the comfort and dignity of OFWs during travel, President Marcos cited improvements in airport services, particularly the establishment of the OFW Lounge exclusively for migrant workers.

“Kaya naman naglaan tayo ng OFW Lounge sa airport para may lugar kung saan puwedeng magpahinga,” the President said, noting that such spaces are intended to give OFWs the recognition and convenience they deserve.

Beyond facilities, President Marcos also pointed to the government’s efforts to forge stronger bilateral labor agreements with host countries to ensure safe, humane, and fair working conditions for Filipino workers.

“Masigasig din ang ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba’t ibang bansang tumatanggap ng ating manggagawa para makabuo ng bilateral labor agreement upang matiyak natin na ligtas at makatao ang trabaho, at nabibigyan ng pagkakataong umunlad ang ating mga kababayan,” the President said. l PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday called on second- and third-generation Filipino youth in Japan to embrace their roots and deepen their connection with the Philippines by learning the Filipino language and understanding cultural heritage.

Speaking before members of the Filipino community in Osaka, President Marcos highlighted the vital role of Filipino-Japanese youth in sustaining the strong and evolving relationship between the Philippines and Japan, as both nations approach the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2026.

“Allow me first to address our youth community, especially our Filipino Japanese youth, who may be more comfortable listening to this in English. But still, I encourage you to learn our language, Filipino,” the President said.

President Marcos emphasized the importance of the next generation of Filipinos abroad as a vital link in preserving and nurturing Philippine culture overseas, as well as in fostering continued friendship between the two nations.

“We have every chance, through you, to build even stronger connections in shared values for a mutually stable, secure, and prosperous relationship between our two countries,” the President said.

“This is why I hope you will join me and the Philippine nation in helping our community here in Japan to grow even more in love with the Philippines, to learn and embrace fully your Filipino identity, to support our nation’s aspirations for unity, for peace, and for prosperity,” added the President.

President Marcos addressed the Filipino community as he concluded a four-day working visit to Osaka, Japan from June 19 to 22.

Accompanying the President during the Filipino community gathering were First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano and Consul General Voltaire Mauricio. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed on Saturday the enduring strength of Philippines-Japan relations during his address to the Filipino community, praising overseas Filipinos for playing a vital role in keeping the spirit of friendship between the two nations alive.

Speaking ahead of the 70th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Japan in 2026, the President emphasized the historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries — ties that, he said, have matured into a dynamic and mutually respectful partnership.

“Our two peoples have a deep history, founded on the spirit of reconciliation, of brotherhood, and amity or friendship,” President Marcos said during a gathering with Filipinos in Osaka, held in conjunction with his working visit to the city for the World Expo 2025.

The President expressed gratitude to Filipinos living and working in Japan for being instrumental in strengthening people-to-people relations, especially among younger generations.

“I speak to all our kababayans, especially our youth, who play a part in our dynamic and enduring ties with Japan. Through you, we continue to write new pages in the history of the relations between our two countries. Through you, the spirit of friendship with our Japanese friends continues to thrive,” President Marcos added.

The Philippines and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1956. Since then, the two countries have developed deep economic, political, and cultural linkages, with Japan becoming one of the Philippines’ top trade partners, a significant source of development assistance, and a key strategic ally.

President Marcos noted that the upcoming milestone in 2026 presents an opportunity to celebrate this shared journey and to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, security, tourism, and education.

The President was accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and members of his Cabinet, including Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan. Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano and Consul General Voltaire Mauricio also joined the event. l PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday recognized the immense contributions and sacrifices of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), assuring them that his administration remains committed to enhancing government programs aimed at improving their welfare, protecting their rights, and supporting their reintegration into Philippine society.

Speaking before members of the Filipino community during a meeting in Osaka, Japan, President Marcos expressed deep appreciation for OFWs, whom he hailed as “Bagong Bayani” or modern-day heroes.

The President reaffirmed the government’s pledge to prioritize the needs of Filipinos working abroad, emphasizing that they are central to the nation’s development agenda.

“I recognize the weight of your sacrifice, and the strength it takes to provide for your families from afar,” President Marcos said.

“That is why we will never tire of honoring you and finding ways to improve your lives. You are at the heart of our government’s efforts and you deserve not only our gratitude, but you deserve our full support.”

The President highlighted various initiatives aimed at easing the burdens faced by OFWs, including the establishment of OFW lounges at airports, strengthened bilateral labor agreements with host countries, and reintegration programs designed to provide sustainable opportunities for those returning home.

“Sinisiguro po natin na ang ating gobyerno ay may sapat na pagkakataon na naghihintay para sa lahat ng OFW na nais umuwi at tuluyan nang manirahan sa Pilipinas,” the President added, citing the government’s vision of a Philippines where families no longer have to be separated by the need to work overseas.

President Marcos was joined by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and key members of his Cabinet, including Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan. The President also acknowledged the support of Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano and Consul General Voltaire Mauricio.

As the country prepares to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties with Japan in 2026, President Marcos underscored the vital role of Filipinos abroad in deepening the relationship between the two nations. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he wants to be remembered for making “a change for the better,” vowing that by the end of his term in 2028, Filipinos will see “significant and tangible” improvements in their lives.

In the fourth and final part of the BBM Podcast Episode 2 aired on Saturday, the President stated that in all the government positions he has held, he has ensured that he effected meaningful change to uplift lives.

The President stated that he aims to leave a legacy of “significant and tangible changes” that have enhanced the lives of every Filipino.

“We made a change for the better,” President Marcos readily replied when asked during the interview for the one thing he wanted to be remembered for at the end of his term.

“This has been my guide in all the positions I’ve taken. The worst thing that can happen is umupo ka doon sa posisyon mo, na nagsilbi ka, umalis ka, walang pinagbago,” the President said.

“So, I absolutely insist that in 2028, when I leave this office, there are significant and tangible changes that will uplift the life of every Filipino,” the President emphasized.

In recent weeks, President Marcos has showcased his leadership momentum as an “action man,” carrying out a flurry of installations, inspections, and directives—each marked by swift, hands-on governance focused on improving lives and addressing urgent national concerns.

The President spearheaded activities primarily aimed at improving the country’s economy and addressing issues that affect the people’s basic needs.| PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) will collaborate with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to use space technology for the benefit of Filipinos.

The President met with JAXA executives as he concluded his business meetings in Osaka, Japan on Friday, June 20.

“We’re working with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), together with our very own Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), to use space technology that helps protect and improve the lives of Filipinos,” President Marcos said in a statement posted on social media.

“With better satellites, we can track typhoons and respond to disasters more quickly, help our farmers plan smarter, and keep our communities safer,” the President added.

President Marcos is on a four-day working visit to Japan from June 19 to 22.

JAXA has been a valuable partner of the Philippines in space science, technology and applications programs through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The DOST has collaborated with Japanese universities in the successful development and launch of the Philippines’ first microsatellites DIWATA-1 and DIWATA-2, nanosatellites MAYA-1 and MAYA-2, and the first Philippine university-built nanosatellites.

Founded in 2003, JAXA was formed through the merger of three institutions. It is Japan’s national space agency responsible for research, development, and the utilization of space and aeronautics.

In April 2015, JAXA became a national research and development (R&D) agency. It is engaged in various activities to promote R&D in the aerospace field, with emphasis on international cooperation, public relations, and collaboration with industries and educational institutions. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he chose to put his time and efforts as leader of the nation to uplift the lives of Filipinos and further the country’s progress, and leave the impeachment to Congress.

President Marcos made clear that he chose not to be involved in the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Siguro if a president chooses to do that; I choose not to,” the President said in the latest podcast interview aired on Saturday.

In the last part of the BBM Podcast Episode 2, President Marcos reiterated his stance that the executive department has no role in the impeachment of the Vice President as the process falls within the ambit of the legislative department.

“Lahat ng impeachment process nasa lehislatura ‘yan. It’s between Congress and the Senate,” said the President.

“I’m busy with the transport, with the rice, with all of the different things that we are doing that nauubos ang oras ko doon. Wala naman akong papel doon sa impeachment,” the President continued. | PND