President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged Filipinos to adopt an introspective and growth-focused mindset as they welcome a new year.

In his New Year’s Day message, President Marcos referred to the occasion as an opportunity “to learn from the lessons of the past and apply the wisdom gained to better oneself.”

“It is our desire for our citizens to embrace this outlook and adopt an introspective and growth-focused mindset that balances the realities of yesterday a n d the promises of tomorrow,” he said.

President Marcos recalled the previous months were filled with challenges but Filipinos have exhibited resilience in overcoming difficulties.

“Reflecting on the resilience we have shown in overcoming them, it is crucial for our progress to esteem such moments as hallmarks of the extraordinary strength we gain through solidarity and perseverance,” he said.

The President underscored looking ahead with renewed hope and optimism, with past experiences as guide “into building a future filled with promise and purpose.”

“Let us draw inspiration from the innumerable acts of courage, compassion, and bayanihan that we have witnessed in the face of adversity. Only then can we fortify the bonds that connect us, truly rebuild what has been lost, and realize a Bagong Pilipinas where dreams flourish and every Filipino thrives,” he said. | PND

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported this month that approved investments  under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. exceeded the target set for the 2024 target.

In a statement, the DTI said investments approved by the Board of Investments (BOI) amounted to PhP1.62 trillion, surpassing the PhP1.5 trillion target.

The figure is also higher than the PhP1.26 trillion approved investments in 2023.

The BOI said the energy sector, specifically the renewable energy projects, recorded the biggest surge in approvals, totaling PhP1.38 trillion, up by 40 percent year-on-year.

Other sectors which recorded the biggest increase include air and water transport, real estate activities (mass housing), manufacturing, water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) recorded PhP214.17 billion in approved investments, surpassing the PhP200 billion target for the year.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said these investments will fuel job creation, drive innovation, and foster dynamic economic progress. By focusing on international trade, the country is laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, she added.

“As we approach 2025, we are determined to build on this positive momentum. We will continue to refine and implement forward-looking policies that attract investments in these key industries, ensuring that the Philippines remains a prime destination for innovation and growth,” Roque said.

While those agencies did not say whether those approvals were a direct result of the foreign trips of President Marcos, notable achievements were recorded by the administration this year.

Trade officials said the foreign trips of President Marcos, aimed at encouraging investors abroad to come to the Philippines, along with other promotional efforts by investment promotion agencies, have resulted in actual registrations and projects.

They said the Philippines used to lag behind Thailand and Malaysia in terms of investments, but the current figures show, particularly in the first three quarters of 2024, the Philippines did better than its two Southeast Asian neighbors.

The major factors for such success include the administration’s aggressive promotional efforts overseas, as well as the policy reforms initiated by the Marcos government, which were laid out to investors.

They cited, for instance, the change in the renewable energy policies that the President instituted in November 2022, in addition to the Executive Order on Green Lane, among other reforms.

Benefit to Filipinos

President Marcos’ visit to Japan early this year also paved the way for the forging of a partnership between a Japanese chocolate manufacturer with a Filipino chocolate company.

Locally-owned Auro Chocolate and Japan’s retail giant Mitsukoshi were set to partner in creating product lines to showcase Davao’s cacao beans and Japan’s traditional ingredients like matcha, hojicha, and miso.

The partnership of Auro and Mitsukoshi is seen to benefit 1,000 families.

More Filipinos were seen to feel the tangible benefits of the President’s diplomatic and business meetings abroad with more investments coming into the country.

Also, in his visit to Viet Nam last January, President Marcos was able to secure VinGroup Company’s commitment to invest in the Philippines, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) battery production, which is significant to the government’s modernization of public transportation.

President Marcos also reaffirmed the Philippine government’s commitment for business opportunity exploration, exchange of technology and capacity-building collaboration with Viet Nam, aiming to uplift the welfare of Filipino workers in various industries.

In his visit to Melbourne, Australia, President Marcos secured 12 business agreements amounting to USD1.53 billion, or PhP86 billion worth of investments covering diverse sectors such as renewable energy, clean technology, and recycling solutions, housing, IT-BPM infrastructure, medical devices, and digital health services.

He met with Australian business leaders and also launched the expansion of the Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), a subsidiary of the International Container Terminal Services Incorporated (ICTSI) in the Philippines on the sidelines of his participation in the 50th ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.

The PEZA, on the other hand, reported the approval of PhP2.84-billion investments for March 2024, almost half of which came as a result of the foreign trips of President Marcos, reflecting the country’s bullishness to attract more investments under the current administration.

PEZA noted the foreign trips of the President attracted more investments, with the latest from Germany and the Czech Republic, saying at that time, based on its running of figures, it could easily be at 43 percent of its PhP175.7 billion investments, or roughly PhP75 billion. | PND

The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains on track in achieving its legislative agenda of further expanding the Philippine economy while protecting the welfare of Filipinos and the country’s interests.

This year, President Marcos has signed into law several bills of national significance. Eleven of these priority measures came from the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

Among these priority laws, the President was clear on his directive on making public procurement practices at par with international standards. This is now becoming reality with the newly-signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act.

With the country’s journey to digital transformation, the government has also set in place a legislation that would protect financial consumers through the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act (RA 12010).

The VAT on Digital Transactions Act (RA 12023), on the other hand, expands and streamlines the authority of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to collect Value Added Tax on foreign digital services.

Since Day One of his leadership, President Marcos has been a staunch supporter of the growth of the agricultural sector, hoping to replicate the passion of his late father in farming. Thus, the enactment of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (RA 12022) and the Agricultural Tariffication Act (RA 12078).

The said priority measures are expected to fortify support to Filipino farmers and also protect consumers from unjust increases in prices of basic commodities.

President Marcos also leads in championing the interests of the country by further asserting the country’s rights among its domain by way of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (RA 12064), and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA 12065).

He also fortified support to local defense industries through the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Revitalization Act (RA 12024).

President Marcos has also signed the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act (RA 12066), a landmark legislation enhancing the country’s business landscape, making the Philippines tax incentives competitive, and investment-friendly.

While the country eyes on becoming an investment hub in Asia, President Marcos has stressed the need to produce a competitive workforce using a multi-faceted approach. This is where the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program Act (RA 12028) and the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Program Act (RA 12063) take role in increasing young Filipinos’ competencies and bridging the gap between education and industry demands.

While several laws were not initially part of the administration’s legislative agenda, President Marcos underscored the need to ensure enacted laws support its vision for a Bagong Pilipinas. These emphasize the welfare of stakeholders in the education sector and strengthen the country’s capacity in disaster risk response.

In the same year, President Marcos signed laws providing students and teachers the driving force and relentless opportunities through the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act (RA 11984), and the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act (RA 11997), granting teaching allowances for public school teachers.

The President also addressed the issue of mental health by passing Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (RA 12080) for learners and school staff.

In case of disasters and emergencies, the President signed RA 12076 or Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, ordering the establishment of safe evacuation centers for every city and municipality, and the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters Emergencies Act (RA 12077).

For 2024, President Marcos has signed and approved over 100 laws for both local and national levels. These laws are highly valuable and aligned with the government’s pursuit of national progress. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been steadfast in his commitment to usher economic reforms that will result in better lives for Filipinos under its banner of Bagong Pilipinas.

Among the key reforms are programs and initiatives that ensure liberalization, privatization, and globalization in the country.

President Marcos started 2024 with a promise to further strengthen the country’s economy, particularly boosting agriculture  after the country’s inflation rate settled to its lowest level in December 2023.

Included in its commitment to strengthen the economy are strategies of implementing timely deployment of trade policy tools along with sustained investments in irrigation, flood control, supply chain logistics, and climate change adaptation.

PH Standardization towards globalization

A contributor to economic reform are globalization strategies through standardization of economic activities in the country.

In January, President Marcos ordered the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to standardize Philippine maritime practices to align with global benchmarks.

Among its core programs are the modernization and expansion of the Philippine domestic shipping, promotion and expansion of the Philippine overseas shipping, modernization of the Philippine shipbuilding and ship repair industry and promotion of highly-skilled Filipinos and competitive maritime workforce.

Also included in globalization are programs that enhance the capacity of Filipino workers into globally-standard skills.

In March, during his visit in Germany, President Marcos signed an agreement for the reskilling and upskilling of Filipino workers on digitalization and green economy.

Following the signing for renewal of the “Cooperation Program” between the two educational and training entities, TESDA and Germany’s Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) carried out several measures for capacity building.

Among the capacity building measures include conducting thematic visits per year, with both entities providing workplace and technical facilities for free.

Other measures include exchange on policy research and knowledge management, support evaluation for apprenticeship and dual training systems programs, and support evaluation and improvement of the Study on the Employment of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Graduates (SETG).

Liberalizing restrictions on info transfer technology, ease of doing business PH

A pillar to the country’s economic reform is liberalization to restrictions on the economic system.

One of those include President Marcos’ digital transformation agenda that prompted Google to expand its business in the Philippines.

President Marcos met with executives of Google in April after his trilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in Washington where they discussed ways to strengthen economic and maritime cooperation between the three countries.

He asked Google to increase the cybersecurity activity in the Philippines, particularly the country’s regulatory efforts and to come up with a system that will provide efficient digital services for all Filipinos across the country.

Privatization cut govt’s  financial burdens through PPP towards better economy

Public-Private Partnership has been known as one of the government’s options that can reduce its financial burden while still providing economic support to its people.

One of these PPPs that helped the country’s economy reduce financial burden is the privatization of the Laguindingan Airport and turned it into an international aviation hub.

Through the agreement, Aboitiz InfraCapital expanded Laguindingan’s capacity from 1.6 million passengers annually to 6.3 million each year, thereby promoting regional growth, generating jobs and livelihood while creating investment opportunities.

In April, efforts to make Batangas port perform multi-strategic roles propel economic development.

Maximizing the port of Batangas helps decongest the seaports in Manila, causing the dispersal of economic activities to places more than capable of housing entrepreneurial and industrial boom.

Inaugurating the bigger and better passenger terminal fully unlocks the potential of the places and people being served by Batangas port.

The project implementation generated more than 1,100 jobs and is expected to further generate around 1,800 jobs through the commercial establishments in the Batangas Port Passenger Terminal Building (PTB). | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. fulfilled his promise to enhance the country’s transportation system by inaugurating the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension Project (L1CE) Phase 1 on November 15, 2024.

The extension, which began operations on November 16, introduces five new stations namely: Redemptorist-ASEANA, Manila International Airport Road, Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Ninoy Aquino Avenue, and Dr. Santos (formerly Sucat).

The new line is the first railway project completed under the Marcos administration. It reduces travel time between Baclaran, Pasay City, and Bacoor, Cavite, from 1 hour and 10 minutes to just 25 minutes, serving 80,000 additional passengers daily.

Phase 1 of the extension adds six kilometers to the existing 20.7-kilometer LRT-1 line, bringing its total length to 26 kilometers.

A Legacy Fulfilled

In his speech, President Marcos paid tribute to his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., for laying the foundation of Metro Manila’s first urban rail transit system.

Despite early criticism, President Marcos Sr. pushed forward with the project, which has since transformed daily commutes for millions of Filipinos.

The LRT-1 became Southeast Asia’s first urban light rail system.

“No one is happier than his son today, seeing my father’s foresight validated as this system grows to serve more of our people,” the President remarked.

Decades in the Making

The LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project has spanned multiple administrations, with contributions from various leaders over the years.

“This project has been a long time coming—spanning five administrations, from President (Joseph) Estrada to President (Gloria Macapagal) Arroyo, President (Benigno) Aquino (Jr.), President (Rodrigo) Duterte, and now my own,” President Marcos said.

“We owe its success to the hard work of my predecessors, and we recognize their efforts in making this dream a reality.”

Future Phases: Expanding Connectivity

The next stages of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension are already in motion. The construction of Phase 2 and Phase 3 is scheduled to begin in 2026, according to the Department of Transportation.

Phase 2 will include the opening of the Las Piñas and Zapote Stations, further extending the reach of the commuter railway system.

Phase 3 will culminate with the Niog Station in Bacoor, Cavite, serving as the final stop in the extension project.

Driving Economic Growth and Easing Traffic

Once fully operational, the entire extension is expected to accommodate an additional 300,000 passengers daily and significantly ease traffic congestion in Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Bacoor.

The project is part of the administration’s broader vision for a seamless, modernized public transportation system, which includes other major rail projects like the MRT-7 and the North-South Commuter Railway, according to President Marcos.

“The L1CE ensures a more efficient, reliable, and seamless mode of transport, benefiting commuters across Metro Manila, Cavite, and nearby regions,” he said.

The inauguration of the Phase 1 Cavite Extension project is a testament to the Marcos administration’s commitment to build a transformative infrastructure that connects communities, boosts economic growth, and improves the lives of Filipinos. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has demonstrated his commitment to improving the country’s infrastructure with the inauguration of the Panguil Bay Bridge, the longest water-spanning bridge in Mindanao.

Opened in September 2024, the 3.16-kilometer bridge connects Tangub City in Misamis Occidental to Tubod in Lanao del Norte, providing comfort and convenience to more than 10,000 commuters daily.

The bridge has significantly reduced travel time between the two provinces—from two hours to just seven minutes—marking a major milestone in Philippine infrastructure development.

A Journey Marked by Challenges

During the inauguration, President Marcos highlighted the bridge’s challenging journey from conception to completion.

The pre-feasibility study began in 1998, but it wasn’t until May 2015 that the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved the project.

Construction officially started in February 2020, but progress was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic and budget constraints.

President Marcos recalled how these challenges tested the resolve of project stakeholders:

“When the pandemic hit, the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] had to pause, recalibrate, and revisit strategies. Just as they found ways to move forward, funding issues arose, slowing the project down again.”

Despite the setbacks, the President emphasized perseverance.

“Pero hindi tayo nagpapatinag nang basta-basta. We do not get intimidated or discouraged by obstacles. We worked harder, pushed harder, and never lost sight of why we are building this bridge.”

To ensure its completion, President Marcos, as chairman of the NEDA Board, approved an additional PhP650.89 million, increasing the project’s total cost from PhP7.38 billion to PhP8.03 billion.

A Catalyst for Growth

The President underscored the bridge’s far-reaching impact on Mindanao’s economy, particularly for local businesses.

Faster transportation of goods and safer, more convenient travel are expected to spur growth and development in the region.

“The bridge is a gateway to a world where distance no longer limits our dreams, where aspirations can take flight, and where the ambitions of entrepreneurs fuel growth and prosperity,” President Marcos said in his speech.

World-Class Technology for a Landmark Project

The Panguil Bay Bridge was implemented by the DPWH and constructed through a loan agreement with the Korean Export-Import Bank’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund.

It utilized advanced Korean bridge technology, including an extra-dosed main bridge with a 320-meter central span. A state-of-the-art lighting system ensures safety during nighttime travel.

The Panguil Bay Bridge stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to the “Build Better More” initiative, signaling a new era of infrastructure development in the Philippines. | PND

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) vowed to work diligently in building necessary infrastructures that contribute to national development following the signing of the PhP6.326 trillion national budget for 2025.

In his statement during a Palace press briefing after the budget signing on Monday, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said they are honored for the full trust and confidence that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the legislators extended to the department.

“It is therefore our responsibility to ensure that these funds are used wisely and efficiently as well as professionally in the most transparent manner, proving ourselves, deserving of the trust placed on us. We are committed to making every cent of their contributions worth by delivering quality infrastructure that drives the national progress,” Bonoan said.

“Rest-assured that the Department of Public Works and Highways will continue to work diligently in support of the Bagong Pilipinas agenda advancing infrastructure that uplifts the lives of our fellow Filipinos.”

President Marcos vetoed roughly PhP26 billion in appropriations under the DPWH, which were deemed not totally supportive of the administration’s eight-point socio-economic agenda.

Bonoan added these projects need more scrutiny and must be ready for implementation.

“These are some of the projects not ready for implementation at this point. So, these are projects that we have deferred,” he explained.

There are also PhP168 billion worth of projects that are unprogrammed appropriations (UA), which were vetoed by the President.

The UA increased to 300 percent during the bicameral conference, making it almost 10 percent of the total budget. It was trimmed down to be consistent with the five percent standby fund, making it roughly 4.7 percent of the total budget.

In his speech, the President said he directly vetoed appropriations not responsive to the peoples’ needs. Conditional implementation on certain items was also pursued to ensure public funds are utilized according to authorized purposes, he added. | PND

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for vetoing appropriations in the national budget for 2025 that are not responsive to Filipinos’ needs. 

NEDA chief Arsenio Balisacan praised President Marcos for judiciously vetoing certain line items in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for next year.

He also commended the President for setting specific conditions for implementing certain programs and projects under the GAA, such as requiring the issuance of guidelines and compliance with pertinent laws, policies, and standard regulations.

According to him, the President’s decisive actions “demonstrate the administration’s commitment to a fiscal program by ensuring that planned spending remains within the target deficit ceiling, keeping us on track to meet our medium-term fiscal targets.”

After thoroughly reviewing and scrutinizing the GAA for 2025, President Marcos signed the national budget on Monday.

The budget, initially amounting to PhP6.352 trillion, was reduced to PhP6.326 trillion following the veto of PhP194 billion worth of line items deemed “inconsistent with the administration’s priority programs.”

Of the vetoed PhP194-billion, the President directly vetoed PhP26.065 billion worth of projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and PhP168.240 billion allocated under “Unprogrammed Appropriations.”

He also pursued Conditional Implementation on specific items to ensure funds are utilized effectively, emphasizing that government must not be merely a provisional solution, but address long-term issues.

Balisacan expressed his full support for the newly-signed national budget.

“The 2025 GAA supports the goals outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, including attaining our medium-term goal targets as approved by the Development Budget Coordination Committee,” he said.

“The budget prioritizes strategic investments in social services with substantial allocations to education, health, and social welfare programs, and infrastructure projects to boost our growth,” he added.

These investments, he said, are crucial for achieving the PDP targets related to human capital development and poverty reduction in line with the Marcos administration’s commitment to public welfare and fiscal responsibility. | PND

The national budget approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is true to the Philippine constitution, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) clarified on Monday.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stressed the constitutionality of the newly-approved budget amid questions raised over some vetoed provisions of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2025.

The budget, initially amounting to PhP6.352 trillion, was reduced to PhP6.326 trillion following the veto of PhP194 billion worth of line items deemed “inconsistent with the administration’s priority programs.”

Of the vetoed PhP194-billion, President Marcos directly vetoed PhP26.065 billion worth of projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and PhP168.240 billion allocated under “Unprogrammed Appropriations.”

In his speech during the signing of the GAA, the President mentioned calls to veto the entire budget and revert to a reenacted one. “However, this is not an option we can afford,” he said.

According to the President, “a reenacted budget would set us back, delay our vital programs and jeopardize our targets for economic growth, including our goals of achieving single-digit poverty levels, and upper-middle-income status.”

Pangandaman said that while the power of the purse is with Congress, the Executive Department can veto certain items in the proposed budget as allowed by the Constitution.

“The President ensured that the budget remained true to our constitutional mandates while exercising his veto power to ensure that the budget ultimately continues to be directed to meeting our agenda for prosperity,” she explained.

The DBM chief expressed gratitude to the President for thoroughly scrutinizing the national budget to arrive at a sound decision.

“We would like to thank our President, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for personally being on top of reviewing the bicameral committee’s version of the budget,” Pangandaman said.

“While the congress’ version was quite different from the proposed budget that we submitted, we are grateful and relieved that the President has made sure that we do not end up with a reenacted budget,” she added. | PND