MUNTINLUPA CITY — First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos visited the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) on Tuesday, October 20, bringing together art, medical care and legal assistance in an initiative aimed at helping persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) rebuild their lives and prepare for their return to society.

Through the Kulay, Kalinga, Katarungan at Kalayaan program, the First Lady joined painting activities with PDLs at the Medium Security Camp, providing an opportunity for creative expression and meaningful interaction beyond the daily routines of prison life.

The program also featured a dermatological medical and wellness mission, extending healthcare services to PDLs as part of efforts to support their physical and emotional well-being.

A significant part of the initiative focused on helping eligible PDLs regain their freedom and reunite with their families.

More than 200 lawyers and representatives from various organizations gathered at the facility to assist in reviewing cases and processing the necessary documents for the release of qualified inmates.

Forty-three PDLs are scheduled for release Tuesday, while the documents of more than 1,000 others are being processed for possible release in the coming weeks, subject to legal requirements.

For many of these individuals, the initiative offers the possibility of returning home in time for Christmas, reuniting with loved ones and beginning a new chapter after years of separation.

The First Lady also participated in a painting session with Associate Justice Karl Miranda and BAGA President Joey De Leon, highlighting the role of art in rehabilitation and personal development.

Beyond providing immediate assistance, the initiative recognizes that rehabilitation involves more than serving a sentence. It also means ensuring access to healthcare, opportunities for personal growth and the legal assistance necessary for eligible individuals to return to their communities.

Through Kulay, Kalinga, Katarungan at Kalayaan, the First Lady continues to support initiatives that recognize the dignity of every individual and the importance of giving people a meaningful opportunity to start again.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday visited a public elementary school in Sulu to oversee the delivery of free healthcare services to students, teachers, and their families through the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP).

The President visited Kawmpang Elementary School in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu, where the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), conducted a YAKAP Caravan to bring essential medical services closer to school communities.

Accompanied by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, President Marcos interacted with students and teachers and inspected booths offering free healthcare services.

Around 1,280 students, parents, and teachers from Kawmpang Elementary School and another 366 from Martirez Elementary School in Jolo availed the YAKAP services.

The YAKAP Caravan provided PhilHealth registration, initial patient assessments, medical and dental consultations, and free medicines.

The initiative aims to remove financial and geographical barriers to healthcare by bringing essential medical services closer to communities, particularly schoolchildren and their families.

Through YAKAP, public schools serve as access points for primary healthcare, allowing students and teachers to receive medical attention without having to travel to hospitals or health centers.

The program also promotes early detection of health conditions that may affect children’s learning, including poor eyesight, hearing problems, dental concerns, malnutrition, and developmental difficulties.

Students requiring further medical attention, including learners with disabilities, may also be referred to appropriate healthcare providers.

Under the initiative, school clinics may partner with PhilHealth-accredited YAKAP providers through the CLASS+ program to expand access to primary care services.

Private healthcare providers and other partners are also encouraged to adopt schools and provide additional medical personnel and services.

The YAKAP initiative complements the government’s school feeding and Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program by addressing health-related concerns that may affect students’ attendance and academic performance. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday hailed the historic listing of Mynt, Inc., the company behind GCash, on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), saying the milestone reflects strong investor confidence in Filipino innovation and opens opportunities for broader participation in the country’s economic growth.

Speaking at Mynt’s initial public offering (IPO) listing ceremony at the PSE Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, President Marcos congratulated the homegrown financial technology company for demonstrating the Philippines’ capability to develop world-class innovations.

“This is a significant achievement, demonstrating that world-class innovation can be built and scaled here in the Philippines,” the President said.

Mynt’s debut on the PSE Main Board under the stock symbol GCASH, with an offering that could raise up to P60.9 billion, marks a major milestone for the country’s financial technology industry and capital market.

President Marcos said the IPO’s strong interest shows continued confidence in Filipino enterprises.

“The strong interest it has attracted from local and international investors is proof of the continued confidence in Filipino enterprises,” the President said.

President Marcos highlighted GCash’s transformation from a simple electronic money transfer service into a leading digital financial platform providing millions of Filipinos with access to payments, savings, loans, insurance, and investments.

The President noted that digital wallets, which became essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, have also helped micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) access convenient payment systems and financial services that support business expansion and employment.

The President particularly welcomed the opportunity for ordinary Filipinos to participate in Mynt’s public offering through GStocks PH, which allowed qualified GCash users to subscribe to 100 shares for P660 from October 6 to 12.

“This just shows that digital technology can make investment opportunities more accessible to everyone,” President Marcos said.

The President emphasized that expanding financial inclusion must be accompanied by stronger consumer safeguards, data privacy protection, financial literacy, and measures against scams, phishing, and identity theft.

Meanwhile, President Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Philippine capital market through reforms that encourage investment and broader public participation.

The President cited the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA), which reduced the stock transaction tax from 0.6 percent to 0.1 percent, alongside Securities and Exchange Commission reforms aimed at improving market liquidity and investor participation.

The Chief Executive expressed hope that Mynt’s listing would encourage more Filipino companies and innovators to raise capital locally, expand their operations, generate employment, and contribute to economic growth.

The President also urged the private sector to continue supporting homegrown enterprises and emerging technologies that create opportunities and improve Filipino lives.

The Chief Executive said the government would continue improving the ease of doing business, promoting fair competition, and supporting responsible innovation toward a progressive, secure, and digitally enabled economy.

“May this milestone mark the beginning of greater opportunities for Filipino enterprises, renewed confidence in our capital market, and broader participation in our country’s economic growth,” President Marcos said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday underscored the importance of ensuring access to justice for every Filipino during the inauguration of the Sulu Hall of Justice, saying the facility would bring judicial services closer to the people and strengthen the province’s rule of law.

“As we come together here at the Sulu Hall of Justice, we reaffirm a fundamental principle: that justice must be accessible to every Filipino, and that our institutions must uphold the rule of law, protect our people’s rights, and bring government closer to those it serves,” said President Marcos at the inauguration and turnover ceremony of the Sulu Hall of Justice.

President Marcos said the occasion was particularly meaningful for Sulu, where limited judicial facilities have long hampered service delivery, disrupted court operations, delayed case resolution, and placed an additional burden on the people.

The President acknowledged that these challenges affect Filipinos whose livelihoods and families may depend on the timely resolution of their cases.

“After all, peace means resolving conflicts through justice, treating every person with fairness, and respecting the rule of law,” President Marcos said. “The establishment of the Sulu Hall of Justice is a concrete step toward making that principle a reality.”

“The Sulu Hall of Justice makes the justice system more accessible to our people, providing a place where their rights can be upheld, their grievances heard, and their disputes resolved under the rule of law,” the President said.

“Beyond providing a dedicated space for court operations, the Sulu Hall of Justice supports the Judiciary’s continuing efforts to improve efficiency and modernize its services,” President Marcos added.

The Sulu Hall of Justice, with courtrooms and offices under one roof in an 8,010-square-meter lot is located at the Sulu Provincial Capitol, Capitol Site, Barangay Bangkal, Jolo. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a telephone conversation Tuesday ahead of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in November, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing regional cooperation.

The two leaders discussed preparations for the upcoming summits, which will bring together ASEAN leaders and dialogue partners, to address key regional and international issues.

President Marcos and Prime Minister Takaichi also discussed the 4th Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders’ Meeting, which the Philippines and Japan are scheduled to co-chair in November.

AZEC is a Japan-led initiative aimed at promoting clean energy, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting sustainable economic growth while strengthening energy security across the region. During the AZEC Plus One Online Summit on April 15, 2026 attended by both leaders, Japan announced its US$10-billion Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia) initiative to support energy security and resilience across the region.

President Marcos and Prime Minister Takaichi last held a bilateral meeting on May 28 during the former’s State Visit to Japan, when the two countries elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

During the phone call today, the two leaders also discussed various areas of cooperation, such as on the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), defense and security, and Japan’s long-standing support to peace consolidation efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The President and the Prime Minister likewise exchanged views on Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation and regional developments. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised Filipino nurses for their skills, hard work, and dedication, recognizing their important role in providing healthcare in the Philippines and abroad.

Speaking at the Philippine Nurses Association, Inc. (PNA) National Annual Convention 2026 in Pasay City on Monday, President Marcos said Filipino nurses have earned the respect of leaders around the world for their excellent service.

“Whenever I meet leaders from different countries, the first thing they tell us, they always come up to me and say, ‘we are so grateful for the nurses that have been providing exemplary service for our people,’” the President said.

“And so that is how important you have become not only to the Philippines but also to the rest of the world,” the Chief Executive added.

President Marcos emphasized the need to protect nurses’ welfare, improve working conditions, and provide more career opportunities.

“Your contributions deserve our recognition and our continued commitment to advance the welfare and professional development of nurses,” the President said.

President Marcos noted the government is working to reduce the number of patients assigned to each nurse, fill vacant positions, and provide more training opportunities in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The President also called on government agencies, private companies, schools, and communities to work together to build a stronger healthcare system.

President Marcos thanked Filipino nurses for their dedication and service to the country.

“To our nurses: Maraming salamat po sa inyong taos-pusong paglilingkod,” President Marcos said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) operational capabilities, maritime security readiness, and international cooperation to safeguard the country’s maritime interests and sovereign rights.

Speaking during the PCG Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at Pier 13 Grounds, South Harbor, Manila, President Marcos underscored the Coast Guard’s critical role in protecting Filipino communities, responding to maritime emergencies, and upholding the country’s rights over its waters.

“Across our waters, the PCG works alongside other maritime agencies to safeguard our people, protect our maritime interests, and uphold our sovereign rights,” the President said.

The Chief Executive emphasized that the Coast Guard has become an indispensable institution in ensuring maritime safety, particularly during natural disasters and emergencies involving fishermen and commercial vessels.

“The Philippine Coast Guard is, in many ways, the face of the Filipino at sea,” President Marcos said.

“When a storm happens, a vessel gets into trouble, the PCG responds. When our fishermen need assistance, the Coast Guard answers the call,” the President added.

The President said the nation’s continued reliance on the Coast Guard reflects its consistent performance in fulfilling its responsibilities despite increasingly complex maritime challenges.

“Truly, the entire nation has come to rely on our Coast Guard because it shows up, again and again, to do its duty,” President Marcos said.

The President also expressed confidence in newly appointed PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Rommel Supangan, whose extensive experience in maritime operations and leadership is expected to sustain the institution’s capability development.

Supangan previously served as Commander of the Coast Guard Fleet, Coast Guard District Palawan, and the Marine Environmental Protection Command.

“I am confident that you will build on the accomplishments of your predecessor, further strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard with the full support of this Administration,” President Marcos said.

The President’s assurance underscored the administration’s continuing support for strengthening the Coast Guard’s capacity to carry out maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental protection, and other critical operations.

President Marcos also called on Coast Guard personnel to preserve the institution’s tradition of courage, discipline, and professionalism as it enters a new chapter under its incoming leadership.

“For 125 years, generations of Coast Guardians have answered the call to protect our people and our seas. That responsibility now rests in your hands,” the President said.

“Together, let us keep watch over our seas and safeguard the future of our nation and our people,” President Marcos noted. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday honored outgoing Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan for his exemplary leadership and more than three decades of dedicated public service, particularly his contributions to strengthening maritime security and emergency response capabilities.

Speaking during the PCG Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at Pier 13 Grounds, South Harbor, Manila, President Marcos commended Gavan for leading the organization with professionalism, integrity, and commitment to protecting Filipino lives and the country’s maritime interests.

“We are here today to recognize a man who has dedicated his entire career to public service,” President Marcos said.

“For the past three years, Admiral Gavan has led this institution with dedication, professionalism, and a firm commitment to protecting our people and our waters,” the President added.

President Marcos highlighted the Coast Guard’s accomplishments under Gavan’s leadership, particularly its strengthened search-and-rescue operations, disaster preparedness, and maritime safety programs.

During Gavan’s tenure, the PCG conducted nearly 5,000 search-and-rescue responses, saving 22,784 people from maritime emergencies.

The Coast Guard also enhanced its emergency response capabilities by implementing the 10/30 doctrine, designed to accelerate the deployment of assistance during life-threatening situations.

President Marcos likewise recognized the PCG’s critical role during Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan in 2025, including the preemptive evacuation of 630,812 individuals ahead of Super Typhoon Uwan.

Beyond emergency response, the President credited Gavan’s leadership for safeguarding millions of passengers, protecting maritime interests, and strengthening cooperation with international partners.

“Together, these achievements reflect a Coast Guard that is more capable, more responsive, and better prepared to serve our people,” President Marcos said.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Maalab Class of 1993, Gavan has received four Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medals and two PMA Cavalier Awards in recognition of his distinguished career.

“Admiral Gavan, maraming, maraming salamat. Pinamunuan ninyo ang Philippine Coast Guard nang may integridad at katapatan sa tungkulin. Sa ilalim ng inyong pamumuno, lalo itong naging handa, matatag, at maaasahan,” the President said.

President Marcos also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Gavan’s family throughout his years in uniform and wished the retiring commandant a fulfilling life beyond active service. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Vice Admiral Rommel A. Supangan as the new Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), succeeding Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, who is retiring from service.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced the appointment during a Palace press briefing on Monday.

President Marcos is scheduled to attend the PCG Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at the Port Area in Manila on Monday afternoon.

Supangan, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Marilag” Class of 1995, has served in the PCG for more than three decades, holding key leadership positions in maritime operations, environmental protection, and strategic affairs.

Before his appointment, Supangan served as Commander of the PCG Marine Environmental Protection Command from February to October 2026 and Commander of the Coast Guard Fleet from June 2025 to October 2026.

He also served as Acting Director of the Coast Guard Strategic Studies and International Affairs Center from June 2025 to February 2026 and previously headed the Coast Guard District Palawan.

Supangan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval System Engineering from the PMA and a Master of Science in Maritime Affairs, major in Marine Environment and Ocean Management, from the World Maritime University in Sweden.

Among his distinctions are the PMA Cavalier Award for Coast Guard Operations under the Senior Officer Category and unit commendations for Coast Guard District Palawan.

“Si Admiral Supangan ang papalit kay retired Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan at magpapatuloy sa mandato ng Philippine Coast Guard na pangalagaan ang ating mga baybayin at siguruhin ang kaligtasan at seguridad sa ating mga nasasakupang karagatan,” said Castro. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to improve the working conditions of Filipino nurses, provide more career opportunities, and strengthen support for healthcare workers.

Speaking at the Philippine Nurses Association, Inc. (PNA) National Annual Convention 2026 in Pasay City on Monday, President Marcos emphasized the need to fill vacant nursing positions and reduce the number of patients assigned to each nurse.

“We must also work towards improving nurse-to-patient ratios, filling vacant positions, and providing more opportunities for our Filipino nurses’ growth,” the President said.

President Marcos cited the increase in funding for the Health Emergency Allowance from PhP6.8 billion in 2022 to more than PhP110 billion in 2026 for public and private healthcare workers.

The President said the government also provides jobs and review classes assistance through the Clinical Care Associates Program for nursing graduates who have yet to pass the licensure examination.

President Marcos said the government continues to work with the Department of Health (DOH), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to strengthen the nursing workforce and provide more training opportunities.

“Our goal is to help more qualified Filipinos enter the profession, strengthen the capabilities and protect the welfare of our nurses to ensure that our healthcare institutions have the workforce that they need to serve our communities,” the Chief Executive said.

The President thanked nurses for their service and assured them of the government’s continued support.

“Patuloy po kaming magsisikap upang maibigay ang suporta, benepisyo, at oportunidad na nararapat para sa inyo,” President Marcos reiterated. | PND