“When you have to excise a cancer out of such a complicated system, you need to do some very major surgery.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. likened the administration’s ongoing reforms against corruption to a major surgery needed to remove a cancer, assuring that the country “may be bleeding now, but we will also heal very, very quickly.”

Speaking before the Malacañang Press Corps on Wednesday, President Marcos acknowledged that the campaign to stamp out corruption has been difficult, as the country continues to endure the painful consequences of dismantling entrenched abuses and overhauling a deeply flawed system.

“The truth of the matter is, it really has been a difficult time because I knew that what we were starting would really be disruptive, but we are trying precisely to change the entire system,” the President said.

“And when you have to excise a cancer out of such a complicated system, you need to do some very major surgery. And to do that, when you do that, you will bleed. And that is what we had to go through. We had to go through that,” the President added.

President Marcos continued, “I am sorry that people suffered because of it, but it had to be done. Otherwise, we will do things the same way that we have always done, that the things that we have discovered that are being done for the last three decades will just continue.”

The Chief Executive said the nation must endure the pain and anguish that come with such reforms, but expressed confidence in the Filipino people’s resilience.

“So we have to go through that pain, go through difficulty, go through the anguish that the country is going through now. But we are Filipinos. We may be bleeding now, but we will also heal very, very quickly,” President Marcos emphasized.

President Marcos exposed irregularities in flood control and infrastructure projects during his Fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, 2025.

The President later established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which investigated anomalous flood control and other projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and recommended filing charges against several individuals implicated in the scandal.

The Office of the Ombudsman has also filed complaints against several personalities, while the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has issued freeze orders for around PhP12 billion worth of assets of individuals linked to the corruption scheme.

President Marcos said the administration remains firmly on track with its reform agenda, adding that the administration knows exactly what steps must be taken and will continue its campaign against abuses, entitlement, and irregular practices.

“So, it’s not as if we are lost and we do not know what we are going to do. We know what we are going to do, and we will continue this campaign against corruption. We will continue our campaign on this abuse and this entitlement that has shocked everyone, myself included,” the President said.

President Marcos expressed optimism that once the nation overcomes this period, it will emerge stronger and more capable of preventing similar problems in the future.

“So I hope that once we go through this, and I know it will be done, once we go through this, that we will be able to look back on this and say, ‘Okay, mahirap iyong nangyari pero kailangan gawin at worth it iyong pagdusa na pinagdaanan natin para sa naging resulta. That is what we are hoping for,” the President added.

President Marcos emphasized that, “There is very little time to do it but I really think if we work 24/7 like we always have, I think we can do it.” | PND

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order 107, updating the base pay schedule and increasing the subsistence allowance for military and uniformed personnel (MUP).

By authority of President Marcos, Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto signed the EO dated December 3, which would cover all military personnel under the Department of National Defense (DND) and uniformed personnel under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

“Given the prevailing economic circumstances, there is a need to update the base pay schedule and increase the subsistence allowance of MUP in recognition of their vital role in nation building, and in order to boost their morale and maintain a competent, committed, agile, and healthy workforce,” EO No. 107 stated.

The EO provided that the updated base pay schedule for the MUP shall be implemented in three tranches, with the first tranche beginning on January 1, 2026, the next on January 1, 2027, and the third on January 1, 2028.

The order also said that the subsistence allowance of all MUP shall be at the rate of PhP350 per day, effective January 1, 2026.

The order states that funds for the increase in the base pay and subsistence allowance in Fiscal Year 2026 will come from available appropriations in the 2026 national budget and other allowable sources, subject to standard budgeting and auditing rules.

The funding requirements for the adjustment in the base pay for FY 2027 and 2028 and the increase in subsistence allowance in the succeeding FYs shall be included in the proposed annual National Expenditure Program to be submitted to Congress.

Under the EO, an Inter-Agency Technical Working Group (lATWG) will also be created to conduct a comprehensive review of the current MUP pension system. The IATWG will be composed of representatives from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of Treasury, and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

The comprehensive review of the current MUP pension system aims to ensure a sustainable and equitable pension system.

The IATWG shall also formulate and recommend draft legislation, as may be necessary, based on the results of the review.

The EO said all MUP agencies are directed to provide the necessary technical, administrative, and logistical support to the IATWG to facilitate a comprehensive review.

Within 90 days of the Order’s effectivity, the DBM must issue guidelines for its implementation, including updates to the base pay schedule and adjustments to the subsistence allowance.

Within 30 days from the effectivity of the EO, member-agencies of the IATWG and concerned MUP agencies shall designate their respective authorized representatives to participate in the review process. ǀ PND

Naglabas si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ng Executive Order 107 na nag-a-update sa base pay schedule at nagpapataas sa subsistence allowance para sa military at uniformed personnel (MUP).

Sa awtoridad ng Pangulo, pinirmahan ni Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto ang kautusan nitong Disyembre 3, na sasaklaw sa lahat ng militar sa ilalim ng Department of National Defense (DND) at uniformed personnel ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), at National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

“Given the prevailing economic circumstances, there is a need to update the base pay schedule and increase the subsistence allowance of MUP in recognition of their vital role in nation building, and in order to boost their morale and maintain a competent, committed, agile, and healthy workforce,” nakasaad sa EO No. 107.

Itinakda ng EO na ang updated base pay schedule para sa MUP ay ipapatupad sa tatlong yugto: ang unang bugso ay magsisimula sa Enero 1, 2026; ang ikalawa sa Enero 1, 2027; at ang ikatlo sa Enero 1, 2028.

Ayon sa kautusan, ang subsistence allowance para sa lahat ng MUP ay magiging PhP350 bawat araw simula Enero 1, 2026.

Nakasaad din sa EO na ang pondo para sa pagtaas ng base pay at subsistence allowance sa Fiscal Year 2026 ay magmumula sa available appropriations sa 2026 national budget at iba pang pinahihintulutang pinagkukunan, alinsunod sa mga pamantayan sa budgeting at auditing.

Ang mga kinakailangang pondo para sa pagsasaayos ng base pay para sa FY 2027 at 2028 at ang pagtaas ng subsistence allowance sa mga susunod na taon ay isasama sa taunang National Expenditure Program na isusumite sa Kongreso.

Nakasaad din sa EO na magtatatag ng Inter-Agency Technical Working Group (IATWG) na magsasagawa ng komprehensibong pagsusuri sa kasalukuyang MUP pension system. Ang IATWG ay binubuo ng mga kinatawan mula sa Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of the Treasury, at Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Layunin ng komprehensibong pagsusuri sa MUP pension system na matiyak na magiging sustenable at makatarungan ang pension system.

Ang IATWG ay bubuo at magrerekomenda rin ng panukalang batas kung kinakailangan, batay sa resulta ng pagsusuri.

Ayon sa EO, inaatasan din ang lahat ng MUP agencies na magbigay ng kinakailangang teknikal, administratibo, at lohistikal na suporta sa IATWG upang maisakatuparan ang komprehensibong pagrepaso.

Sa loob ng 90 araw mula sa pagkapagtibay ng EO, kinakailangang maglabas ang DBM ng mga alituntunin para sa implementasyon nito, kabilang ang mga update sa base pay schedule at mga pagbabago sa subsistence allowance.

Sa loob naman ng 30 araw mula sa pagkapagtibay ng EO, ang mga member-agency ng IATWG at mga concerned MUP agency ay dapat magtalaga ng kanilang mga awtorisadong kinatawan upang makibahagi sa proseso ng pagrepaso. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a base pay increase for military and uniformed personnel (MUP), citing the risks they face, including putting their lives on the line to save others.

“Nitong nagdaang taon at buwan, hinarap natin ang mga hamon ng kalikasan. Malalakas na bagyo, magkakasunod na lindol, pag-putok ng bulkan, at mga pagbaha,” said President Marcos in a video message on Wednesday.

“Sa gitna nito, naging matibay na sandigan ng bayan ang ating mga military at uniformed personnel o MUP,” the President added.

“Bilang pagkilala sa inyong walang sawang paglilingkod, dedikasyon, at husay, ating itataas ang base pay ng MUP,” the Commander-in-Chief announced.

President Marcos said the increase in base pay would include those in the military and uniformed personnel from the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

The increase would be given in three tranches—on January 1, 2026; January 1, 2027; and January 1, 2028.

Aside from this, the subsistence allowance of all MUP shall be PhP350 per day, effective January 1, 2026.

President Marcos said the military and police have become a strong support for the nation, adding that while security threats may exist, the people remain safe thanks to their presence.

“Ang ating mga MUP ang unang sumasagot sa tawag ng tungkulin, kahit kaakibat nito ang mga banta sa kanilang kaligtasan,” the President said.

President Marcos added that, whether on land, at sea, or in the air, military and uniformed personnel never hesitate to risk their safety for the benefit of every Filipino.

The government, in turn, has a duty to protect those who protect the nation.

“Naniniwala ang Administrasyong ito na ang mga nagtatanggol sa bayan ay nararapat ring protektahan ng pamahalaan. Makatarungang sahod at sapat na suporta, ito ang handog ng sambayanan sa ating mga tagapagtanggol,” the President said. ǀ PND

Iniutos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang pagtaas ng base pay para sa military at uniformed personnel (MUP), bilang pagkilala sa pagharap nila sa mga panganib, kabilang ang paglalagay ng kanilang buhay sa peligro upang mailigtas ang iba.

“Nitong nagdaang taon at mga buwan, hinarap natin ang mga hamon ng kalikasan — malalakas na bagyo, magkakasunod na lindol, pagputok ng bulkan, at mga pagbaha,” sinabi ng Pangulo sa isang video message nitong Miyerkules.

“Sa gitna nito, naging matibay na sandigan ng bayan ang ating mga military at uniformed personnel o MUP,” dagdag niya.

“Bilang pagkilala sa inyong walang sawang paglilingkod, dedikasyon, at husay, ating itataas ang base pay ng MUP,” inanunsyo ng Commander-in-Chief.

Ayon kay Pangulong Marcos, saklaw ng pagtaas ng base pay ang mga military at uniformed personnel mula sa Department of National Defense (DND), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), at National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

Ipatutupad ang pagtaas sa tatlong tranches — sa Enero 1, 2026; Enero 1, 2027; at Enero 1, 2028.

Bukod dito, magiging PhP350 kada araw ang subsistence allowance ng lahat ng MUP simula Enero 1, 2026.

Binigyang-diin ng Pangulo na naging matibay na suporta ng bansa ang military at pulisya, at kahit may mga banta sa seguridad, nananatiling ligtas ang publiko dahil sa kanilang presensya.

“Ang ating mga MUP ang unang tumutugon sa tawag ng tungkulin, kahit kaakibat nito ang mga banta sa kanilang kaligtasan,” sabi ng Pangulo.

Dagdag pa niya, sa lupa man, sa dagat, o sa himpapawid, hindi nag-aatubiling isapanganib ng military at uniformed personnel ang kanilang kaligtasan para sa kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino.

Tungkulin naman ng pamahalaan na protektahan ang mga nagtatanggol sa bayan.

“Naniniwala ang Administrasyong ito na ang mga nagtatanggol sa bayan ay nararapat ding protektahan ng pamahalaan. Makatarungang sahod at sapat na suporta — ito ang handog ng sambayanan sa ating mga tagapagtanggol,” wika ng Pangulo. | PND

Tiniyak ng Malakanyang sa publiko na sa kabila ng mga ingay sa politika, tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho ng pamahalaan at imbestigasyon sa maanumalyang flood control project kung saan pinapo-pokus ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos ang mga opisyal ng gobyerno na iprayoridad ang resulta at hindi drama.

Sinabi ni Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez na mananatiling propesyunal sa trabaho ang Palasyo na aktibong nakikipag-ugayan sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno para matukoy kung sino ang mga dapat na managot, mabawi ang mga ninakaw na pondo at maipatupad ang pangmatagalang solusyon sa sistema ng flood control.

“The mood in the Palace is still very much steady and focused. Work has not stopped, not a single day here,” pahayag ni Gomez sa isang panayam sa ANC ngayong Miyerkules.

“I know there’s a lot of political noise going on out there, but the President is very clear. We’re dealing with a very serious problem here of flood control and the accompanying scandal that surrounds it,” dagdag pa ni Gomez.

“The atmosphere in the Palace is professional. People are working, agencies are coordinating, and the President is clear. He wants results, not drama,” diin ng PCO Secretary.

Binigyang diin din ni Gomez na nakapokus ang administrasyon na mapanagot ang mga responsable sa anomalya at sa reporma sa sistema sa gitna ng umiiral na kaganapan sa politika.

“Our job is to bring to justice those who are responsible, recover the stolen wealth, and fix the system,” ayon sa PCO chief.

Una nang inilunsad ng Pangulo ang “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website para sa mga reklamo ng publiko at kalauna’y binuo ang Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) na nagrekomendang sampahan ng reklamo ang mga indibidwal na isinasangkot sa iskandalo.

Bukod dito, nagsampa rin ang Ombudsman ng kaso sa Sandiganbayan laban sa ilang iba pang personalidad na sabit sa isyu.

Giit ni Gomez, hindi madi-distract ang Pangulo sa kanyang tungkulin.

“He’s not blinking and he will see this through. He will finish this. At sabi nga ng ating Pangulo, sinimulan ko ito, tatapusin ko ito,” ayon pa kay Gomez. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the reduction of the real property taxes (RPT) imposed on independent power producers (IPP) for Calendar Year (CY) 2025 to prevent defaults and economic losses that could affect electricity supply and the government’s fiscal stability.

Executive Order (EO) No. 106 issued on November 28, 2025 reduced the amount of all liabilities for real property taxes for Calendar Year (CY) 2025, including any special levies accruing to the Special Education Fund on the power generation facilities of IPPs under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme and similar contracts with government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), that are assessed by local government units (LGUs) and other authorized entities for all years up to CY 2025.

The liabilities are “hereby reduced to an amount equivalent to the tax due if computed based on an assessment level of 15% of the fair market value of said property, machinery and equipment, depreciated at the rate of 2% per annum, less any amount already paid by the IPPs,” EO No. 106 said.

President Marcos also condoned all interests and penalties on the deficiency RPT liabilities of the concerned IPPs.

According to the EO, all real property tax payments made by the IPPs over and above the reduced amount shall be applied to their real property tax liabilities for succeeding years.

The EO noted that under the Local Government Code of 1991 or Republic Act 7160, GOCCs engaged in the generation and transmission of electricity enjoy exemptions and privileges with respect to real property taxes.

These include an assessment level of 10 percent on all its lands, buildings, machineries and other improvements, as well as an exemption for all

machinery and equipment used in the generation and transmission of electric power, and machinery and equipment used for pollution control and environmental protection.

The EO noted that various LGUs have taken the position that IPPs are not entitled to the exemptions and privileges enjoyed by GOCCs with respect to real property taxes, and have threatened enforcement action against IPPs, including the levy and sale at public auction of affected properties.

According to the EO, while IPPs are liable to pay the real property taxes, a substantial portion of the tax charged has been contractually assumed by the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR)/Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) under a build-operate-transfer scheme and similar contracts, and therefore carry the full faith and credit of the national government.

The EO warned that according to the Department of Finance (DOF), the collection of the subject real property taxes for CY 2025, which were assessed at the maximum assessment level of 80% by concerned LGUs “will trigger massive direct liabilities on the part of NAPOCOR/PSALM, thereby threatening their financial stability, the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts, the stability of energy prices, and may even trigger further cross-defaults and significant economic losses across all sectors.”

“As the operations of affected IPPs provide an estimated grid capacity of 1,085 megawatts, their closure or non-operation will entail substantial losses to the government and force the public to resort to more costly electric power source alternatives or rotating power outages,” the EO further warned.

Under Section 277 of the Local Government Code of 1991, the President may, when public interest so requires, condone or reduce the real property tax and interest for any province or city, or a municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area.

The President directed the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the DOF, to monitor the compliance of concerned LGUs. The DOF was also ordered to submit a progress report on the implementation within six months from effectivity of the Order. | PND

Malacañang on Wednesday assured the public that, despite the political noise, government efforts on the flood control corruption investigation remain in full swing, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urging officials to prioritize “results, not drama.”

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said the Palace remains in a professional working environment, with agencies actively coordinating to identify those accountable, recover stolen funds, and implement long-term fixes to the infrastructure system.

“The mood in the Palace is still very much steady and focused. Work has not stopped, not a single day here,” Gomez said in an interview with ANC on Wednesday.

“I know there’s a lot of political noise going on out there, but the President is very clear. We’re dealing with a very serious problem here of flood control and the accompanying scandal that surrounds it,” Gomez added.

“The atmosphere in the Palace is professional. People are working, agencies are coordinating, and the President is clear. He wants results, not drama,” the PCO Secretary stressed.

Gomez emphasized the administration remains focused on accountability and systemic reform amid the ongoing political developments.

“Our job is to bring to justice those who are responsible, recover the stolen wealth, and fix the system,” the PCO chief said.

President Marcos exposed irregularities in flood control and infrastructure projects during his Fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, 2025, delivering his memorable line, “Mahiya naman kayo.”

The President subsequently launched the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website to receive public complaints and later established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which recommended filing charges against several individuals implicated in the scandal.

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed corresponding cases against several personalities before the Sandiganbayan.

Earlier, Gomez maintained that the President will not be distracted from the task.

“He’s not blinking and he will see this through. He will finish this. At sabi nga ng ating Pangulo, sinimulan ko ito, tatapusin ko ito,” Gomez said. | PND

“Sa barangay nag-uumpisa ang serbisyong pinakamalapit sa tao.” Kinilala ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Miyerkules ang mga natatanging inisyatiba ng barangay sa 2025 Galing Pook Awards na ginanap sa Malacañan Palace.

Sa kanyang talumpati, binigyang-diin ni Pangulong Marcos ang mahalagang papel ng mga barangay bilang unang tumutugon sa pagbibigay ng pangunahing serbisyo sa mga komunidad.

“Nagtitipon tayo ngayon upang kilalanin ang sampung natatanging programa ng ating mga barangay… Sa barangay nagsisimula ang serbisyong pinakamalapit sa tao. Dito unang nararamdaman ng bawat mamamayan ang malasakit ng pamahalaan,” ayon sa Pangulo.

Pinuri ng Pangulo ang mga nagwagi sa kanilang kahanga-hangang trabaho sa kabila ng mga hamon, at binigyang-diin na posible ang epektibong pamamahala kapag malinaw ang layunin ng proyekto at isinasagawa nang may integridad ang mga proseso.

“Kapag malinaw ang proseso ng pamahalaan, lumalakas ang tiwala ng ating mga kababayan; kung may pananagutan, tumataas ang respeto ng mamamayan; at tuwing inuuna natin ang kapakanan ng taumbayan, sumusunod ang pag-unlad ng ating inang-bayan,” ayon sa Punong Ehekutibo.

“Ito ang kulturang nais nating ipalaganap sa pamahalaan, ganito ang serbisyo-publiko na dapat ramdam ng pamayanan: tapat, bukas, at may direksyon.”

Kabilang sa mga nagwagi sa Galing Pook ngayong taon ang Barangay 57 Dap-dap sa Legazpi City para sa muling pagsasaayos ng Macabalo River; Barangay Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City para sa kanilang BUSkwela initiative na tumutulong sa mga batang makabalik sa paaralan; Barangay Blue Ridge, Quezon City para sa Street Camps na naghahanda sa mga residente para sa lindol; at Barangay General Malvar, Santiago City para sa kanilang solar-powered program.

Kinilala rin ng Pangulo ang urban gardens at ang palit-bote-para-sa-tinapay project ng Barangay Daang Bakal, Mandaluyong City; ang clearance-with-a-checklist program ng Barangay Naggasican, Santiago City na naglalayong pataasin ang partisipasyon ng komunidad; ang community justice garden ng Barangay Pantal, Dagupan City; ang sign language training ng Barangay Tagas, Tabaco City; ang Kariton project na tumutulong sa pagresolba ng alitan ng Barangay Poblacion, South Cotabato; at ang muling pagpapasigla ng Tripa de Gallina sa pangunguna ng Barangay San Isidro, Makati City.

Ang bawat awardee ay nakatanggap ng Galing Pook Marker at PhP300,000 cash prize mula sa Department of Interior and Local Government-Local Government Academy (DILG-LGA).

Ayon sa Pangulo, bagaman magkakaiba ang mga programa, iisa ang mensahe nito: “Kapag tinutugunan natin ang pangangailangan ng tao, nagdudulot ito ng magandang pagbabago.”

Hinikayat din ni Pangulong Marcos ang iba pang mga barangay na tularan ang tagumpay ng mga 2025 Outstanding Barangay initiatives upang mapatatag ang mga sistemang pangpamamahala sa buong bansa.

“Let us strive to replicate the success of these barangay initiatives on a national scale — learning what works and strengthening the systems that uphold efficiency, participation, and transparency in government,” ayon sa Pangulo.

Nagpasalamat ang Punong Ehekutibo sa Galing Pook Foundation sa pagsusulong ng kahusayan at integridad sa pamamahala sa loob ng mahigit tatlong dekada at hinikayat ang mga nagwagi at mga finalist na ipagpatuloy ang pagbibigay ng mahusay na serbisyo sa kanilang mga komunidad.

“Huwag niyo pong kakalimutan na dapat na malaki ang pasasalamat natin sa [pagpapa-alala na ang pagbabago] at pag-unlad ay nagsisimula sa pinakamaliit na hakbang at lumalakas kapag tayo ay sama-samang kumikilos,” sinabi ng Pangulo. | PND

“Sa barangay nagsisimula ang serbisyong pinakamalapit sa tao.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday recognized outstanding barangay initiatives during the 2025 Galing Pook Awards held in Malacañan Palace.

In his speech, President Marcos underscored the vital role of barangays as the frontline responders in delivering essential services to communities.

“Nagtitipon tayo ngayon upang kilalanin ang sampung natatanging programa ng ating mga barangay…Sa barangay nagsisimula ang serbisyong pinakamalapit sa tao. Dito unang nararamdaman ng bawat mamamayan ang malasakit ng pamahalaan,” President Marcos said.

The President lauded the awardees for their exemplary work despite the challenges they face, noting that effective governance is indeed achievable when project goals are clear and processes are carried out with integrity.

“Kapag malinaw ang proseso ng pamahalaan, lumalakas ang tiwala ng ating mga kababayan; kung may pananagutan, tumataas ang respeto ng mamamayan; at tuwing inuuna natin ang kapakanan ng taumbayan, sumusunod ang pag-unlad ng ating inang-bayan,” the Chief Executive said.

“Ito ang kulturang nais nating ipalaganap sa pamahalaan, ganito ang serbisyo-publiko na dapat ramdam ng pamayanan: tapat, bukas, at may direksyon.”

Among this year’s Galing Pook awardees are Barangay 57 Dap-dap, Legazpi City for the revitalization of the Macabalo River; Barangay Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City for their BUSkwela initiative that helps children get back to school; Barangay Blue Ridge B, Quezon City for creating Street Camps, a system that prepares residents for earthquakes; and Barangay General Malvar, Santiago City, for their solar-power revolution program.

The President also recognized the urban gardens and palit-bote-para-sa-tinapay project of Barangay Daang Bakal, Mandaluyong City; clearance-with-a-checklist program designed to increase community participation of Barangay Naggasican, Santiago City; community justice garden of Barangay Pantal, Dagupan City; sign language training of Barangay Tagas, Tabaco City; Dungog Kariton project that aids conflict resolution of Barangay Poblacion, South Cotabato; and the rehabilitation of Tripa de Gallina spearheaded by Barangay San Isidro, Makati City.

Each of the awardees received a Galing Pook Marker and a PhP300,000 cash prize from the Department of Interior and Local Government-Local Government Academy (DILG-LGA).

The President said that although the programs may vary, they all send the same message: “Kapag tinutugunan natin ang pangangailangan ng tao, nagdudulot ito ng magandang pagbabago.”

President Marcos likewise urged other barangays to replicate the success of the 2025 Outstanding Barangay initiatives nationwide to strengthen governance systems.

“Let us strive to continue to replicate the success of these barangay initiatives on a national scale—learning what works and strengthening the systems that uphold efficiency, participation, and transparency in government,” said the President.

The Chief Executive thanked the Galing Pook Foundation for championing excellence and integrity in governance for more than three decades and encouraged awardees and finalists to continue providing great service to their communities.

“Huwag niyo pong kakalimutan na dapat na malaki ang pasasalamat natin sa [pagpapaalala na ang pagbabago] at pag-unlad ay nagsisimula sa pinakamaliit na hakbang at lumalakas kapag tayo ay sama-samang kumikilos,” the President said. | PND