President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is on Ground Zero once again.

After visiting calamity victims in Masbate and Cebu, the Chief Executive flew to Davao Oriental on Monday to personally extend assistance and oversee relief efforts in the areas severely affected by the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 twin earthquakes off the town of Manay on Friday, October 10.

President Marcos visited the field hospital that was set up outside the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital (DOPH)- Manay District in Barangay Central in Manay municipality, which is near the epicenter of the 7.4 magnitude and 6.9 magnitude earthquakes.

The only hospital in Manay, the one-storey DOPH was completely damaged by the earthquakes.

President Marcos also inspected the Manay National High School, a public secondary school located in Barangay San Ignacio, Manay.

With 1,321 students in Grades 7 to 12 and 75 teaching and non-teaching personnel, the Manay National High School sustained major damage from the earthquakes as several classrooms and the faculty room were totally damaged.

The Chief Executive also inspected the Regional Evacuation Center in Barangay Central in Tarragona municipality. The evacuation center was assessed unsafe by local authorities and therefore not opened to evacuees.

President Marcos afterwards visited the Tarragona Municipal Grounds Evacuation Center, where makeshift tents were set up in front of the Tarragona Municipal Hall for displaced residents. Around 255 families are currently sheltered at the site.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided family food packs, non-food items, and hot meals through the Mobile Kitchen Program to the evacuees.

The DSWD also distributed PhP10,000 financial assistance each to 35 families whose houses were totally damaged.

Outside the Tarragona Municipal Hall, the President conducted a situation briefing with Cabinet members as well as other national and local government officials to direct relief measures for the affected residents.

Immediately after the earthquakes struck Davao Oriental last Friday, President Marcos ordered Cabinet officials to undertake round-the-clock rescue and relief operations. | PND

Malacañang has ordered the rollout of a 10-year plan to boost and protect Filipino artists and creative workers by adopting the Philippine Creative Industries Development Plan (PCIDP) 2025–2034 to strengthen the country’s creative sector — encompassing music, film, design, crafts, and digital media.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 103 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on October 7, 2025, the PCID Council (PCIDC) was directed to spearhead the implementation of the PCIDP 2025-2034.

Consistent with Section 8 of Republic Act (RA) No. 11904, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act of 2022, the PCIDC shall review the plan every three years from the date it was executed.

To ensure the effective implementation of the PCIDP 2025-2034, Malacañang urged all government offices, instrumentalities, and private sectors to support programs, activities, and projects under the plan.

“In accordance with their respective mandates, all departments, agencies, bureaus, and offices of the National Government, including state universities and colleges, government-owned or -controlled corporations, and government financial institutions, are hereby directed to support the implementation of PCIDP 2025-2034, as well as the programs, activities, and projects specified therein,” MC 103 read.

The funding requirements for PCIDP 2025-2034’s initial implementation shall be charged against the current and available appropriations of the relevant agencies, in accordance with laws and regulations.

Meanwhile, funding for its continued implementation will be included in the agencies’ budget proposals, subject to the usual budget process. | PND

Upon President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, key Cabinet officials immediately responded in the aftermath of the strong earthquakes that hit Davao region on Friday, prompting a rapid deployment of relief items, road-clearing operations, and emergency shelter efforts.

Immediately after the earthquake, President Marcos directed Cabinet officials, including Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Education (DepEd) Sonny Angara and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, to act swiftly, coordinate closely, and restore normalcy as quickly as possible.

Dizon said the DPWH immediately began road clearing operations in Davao Oriental — the quake’s epicenter — and surrounding provinces including Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte.

As of Saturday, Dizon said national highways are now fully passable, while assessment of damaged hospitals, schools, and homes is underway.

“Kagabi pa lang tinawagan po kami ni Pangulong Marcos para utusan kami to come here today to number one, provide the most immediate relief necessary para sa mga kababayan nating tinamaan, lalo na sa Davao Oriental, yung epicenter ng lindol,” Dizon said in a press conference in Davao City on Saturday together with Angara, Gatchalian and Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Leo Tereso Magno.

“As of today (Saturday) completely passable na po ‘yung ating national highways and pati ‘yung mga provincial and municipal and city roads, kini-clear na rin. At most of them are already passable except ‘yung mga ibang roads natin sa mga bundok na tinamaan ng mga medyo grabe ang landslide,” Dizon added.

The DPWH chief said that while some minor cracks have been observed in bridges and road structures, no major structural damage has been reported so far.

“Tuloy-tuloy yan and mabilis natin papagawa ‘yan kasi sabi nga ni Pangulo, we have to move fast to bring normalcy dun sa situation,” Dizon said.

Meanwhile, Gatchalian assured that the DSWD is fully equipped to support all affected families.

“Before the earthquake, we had 100,000 family food packs pre-positioned in the Davao Region alone. These are ready for immediate distribution,” he said.

Gatchalian added that the DSWD’s repacking centers in Manila and Cebu are continuously producing 25,000 food packs per day, ensuring sustained supply of relief goods. Additional stockpiles in nearby regions like Caraga are also on standby.

He added that the DSWD is working closely with the Philippine Red Cross and local government units to set up temporary shelters for families whose homes were damaged or deemed unsafe.

Large tents are also being deployed for use by hospitals with structural issues to ensure that patients remain safe and protected from the elements.

Gatchalian added that financial assistance for families whose homes sustained partial or total damage is also being prepared.

He emphasized that even with simultaneous disaster relief operations — including the typhoon relief in Masbate and earthquake response in Cebu — the DSWD remains fully capable of addressing urgent needs in the Davao region

“Sa pagdating sa pagkain, alinsunod sa utos ng Pangulo, walang pamilyang apektado ang magugutom. Sisiguraduhin niya ‘yun,” Gatchalian stressed.

Meanwhile, Angara thanked his counterparts for the coordinated response and confirmed that the DepEd has already started assessing school infrastructure damage.

Angara said for minor school repairs, DepEd will release funds directly to the affected regional and division offices.

“For major repairs, we will coordinate with Secretary Vince (Dizon) and DPWH. Kung dati, medyo mahaba ‘yung period between, ngayon binilisan na po namin ‘yung coordination,” Angara said.

DepEd and DPWH are also coordinating to ensure that all damaged school sites will undergo ground safety assessments before any rebuilding takes place to ensure the safety of learners and teachers.

The DepEd is also coordinating with the DSWD in preparing aid for affected teachers and students. | PND

The safety and well-being of residents affected by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Davao Oriental on October 10 remain President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s top priority, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said on Saturday.

Gomez said President Marcos has directed all concerned frontline agencies to work around the clock to carry out rescue and relief operations.

“The President’s paramount concern is the safety and well-being of our people in the earthquake-struck areas,” the PCO chief said in a statement.

“On the instructions of the President, all concerned frontline agencies were tasked to work round the clock to provide rescue and relief operations,” Gomez emphasized.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Davao Oriental on October 10 has no connection to the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit Cebu on September 30.

President Marcos has instructed government agencies to provide assistance in all areas affected by the earthquakes. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected on Friday the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training centers in Taguig City, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensure globally competitive skills development in the country.

During his visit, President Marcos personally assessed the state of training infrastructure and observed industry-aligned programs to guarantee they meet the highest standard of excellence.

The President, along with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez, toured several training facilities such as those for welding, mechatronics, and visual graphics, as well as the Construction Painting of the MuntiParLasTaPat District Training and Assessment Center (MDTAC).

The Chief Executive also inspected the Motorcycle Small Engine Servicing National Certificate (NC) and Car Care Center Automotive Servicing NC training sites, Heat Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) Center, TESDA Women Center, the Barista Competency Assessment, and the Plumbing Workshop.

According to Benitez, the TESDA now has more up-to-date training processes, such as in welding simulation.

Benitez expressed gratitude to President Marcos for visiting their training centers and supporting them in strengthening the Philippines’ technical-vocational education and training (TVET).

“His presence inspires our trainers, trainees, and partners to continue raising the standards of skills development and to deliver training programs that are relevant, inclusive, and globally competitive,” the TESDA chief said.

Benitez also said that President Marcos has consistently expressed strong support for TESDA and its mandate to empower Filipino workers through quality technical-vocational education and training.

Under President Marcos’ administration, several TESDA scholarship programs received significant budget increases, including the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), and Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program.

“These investments have allowed TESDA to open more scholarship slots, accommodate new learners, and provide full training support,” said Benitez.

Since President Marcos took office in 2022, TESDA has had around 5 million enrollees, of which 4.5 million have graduated.

Benitez also noted how incredibly competitive TESDA trainees are, noting that many countries demand a workforce with National Certificates (NCs).

Recently, TESDA trainee Hannah Krystelle Caintic won a gold medal in Graphic Design Technology category at the WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 competition held in Pasay City last August 25 to 30. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed new top officials for three agencies under the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Malacañang announced on Friday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Markus Lacanilao, the country’s special envoy on transnational crime, has been named Land Transportation Office (LTO) chairman.

Lacanilao replaced Vigor Mendoza II, who will now serve as chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Meanwhile, Mendoza replaced Teofilo Guadiz III, who has been reassigned as chairman of the Office of Transport Cooperatives (OTC). | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate mobilization of all concerned government agencies in response to the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck off the coast of Davao Oriental at 9:43 a.m. on Friday.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, President Marcos said he has directed all relevant government agencies to initiate prompt evacuations in all coastal areas at risk following the issuance of a tsunami warning by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) for several coastal provinces in Mindanao and the Visayas, including Davao Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Southern Leyte, and Eastern Samar.

“We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe. I have directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, the Armed Forces, the Philippine Coast Guard, and all concerned agencies to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas, activate emergency communication lines, and coordinate closely with local governments,” the President said.

“Search, rescue, and relief operations are already being prepared and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so,” President Marcos added.

The Chief Executive also tasked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with pre-positioning of food and non-food items in strategic locations to support displaced communities.

Additionally, the Department of Health (DOH) is on standby to provide emergency medical assistance as needed.

President Marcos emphasized that public safety is the government’s top priority, urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and calm.

“Move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities declare it safe. Follow all instructions from your local disaster councils and barangay officials. Your safety is our top priority,” the President said.

President Marcos assured the public that government agencies are constantly working to ensure aid and support reach all those in need.

“We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it. Let us continue to look out for one another and pray for the safety of all our countrymen,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order (EO) establishing the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards, an initiative that will recognize outstanding Filipino innovators and enterprises contributing to the country’s development through innovation.

Signed on October 6, EO 99 is anchored on Republic Act (RA) No. 11293 or the “Philippine Innovation Act,” which promotes innovation as a vital component of national development and sustainable economic growth.

Envisioned to be the country’s most prestigious innovation competition, the Filipinnovation Awards aims to “bring out the best Filipino innovators and allow them to demonstrate their talents; serve as a platform to connect innovators with industry stakeholders and potential partners, including local and foreign investors; and foster a more robust innovation ecosystem in the country.”

It will be an annual competition to honor Filipino-owned and registered individuals or enterprises whose products or services are at the early stages of commercialization.

The winners will be awarded by the President or the Executive Secretary, by authority of the President. They will receive a medallion and a plaque bearing the seal, citation, and signature of the President.

In addition, awardees will also receive a grant or support such as mentorship, coaching, or opportunities to participate in international events to further promote and develop their innovations.

The National Innovation Council (NIC) will establish a Selection Committee to manage the nationwide search and to form a Board of Judges at both national and sub-national levels. These bodies will evaluate submissions based on established criteria and ensure transparency and fairness throughout the process.

Within 15 days from the effectivity of the EO, the NIC is directed to issue the implementing guidelines, which will outline the competition’s structure, mechanics, stages, selection criteria, and the responsibilities of the Selection Committee and the Board of Judges. It will also detail the benefits and incentives awarded to winners.

Initial funding requirements will be sourced from the current appropriations of NIC member-agencies. For succeeding years, the necessary funding will be included in the budget proposal of these agencies, subject to the usual budget preparation process.

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

The Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) has thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing Republic Act No. 12232, which extended the term of incumbent village officials and reschedules the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) up to November 2026.

President Marcos met with LnB officials led by its National President Maria Katrina Jessica Dy, at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday, where the group personally handed over LnB Resolution No. 13-2025 expressing their gratitude for the enactment of the law.

“A resolution expressing the sincere appreciation and profound gratitude of the Liga ng mga Barangay ng Pilipinas to the President of the Republic of the Philippines His Excellency Ferdinand Bongbong Romualdez Marcos for his invaluable support in the enactment of Republic Act No. 12232 into law,” the resolution read.

During the meeting, President Marcos discussed with the group several ways to improve barangay governance.

These included proposals for mandatory leadership training for barangay officials, the institutionalization of a Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay (SGLGB), and the group’s legislative priorities.

The Chief Executive acknowledged the important role of barangays in local governance and encouraged the LnB to coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in implementing seminars and other leadership training programs for barangay officials.

The President likewise mentioned the postponement of the 2025 SGLGB, noting that it aims to align with the restructuring of the performance framework for local governments under the SGLG. He assured the LnB that local government leagues will be consulted to help ensure a more unified and results-based system.

President Marcos also reaffirmed support for key legislative measures, such as the Magna Carta for Barangay Officials, amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, and the reprogramming of the SGLG.

The LnB represents over 42,000 barangays nationwide and serves as a platform for local leaders to raise concerns and improve barangay governance.

Under Dy’s leadership, the group follows the principle of “Serbisyong May Puso” – serving communities with compassion, integrity, and dedication. | PND

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate corruption in government projects, Malacañang on Thursday called for the lifetime disqualification of contractors, suppliers, and consultants involved in anomalous public infrastructure projects.

“Pagpapataw ng lifetime blacklisting sa mga pasaway na contractors, suppliers at consultants, isinusulong alinsunod sa adhikain ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na tukuyin at puksain ang korapsyon sa mga proyekto ng pamahalaan,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer and Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing.

Castro said based on the President’s directive, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman pushed for the strict implementation of the blacklisting provision under Republic Act (RA) No. 12009.

RA No. 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act of 2024, provides for the perpetual disqualification from government bidding of contract implementors who repeatedly violated the procurement regulations.

The new law aims to keep the procurement process transparent and promote accountability in the use of public funds, Castro said.

The DBM also wanted to increase the severity of penalties against private individuals and companies found to have neglected or violated government contracts, Castro said.

Castro said contractors, suppliers and consultants who have committed at least three violations of the procurement regulations will be penalized with a lifetime disqualification and banned from transacting for any government project.

“Inaasahang mabisang deterrent ang bagong probisyon ng batas upang wakasan ang paglustay sa kaban ng bayan at proteksyunan ang kapakanan ng mamamayan,” Castro said. ǀ PND