President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored the late Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan V. Ople during the groundbreaking of the OFW Hospital–Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center in San Fernando, Pampanga on Tuesday.

“This endeavor is inspired by the vision of the late Susan Ople, who was our DMW Secretary and who dedicated her entire life to working for the rights of our workers and eventually also our migrant workers.  ‘Til the day she died, I know this for a fact, ‘til the day that she died, she was still working for our OFWs,” President Marcos said.

“And that is why we have to honor her memory and honor her legacy, and we do so today with this hospital. Her legacy reminds us to approach every patient with compassion and care, assuring them that they are not alone in their fight,” he added.

The President said the construction of the facility would not have been possible without the support of the Department of Health (DOH) through its Health Facility Enhancement Program.

He said the realization of this project will require the collective efforts of the DMW, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Health (DOH), other government agencies and private partners.

“I look forward to the completion of this facility and the procurement of the necessary medical equipment. And we once again show, nothing is impossible when we unite together for a shared purpose,” the President said.

President Marcos also honored the OFWs during the event. “It is with great pride and anticipation that I stand before you today to mark the beginning of a new chapter in our nation’s commitment to our modern-day heroes–our Overseas Filipino Workers.”

“When I think about OFWs, I think about their extraordinary strength, their determination, their dedication, the sacrifice and love that they have for their family. They embody what it means to sacrifice and persevere. It is only fitting that we give them the care and support they deserve in return,” he said.

Since its inauguration in 2022, the OFW Hospital in Pampanga stood as a testament of the government’s commitment to care for and support the modern-day heroes and their families, he said.

The hospital’s daily outpatient capacity exceeds 160 patients. Vital areas like reception and admitting sections have been repurposed as triage zones.

The President said the challenges present an opportunity to reaffirm the government’s dedication to the health and dignity of the OFWs and their families.

From January to May of this year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) ranked cancer as the second leading cause of death in the country.

“Aggressive as this terrible disease is, we need to be equally aggressive in providing treatment for our patients—to give them hope, to provide them with care, make them feel at home, at the time when they need it the most,” President Marcos said.

This is why the hospital’s second floor will be dedicated to the Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center, he said.

During the inauguration, the President mentioned two other cancer hospitals. One is the UP-PGH Cancer Center in Manila and the Philippine Cancer Center in Quezon City.

“Together, we will build a Bagong Pilipinas that is strong, that is prosperous, that is compassionate. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat at mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!,” the President said. | PND

Citing cancer as the second leading cause of death in the Philippines, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated the “Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center” of the OFW Hospital in Pampanga on Tuesday.

In his speech, the President highlighted the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showing that cancer ranked as the second leading cause of death in the country from January to May this year.

He said the data prompted the government to take a more aggressive action.

“Aggressive as this terrible disease is, we need to be as equally aggressive in providing treatment for our patients – giving them hope, providing them with care, making them feel right at home, at the time they needed it most,” President Marcos said.

“This is why the hospital’s second floor will be dedicated to the Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center. While this vision is clear, we acknowledge that much work remains to ensure that this facility would be equipped to serve those in need,” he added.

The Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center will address the increasing demand for cancer treatment and the limited capacity of the OFW Hospital. It will function as both an outpatient department and a cancer treatment facility.

Since the inauguration of the OFW Hospital in 2022, President Marcos emphasized its daily outpatient capacity already exceeded 160 patients, with vital areas like the reception and admitting sections repurposed as triage zones.

The new cancer care center is expected to accommodate 64 patients and will provide various treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, diagnostic and staging services, and surgical oncology, among others.

Construction of the facility is set to begin in January 2025 and is expected to be completed by November 2025. It’s targeted to become operational in the first quarter of 2026, following the acquisition of necessary permits and licenses from the Department of Health (DOH).

President Marcos also paid tribute to the late Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople, acknowledging his tireless dedication to the welfare of OFWs.

He said that her legacy continues to guide the Filipinos and reminds the public to approach every patient with compassion and care.

“Sa aming minamahal na OFWs, ang karagdagang pasilidad na ito ay para po sa inyo, sa inyong pamilya. Hindi naman natin hinahangad na magamit ninyo ito, ngunit mas makakahinga tayo [nang maluwag] kung alam natin na may matatakbuhan na ospital ang ating mga OFWs sa oras ng inyong pangangailangan,” the President said.

“Nawa’y ang Cancer Care [Center] na ito ay maging simbolo ng ating mas magandang kinabukasan—kung saan ang sakripisyo ng ating mga OFW ay masuklian, ang kanilang pangarap ay mabigyang katuparan, at ang kanilang kalusugan ay pinapahalagahan,” he added.

During his speech, President Marcos expressed his gratitude to the DOH for making the project a reality through its Health Facility Enhancement Program. The President also noted there are already two existing cancer centers in the Philippines: the UP-PGHl Cancer Center in Manila and the Philippine Cancer Center in Quezon City. | PND

The government has started distributing food packs and other essential aid to over 80,000 residents affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on Monday, according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

President Marcos assured the government stands ready to address the needs of affected families, noting that Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian had already traveled to Negros Island to oversee relief efforts following the eruption.

The President also highlighted the assurance of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) that funds are sufficient to provide additional support to families temporarily housed in evacuation centers.

“We are ready to support the families who have been evacuated outside the six-kilometer danger zone,” President Marcos said.

“We’re ready. We know what to do and we have already started to send food packs, and we already started to send all of the things that we [need to] bring to those who are in evacuation centers,” he stressed.

He said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are closely monitoring the air quality in affected communities. This will help determine whether further evacuations are necessary if Kanlaon continues to emit toxic gases, he said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Kanlaon erupted at around 3:03 p.m. on Monday. The eruption produced a massive plume that rose rapidly to 3,000 meters above the vent and drifted west-southwest.

Phivolcs then raised the level from Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) to Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest), indicating that an eruption has commenced and could escalate into more explosive activity, prompting the evacuation of residents in affected communities. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday assured the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) are implementing all measures to ease congestion and ensure smoother travel in the country’s toll roads during the holiday season.

President Marcos made the assurance as he led the inauguration of the NLEX Candaba 3rd Viaduct in Pulilan, Bulacan.

The President said the viaduct’s opening will boost development of Central Luzon through increased economic and tourism activities.

“The timing of this milestone could not be more opportune. As we enter the holiday season, a period marked by heightened activity and an influx of holiday travelers, this bridge becomes even more crucial,” the President said.

“With all this in mind, I call on all concerned stakeholders — especially the Toll Regulatory Board and the NLEX Corporation—to remain vigilant. Let us prioritize swift response mechanisms and deploy well-coordinated traffic management strategies to address the ever-changing conditions and the increasing demands on our toll roads,” he added.

The Candaba Viaduct is a 5-km bridge built in the 1970s. It connects the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga.

As a crucial link of the NLEX network, the Candaba Viaduct was augmented through the construction of the central infill–the new five-kilometer Candaba 3rd Viaduct–as the existing structures are aging and operating at a reduced capacity.

The PhP7.8 billion viaduct was built between the two existing bridges connecting the towns of Pulilan, Bulacan and Apalit, Pampanga.

It’s expected to ease congestion on existing viaducts especially during peak travel periods, enhance motorists safety, and boost the flow of goods and services between Central Luzon and Metro Manila. | PND

The opening of the P7.8-billion North Luzon Expressway Candaba 3rd Viaduct would spur regional development in Central Luzon through enhanced connectivity and business opportunities and tourism activity.

“As we mark its completion, we show what can be achieved when we work together as one—fueled by our commitment to enriching connectivity, opportunity, and the brighter future that we continue to create together,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said during the inauguration of the viaduct in Pulilan, Bulacan on Tuesday.

“The 3rd Viaduct enhances the capacity of this expressway, reduces congestion, and ensures faster, more efficient travel. Standing as a testament to this Administration’s commitment to the ‘Build Better More’ program, this also shows that we are building the foundation to nurture the development of our countryside,” he said.

The President said the country can steer economic growth, expand opportunities for trade and tourism, and drive regional development by improving the movement of goods, services, and people.

Designed with the latest in engineering innovation, the structure attests to the government’s dedication to safety, durability, and progress, the President said.

The viaduct is built to withstand the challenges of nature, the demands of time, and is poised to serve the people for decades, he added.

The President recognized the efforts of the NLEX Corp. and the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., saying their work mirrors the kind of nation we aspire to become— consistent, synergistic, and forward-looking.

“Let us build infrastructure projects with future challenges in mind. Remain focused on pursuing initiatives that uplift lives, build communities, and most importantly, meet the needs of future that we hope to build for our children and their children,” he said.

The Candaba Viaduct was one of the landmark projects initiated by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. It remains a vital link between North Luzon and Metro Manila.

Since its opening in 1977, the five-kilometer bridge has been a critical link, connecting the towns of Pulilan, Bulacan and Apalit, Pampanga.

It has evolved to meet the needs of a growing population and economy. From a two-lane design, it expanded to three lanes in each direction by 2017, now accommodating over 80,000 motorists every day.

The NLEX Candaba 3rd Viaduct, which commenced construction last year, is a five-kilometer-long infrastructure built between the two existing bridges connecting Pulilan and Apalit. | PND

PASIG CITY, 9 December 2024 — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to work together on providing a higher Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for public school teachers.

Recognizing the crucial role of teachers in molding the Filipino youth, the government aims to increase the SRI of an estimated 1,011,800 DepEd personnel from the current Php 18,000 to Php 20,000.

The SRI is a yearly financial incentive granted to government employees to recognize their commitment and dedication to quality and responsive public service.

This December 2024, President Marcos Jr. has tasked the DBM and DepEd to explore budgetary measures to ensure the SRI increase for DepEd personnel can be implemented, while remaining mindful of fiscal responsibilities.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed his gratitude for the President’s directive, calling it a morale booster for the nation’s educators.

“This initiative underscores our shared goal of empowering teachers and reinforcing their critical role in shaping the future of Filipino learners,” Angara said.

Further announcements on the implementation and timeline for the increased SRI are expected as the DBM and DepEd finalize the necessary funding mechanisms.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law the “Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act”.

The law aims to institutionalize the mental health and well-being programs for both basic education learners and teaching and non-teaching personnel in public and private schools.

This is to ensure that students and teachers are emotionally and mentally “equipped to excel” amid facing modern challenges.

“Today, we renew our promise to every Filipino: that they will not only succeed academically but thrive holistically. Together, we envision a Philippines where mental health is prioritized alongside education, fostering a generation equipped to lead with resilience, compassion, and with purpose,” President Marcos said in his speech during the ceremonial signing at the Malacañan Palace.

“When our learners and school personnel are mentally healthy, academic performance improves, absenteeism decreases, and a culture of compassion and understanding flourishes. Beyond being a safeguard to our youth and school personnel, this law is also an investment in the intellectual, emotional, and social future and development of our nation,” he added.

According to the President, this law allows schools to become “sanctuaries of learning and of well-being.”

Care Centers will be established in every public basic education school, headed by a School Counselor, and assisted by School Counselor Associates that will provide counseling and stress management workshops and implement programs that will help reduce stigma on mental health.

The President also tagged the legislation as urgent and undeniable, citing how mental health challenges could cost 16 trillion in losses by 2030 globally.

“Locally, the toll is evident in decreased academic outcomes, burnout, and turnover rates among students and school personnel,” the Chief Executive said, adding the Act’s role is to reduce the said losses by making our students more productive and ready to contribute to nation building.

In the same event, the President also signed two more laws including the Value Added Tax (VAT) Refund for Non-Resident Tourists and Amendments to Agricultural Tariffication Act (ATA).

Before concluding his speech, the President called on Filipinos to support and drive all three initiatives forward.

“Let us safeguard and empower our farmers, uplift our tourism industry, and provide mental health support. Together, let us create a future where every Filipino has the opportunity to succeed, to live a balanced life, to contribute to the collective prosperity of the nation,” the President said.

“These three laws are not just policies— they are commitments. Commitments to the Filipino farmer, commitment to the Filipino worker, the Filipino entrepreneur, the Filipino learner, and to every single citizen who dreams of a brighter, more resilient, and more progressive Bagong Pilipinas,” he added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed on Monday the law amending the Agricultural Tariffication Act (ATA) to make the country’s rice industry more competitive.

The law, according to President Marcos, also aims to ensure that farmers gain steady access to resources they need to succeed.

In his speech during a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace, President Marcos said the law amending Republic Act 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law seeks to extend the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) until 2031 and increase its funding from Php 10 billion to Php30 billion annually.

“Through the RCEF, we have been able to invest in high-quality seeds, mechanization, and training for our farmers—ensuring that they are equipped with the right skills and tools to increase productivity. With the expiration of the original six-year plan for RCEF fast approaching, it became clear that we needed to extend and strengthen the program,” President Marcos said.

“This will enable us to do much more for our farmers, ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed and to make the rice industry even more competitive,” he added.

The additional funding is set to support priority projects such as training and extension services, financial assistance to rice farmers tilling up to two hectares of land, expanded rice credit assistance, composting facilities for biodegradable wastes, pest and disease management, soil health improvement, farming support programs on contract farming, and establishment of solar-powered irrigation systems.

This law also intends to further enhance the Seed Program and the Mechanization Program which will provide more farmers access to high-quality seeds to boost their yields.

The amendment of the tariff act will also help reduce post-harvest losses by preventing up to 375,000 tons of milled rice from being wasted annually, which could help feed an additional 3.4 million Filipinos each year for the next six years, maintaining food security and rice accessibility to all.

According to the President, this law also strengthens the regulatory function of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to strictly oversee the Rice Industry’s systems and its policies, ensuring that the rice reaching the markets have complied with quality standards and regulations.

“In cases of sudden rice shortages or price hikes, the DA will now be empowered to take the necessary actions to stabilize the market. This will help ensure that the price of rice remains affordable and accessible to every Filipino,” he said.

“The Bureau of Plant Industry will also be able to inspect rice warehouses and manage a national database to track grain storage, safeguarding our food supply and ensuring its safety for the public.”

President Marcos said that with ATA, farmers will be more empowered “to thrive and help our country secure a stable food supply.”

“By increasing investments in agriculture, providing more resources, and creating a more competitive rice industry, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more self- sufficient Philippines,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed the law on the refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) for non-resident tourists.

The law aims to attract more non-resident tourists to the country by providing them a VAT Refund System on locally purchased goods.

In his speech during a ceremony in Malacañang, President Marcos said aside from encouraging higher spending among tourists to stimulate economic growth, the law is also an opportunity to promote the Philippines’ unique craftsmanship of indigenous products in communities near local tourist destinations.

“It is no secret that shopping has become an essential part of the travel experience, and we are poised to capitalize on that momentum. In 2023, the Philippine tourism sector played an instrumental role in our nation’s economic recovery, contributing an impressive 8.6 percent to the GDP. Within this significant share, shopping emerged as the second largest expenditure for inbound tourists,” President Marcos said.

“With this in mind, we are introducing the VAT refund program for non-resident tourists—designed not only to stimulate more spending but to promote the Philippines as a premier global shopping destination,” he added.

Under this program, tourists can claim a refund on purchases made on accredited stores worth P3,000, provided these goods are taken out of the country within 60 days of purchase.

According to the President, an estimated 30 percent increase in tourist spending is the projected economic impact of this measure which will benefit both large-scale industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), citing Marikina shoes as an example.

“These products tell our story, and now, with the VAT refund, they will be able to be more accessible to global consumers, elevating once again our stature in the global market,” the President said.

To successfully implement the newly signed law, President Marcos ordered the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to craft rules and regulations that would streamline the VAT refund process.

“As we move forward, I urge the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to craft [the] implementing rules and regulations that would make this VAT refund process simple, accessible, and culturally inclusive,” the President said.

Per the DOF, the estimated VAT refunds to tourists may reach PhP2.9 billion to PhP4.1 billion annually. However, the projected loss can be offset by the potential increase in tourist spending and a boost in inbound tourism. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday directed government agencies to ensure the spirit of Christmas reaches Filipino communities despite the recent climate challenges that caused loss of lives and properties.

In his speech during the gift-giving activity at the Malacañang grounds, President Marcos assured the public his administration is committed to making Christmas memorable, even in the face of environmental challenges such as El Niño, La Niña, and the recent typhoons that impacted the country.

“Nahirapan tayo nitong nakaraang taon. Tinamaan tayo ng kuna anu-ano. Nag-umpisa sa El Niño. Nag tag-tuyot ang ating agrikultura tapos sinundan naman ng La Niña na puro bagyo naman,” President Marcos said.

“Sana naman ay mag Merry Christmas lang tayo. Kasi tayo’y nabigyan ng kaunting oras, kaunting pagkakataon na makasama ang ating mga mahal sa buhay, makapag-celebrate ng kaunti, mag-saya ng kaunti, at kumain ng masyadong maraming lechon at saka mga hamon. Iyan ang pasko para sa Pilipino,” he added.

President Marcos urged Filipinos to continue embracing the traditions of Christmas, emphasizing the importance of joy and togetherness during the holiday season.

Before concluding his speech, President Marcos extended his gratitude to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for their dedication in ensuring the spirit of Christmas is felt by Filipinos, especially in the face of adversity.

President Marcos, alongside First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos and their sons Joseph Simon and William Vincent, led this year’s “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3: A Nationwide Gift-Giving Day” at the Malacañang grounds on Sunday.

The event brought joy to more than 30,000 children nationwide.

The gift-giving activity, initiated by the Office of the President in 2022, is conducted in partnership with the DSWD, private orphanages and communities nationwide to spread the joy of Christmas to those who have less in life.

This year’s event involved 17 local government units from Metro Manila and three LGUs from the Visayas and Mindanao, further emphasizing the nationwide reach of the initiative. | PND