By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Health (DOH) to maintain surveillance on mpox (monkeypox) following the report of a new case in the country.
“Continue surveillance, especially in areas and among people most vulnerable to the disease,” Marcos instructed Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.
Herbosa noted that individuals who are immunocompromised are particularly at risk for mpox.
Since 2023, the DOH has recorded 10 cases of mpox.
Herbosa emphasized that there is no public emergency related to mpox, citing the low number of cases and the disease’s low fatality rate.
He also pointed out that, unlike COVID-19, mpox is not airborne. The disease is transmitted through intimate or skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or contaminated materials.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured the public on Wednesday (21 Aug 2024) that the government personnel who may have assisted the departure of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo will be held accountable.
“The departure of Alice Guo has exposed the corruption that undermines our justice system and erodes public trust,” Marcos stated.
“Let me be clear: heads will roll,” the President emphasized.
Guo faces allegations of involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country, as well as issues regarding her citizenship.
Marcos also noted that the government is conducting a full-scale investigation and that “those responsible will be suspended and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
“There is no room in this government for anyone who places personal interest above serving the Filipino people with honor, integrity, and justice,” the Chief Executive said.
Guo reportedly left the Philippines on July 18 using her Philippine passport, traveling first to Singapore and then to Indonesia.
Malacanang has already ordered the cancellation of Guo’s Philippine passport along with her siblings.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to extend the transition period for Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) workers in government, whose contracts expire in December, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has called on government agency heads to prioritize these workers when filling vacant plantilla or permanent positions.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman revealed that of the 2,017,380 plantilla positions in the national government, 92% are currently filled, leaving 8% or 168,719 positions vacant.
“Eight percent—that’s 168,719 positions still unfilled. We encourage our department heads to consider absorbing these JO and COS [workers] when filling these vacancies,” Pangandaman said in a press statement.
She also mentioned the recent issuance of Commission on Audit (COA)-DBM Joint Circular No. 2, series of 2024, which extends the transition period for COS and JO workers in government.
The circular allows departments and agencies to hire new COS/JO workers under individual contracts and renew existing contracts until December 31, 2025.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 67, establishing the Presidential Office for Children Protection (POCP) to safeguard children’s rights and provide them with special protection.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the POCP will tackle the growing issue of online smut that involves the abuse and criminal exploitation of children.
The newly formed office will focus on combating Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) cases and other threats to the welfare and well-being of Filipino children.
President Marcos emphasized that establishing this office is essential to “ensure a whole-of-nation approach in strengthening the existing institutional and legal framework for child protection.”
“The POCP shall monitor and harmonize government initiatives, policies, and programs related to child protection and the promotion of their welfare, with a special focus on anti-OSAEC, Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM), and anti-child trafficking matters,” the EO stated.
The office will be led by the Presidential Adviser for Child Protection (PACP) and will operate under the control and supervision of the Special Assistant to the President.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that under the leadership of national police chief P/Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, efforts to quell illicit drugs and other criminal activities have improved, saying that the police operations now have been “humane, as truthful, and as bloodless as possible.”
“Our crackdown on illegal drugs, smuggling, illegal gambling, private armed groups, human trafficking, and criminality has also strengthened significantly in ways that are not only effective but legal and lawful,” Marcos said during his speech during the 123rd Police Service Anniversary.
“Indeed, police operations are now conducted as humane, as truthful, and as bloodless as possible,” he added.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), a total of 16,634 illegal drug operations were conducted from April 1 to July 31 this year. This has resulted in the neutralization of 20,286 individuals and the seizure of over PhP13.72 billion worth of illegal drugs.
Marcos also commended the PNP and Marbil for the ‘noteworthy reforms and achievements.’
“His (Marbil) tenure over the past months has been filled with noteworthy reforms and achievements that we can proudly present to the Filipino public,” he added.
Under the leadership of Marbil, the PNP was able to respond to 99 percent of the calls for police assistance, the President said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — With only nine months before the 2025 midterm elections, which will serve as a sort of referendum for the current administration, Marcos loyalists have increased in the second quarter of the year while the so-called Diehard Duterte Supporters (DDS) have decreased.
This was revealed on Tuesday (06 Aug 2024) by OCTA Research based on its latest survey.
OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey showed that pro-Marcos Filipinos increased to 36% in June 2024 from 31% in March, while pro-Duterte Filipinos decreased from 20% in March to 16% in June.
“On the other hand, 31% of adult Filipinos consider themselves independent or individuals who do not identify themselves as pro-Marcos, pro-Duterte, or the opposition,” OCTA noted.
“While still within the margin of error, a two percent increase was observed from the previous TNM survey conducted in the first quarter of 2024,” the survey form added.
Persons who identify themselves as supporters of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his administration were highest in the National Capital Region (NCR) with 43% and lowest in Mindanao with 25%.
Regions where at least 50% of adult Filipinos support Marcos include the Cordillera Administrative Region (83%), Ilocos Region (60%), Cagayan Valley (79%), MIMAROPA (69%), and Eastern Visayas (75%), according to OCTA’s TNM survey.
Notably, support for the Dutertes, who hail from Davao City, was highest in Mindanao at 50% and lowest in Balance Luzon at 5%. Regions with at least 50% pro-Duterte support include the Davao Region (70%), SOCCSKSARGEN (52%), and Caraga (67%).
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In line with the campaign promise of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of lower price of the country’s staple food, consumers will now be able to buy well-milled rice at P45 per kilo in some Kadiwa Stores starting Thursday (01 August 2024).
This was announced on Wednesday (31 July 2024) by the Department of Agriculture.
“Ang presyo, ikukumpara natin, ‘yong commercial well-milled rice na imported ay P51 to P55. ‘Yong local natin is P45 to P55. So nasa lower range tayo noon ay P45 per kilo,” DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa said.
He added that the official launch of the government’s Rice for All Program aims to sell rice at prices lower than prevailing market prices.
Well-milled rice priced at P45 per kilo will initially be available in four Kadiwa sites: FTI Taguig, Caloocan, Barangay Potrero in Malabon, and Bureau of Plant Industry in Manila, the DA said.
The DA also said buyers are limited to 25 kilos each to avoid hoarding rice stocks. De Mesa said stocks for well-milled rice to be sold in Kadiwa sites will be from commercial stakeholders.
“Could be imported, could be local depende sa mga traders na magpa-participate… Kung ano ‘yong well-milled na nakikita natin sa palengke na magandang klase, ‘yon ‘yong well-milled for Rice for All, unlike itong P29 natin na aging NFA stocks,” De Mesa quipped.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that the opening of classes for the School Year 2024-2025 will proceed on Monday (29 July 2024).
However, he acknowledged that some schools will not be able to start due to damage caused by Typhoon Carina.
“Ang pagpasok gawin ninyo hangga’t maaari kung kaya ninyong buksan that’s the usual ano. Hangga’t maaari open the schools and conduct classes but there are areas na hindi Málaga pwede,” Marcos said on Friday (26 July 2024).
The President emphasized that the decision to open classes on Monday (29 July 2024) will be left to the school officials.
“It would be up to the school to decide kung kaya o hindi. Siguro ‘yung iba mapipilitan, they will conduct classes outside of the school building makapagklase lang. Ganyan naman eh nasanay na tayo sa pandemic. Hahanapan natin ng paraan magkaroon pa rin ng pasok,” he said.
Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara mentioned earlier that some class openings would be postponed due to damaged classrooms.
According to DepEd data released on Thursday, a total of 90 schools were damaged, and 324 schools are being used as evacuation centers following Typhoon Carina’s onslaught.
Six regions have schools being used as evacuation centers: CAR, NCR, Region I, Region III, Region IV-A, and Region VI.
(el Amigo/mnm)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to take down a viral video showing a man sniffing a powdery substance from a small cup.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo confirmed in a Thursday (25 July 2024) press briefing at Camp Crame that the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) has already coordinated with the DICT regarding the video.
Fajardo urged netizens to refrain from spreading the video, which had been shown at a gathering linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte in the United States. “Based on initial investigations, it is not true that a high-profile personality is involved,” she said.
Justice Undersecretary Hermogenes Andres also stated that the video, which features a man resembling President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is fake and intended to misrepresent. He warned that those spreading the fake video could face cybercrime charges.
ACG Director Brig. Gen. Ronnie Cariaga revealed that a deepware artificial intelligence (AI) detection tool had determined the video was fake. Discrepancies in facial features, including the size of the ear, shape of the eyes and nose, and sideburns, indicated the man in the video was not Marcos. Spectral imaging analysis by the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) supported this finding.
NBI digital forensics experts concluded that the man in the altered video is definitively not President Marcos.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appealed to the public to dispose of their trash properly to keep the country’s drainage system free from clogging and prevent flooding.
This appeal follows the flooding in several areas of Metro Manila caused by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
“We’ve had problems. I hope people learn. Don’t throw your garbage away because it’s what clogs our pumps, making them less effective,” Marcos said.
While inspecting areas in Metro Manila, Marcos noted the presence of several pumping stations.
“There are many pumping stations, but you still have to dispose of trash properly,” he said.
“At twelve o’clock noon on Wednesday, we experienced high tide. The heavy rain coincided with the high tide. So, now I clearly understand that due to indiscriminate garbage disposal, flooding occurred,” the President lamented.
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By Junex Doronio & Liza Soriano
MANILA — In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday (July 22, 2024), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to defending its rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a statement that earned him several standing ovations from guests and government officials.
Additionally, his announcement that he is banning the controversial offshore gaming operations, known as POGOs also drew a similar reaction from inside the cavernous plenary hall of the House of Representatives in Quezon City.
“Amid challenges to our territorial sovereignty, we will continue to assert our rights and interests through fair and peaceful means, adhering to the rules-based international order. Diplomatic channels and mechanisms remain the only acceptable methods for resolving disputes,” Marcos said.
Marcos highlighted that peace and community-building are integral to the Philippines’ approach, especially as the country prepares to chair and host the ASEAN Summit in 2026.
He also underscored the Philippines’ commitment to de-escalating tensions with other claimant nations while maintaining its principles and position.
“As more Filipinos recognize the importance of securing and defending our vast territories, the government will continue to strengthen our defenses and collaborate with like-minded states to enhance our security,” Marcos stated.
The President emphasized the nation’s growing awareness and strategic approach to improving aerial and maritime domain awareness. “We are intensifying our defense posture through both self-reliance and partnerships with like-minded nations,” he said.
The WPS, Marcos reiterated, is an integral part of the country’s heritage. “Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas. Pagtitibayin at palalaguin natin ang kamalayan at kaalaman ng buong bansa, at titiyaking maipapasa natin ito sa ating kabataan at ating susunod na mga salinlahi.” (This is ours. And it will remain ours as long as our love for our country, the Philippines, remains steadfast. We will strengthen our nation’s awareness and knowledge of this territory and ensure it is passed down to our youth and future generations),” he concluded.
In what could be his most peaceful SONA, the President also highlighted the ongoing success of the government’s anti-drug campaign, which has led to the seizure of P44 billion worth of illegal drugs across more than 71,500 operations.
PBBM bans POGOs
Marcos also declared that he is implementing a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) saying that criminal activities associated with POGOs must be stopped.
“At ngayon po, naririnig namin ang malakas na sigaw ng taumbayan laban sa mga POGO. Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas far beyond gaming, including financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, and murder,” Marcos said in his speech.
“Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” the Chief Executive added.
He also instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to wind down and cease the operation of POGOs by the end of the year.
Lawmakers had earlier expressed hope that Marcos would address the issue of POGOs in his address. This comes in the wake of a Senate investigation into illegal POGOs, particularly in Porac, Pampanga, and Bamban, Tarlac, which were previously raided by authorities.
Bloodless war
“Our bloodless war on dangerous drugs continues to follow the ‘8 Es’ of an effective anti-illegal drugs strategy. Extermination has never been part of this approach,” Marcos stated.
The President reported that over 97,000 drug suspects have been arrested to date, including more than 6,000 high-value targets. Among those apprehended, approximately 440 were government employees, 42 were uniformed personnel, and 77 were elected officials.
To disrupt drug operations further, assets and dirty money amounting to over P500 million have been frozen. With a robust case build-up and efficient prosecution, the drug conviction rate stands at a notable 79 percent. Additionally, the number of drug-affected barangays has decreased by 32 percent.
On the topic of peace and order, Marcos emphasized that “lessons from history and current events” have shown that genuine prosperity and social development hinge on maintaining peace. Despite the challenges and diversity within the country, Filipinos have consistently invested in strengthening the pillars of peace.
The President noted that law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine Coast Guard, are continually enhancing their capabilities to uphold peace and secure the nation’s territory. He acknowledged an overall decrease in crime rates and improved crime resolution efficiency but stressed that building public trust remains a priority.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. also praised the administration’s anti-drug efforts, stating, “We go after high-value targets, and our focus is not only on enforcement but also on rehabilitation.”
Peaceful SONA
The President’s third SONA was marked by a peaceful atmosphere. National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez reported the monitoring of approximately 7,510 individuals, including about 3,010 anti-Marcos protesters who gathered early along Tandang Sora Avenue in Quezon City. Meanwhile, around 4,500 pro-government supporters were present along Commonwealth Avenue.
Nartatez commended the adherence to policies and laws by both groups, declaring this year’s SONA as “safe, peaceful, and orderly” with no incidents of unrest. “We appreciate the cooperation of the numerous organizations and rally organizers who respected their limits, as well as the public for contributing to the smooth and peaceful outcome of SONA 2024,” he concluded.
Wifi program expansion
Marcos Jr. also pledged to expand the government’s free WiFi program and enhance internet connectivity through policy reforms and streamlined processes.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has connected almost 10 million devices to 13,000 free WiFi areas nationwide. Marcos plans to further expand this reach to more schools and remote communities.
The National Fiber Backbone’s first phase is complete, with phases two and three underway, set for completion by 2026. This infrastructure aims to increase bandwidth capacity and improve connectivity for the 77% of households currently online.
Marcos promised full government support for telecommunications companies to establish more common towers, addressing the low internet penetration. The recently launched National Cybersecurity Plan will bolster the country’s cyber defense capabilities, ensuring IT development aligns with economic goals.
Approval of 2025 National Budget
The chief executive also urged Congress to promptly approve the proposed PHP6.532 trillion national budget for 2025. He emphasized the budget’s careful preparation and expressed hope for its timely passage and strict adherence.
The budget, which reflects administration priorities like food security, health care, and infrastructure, aims to fund impactful programs. Marcos highlighted a new grant under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to support the health and nutrition of young children from poor families.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced that the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP), which will form the basis for the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), will be submitted to Congress on July 29. Once approved, the GAB will become the General Appropriations Act upon presidential signing.
Marcos’s third SONA took 1:23:54. It ended at exactly 5:27 p.m. on Monday 22 July 2024.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday (22 July 2024) said that the video circulating online showing a person who looks like President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sniffing a white powder substance is fake.
“The fake video being circulated emanating from a MAISUG gathering in Los Angeles is again a maliciously crude attempt to destabilize the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” the DND said in an official statement on Monday (22 July 2024).
The video was released on the day of the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Even the release of the contrived video in the USA is a cowardly attempt to escape Philippine criminal jurisdiction.”
The DND also urged the proper United States authorities to investigate and “bring to justice the perpetrators of this disgusting act.”
Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin believes that the video was released to “damage” the name of the President.
“Koreano ‘yun, hindi Filipino,” Bersamin said, referring to the man in the video.
When asked why it was released in time of Marcos’ SONA, Bersamin simply said: “paninira.”
(el Amigo/mnm)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the Philippines’ record-high local palay production despite El Niño and global challenges.
In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), he announced that the country harvested over 20 million tons of palay last year, the highest yield since 1987. However, this still falls short of the 16 million metric tons of rice required, necessitating imports.
Marcos pledged to boost local production and improve the agriculture sector’s value chain to address rising rice prices. “We will prioritize local production by supporting the agriculture sector to increase efficiency and output,” he said.
Kadiwa Centers
The President committed to continuing the operation of Kadiwa centers nationwide to provide cheaper rice and essential goods.
These centers serve vulnerable groups, including members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), offering rice at PHP29 per kilogram.
Marcos also reiterated efforts to combat price manipulation and agricultural smuggling, noting the seizure of PHP2.7 billion worth of smuggled goods. Temporary measures, such as mandated rice price ceilings and extended reduced tariff rates on rice, corn, and pork imports, aim to mitigate these issues.
Support for Farmers and Fishermen
Marcos reported the distribution of over 100 million kilograms of seedlings and fertilizers, 300,000 layers to the poultry sector, and substantial technical and financial assistance for modernizing farming practices. The administration targets completing 1,200 kilometers of farm-to-market roads.
For the fishing sector, the government has distributed over 500,000 fingerlings, 3,000 fishing vessels, and enhanced fish ports and cold storage facilities. Additionally, they are rolling out vaccines against African swine fever (ASF) to aid the poultry sector’s recovery.
(el Amigo/mnm)
MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has made final adjustments to his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) speech at Malacañan Palace in Manila, just a day before his annual report.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has released images of Marcos rehearsing and perfecting his address. He is scheduled to deliver at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City before a joint session of the 19th Congress on Monday (22 July 2024).
The President indicated that while he had finished writing his speech, he would spend the weekend fine-tuning and practicing it for Monday’s event.
Marcos mentioned that condensing numerous important issues into his speech was proving to be challenging.
He expressed a desire to prioritize topics and leave detailed explanations to relevant department secretaries during the address.
Last year’s SONA lasted one hour and 11 minutes, while his first SONA in July 2022 was three minutes longer.
In addition, it was revealed by the PCO that Marcos’ Barong Tagalog for the event was crafted collaboratively by artisans from Lucban, Quezon; Taal, Batangas; and Aklan.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following Vice President Sara Duterte’s intriguing “Designated Survivor” remark and the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, the House of Representatives is not taking any chances.
They implemented the highest level of security measures for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22.
“We are 99.9% ready. All preparations are going well. We’re just beautifying our grounds for SONA day,” Atty. Grace Andres, deputy secretary-general of the House of Representatives, said on Wednesday in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo.
She firmly denied claims that the House of Representatives is spending P20 million on catering for SONA day, stating that the entire SONA budget for 2-3 months of preparation is significantly less than that.
On July 9, House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” S. Velasco informed reporters that security measures are being intensified, emphasizing that they “expect the worst but hope for the best.”
Congressmen and senators are anticipating a full house during the 3rd SONA, with 2,000 guests already registered for the event.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The National Parents-Teachers Association President (NPTA) has lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. for ordering the simplification of the current education curriculum.
“Napakagandang desisyon po ‘yan… Hindi effective ang ating K to 12… Naka-design ito na pang-OFW… Ibalik ang K to 10, ‘wag nang K to 12,” NPTA president Willy Rodriguez said.
The NPTA head also supported PBBM’s statement on how the curriculum did not increase students’ employability.
“Ilang beses na naming nabatikos [ang K to 12]… Ang pinakamagandang gawin ay tanggalin na ‘yan dahil hindi kapaki-pakinabang,” Rodriguez pointed out.
He noted that the K to 12 program only served as a burden to students and parents and that many senior high graduates remained unemployed.
“’Yung mga kompanya ay hindi tumatanggap ng mga graduate ng senior high… Hindi ito effective… Ayon sa mga pag-aaral at diskusyon, ang employability ay hindi nasusunod… Hindi masakripisyo ng mga kumpanya na kukuha sila ng senior high graduates—college graduates ang kinukuha nila,” Rodriguez said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview on Saturday (7 July 2024).
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said he needs more time to decide on the next Department of Education Secretary, emphasizing the importance of making the right choice.
“It turns out, it’s harder than I thought because we have to get it right. So I’m giving myself more time,” Marcos said on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
The Chief Executive explained that the decision is difficult because the next DepEd chief must meet the department’s needs comprehensively.
“We have to see really what the DepEd needs. Of course, there are many calls for the new secretary to be an educator,” Marcos said, adding that there are also calls for the new secretary to be an administrator and history professor.
Marcos previously stated that he would announce the appointment of the new DepEd Secretary by the end of June.
The President disclosed that he has reviewed numerous curriculum vitae, noting that many candidates are impressive.
“We have to choose somebody who has an understanding of what is important in terms of being an educator,” he said. “There are many people who understand that, who are experts, really, in the education sector. But then, how do you achieve that? That requires a very good hand on the pillar of the DepEd, who can manage it properly, who understands the bureaucracy, who understands how to use the budget properly—all of these things,” he added.
Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio tendered her resignation as DepEd chief on June 19, which will take effect after a 30-day transition period.
(el Amigo/mnm)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared his aspiration to eradicate hunger in the Philippines as his administration’s lasting legacy.
Speaking at the Walang Gutom Awards in Malacañang, Marcos emphasized that his dream is for “no more hungry Filipinos.”
Highlighting data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Marcos noted that around three million households still experience involuntary hunger.
To combat this, he issued Executive Order No. 44 in October last year, launching the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program.”
This program, led by the DSWD, provides monetary aid to beneficiaries for purchasing food from designated stores and monitors progress in addressing hunger and malnutrition.
Marcos stressed the crucial role of local government units (LGUs) in implementing anti-hunger initiatives at the grassroots level. He acknowledged that LGUs possess valuable insights into local hunger issues and can develop effective, area-specific strategies.
At the event, Marcos recognized 10 LGUs with exceptional anti-hunger and food security efforts in the inaugural Walang Gutom Awards.
The winners include:
Barangay Level: Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City; Barangay Naggasican, Santiago City
Municipal Level: Asuncion, Davao Del Norte; Palompon, Leyte; Bacnotan, La Union
City Level: Kidapawan City, Cotabato; Bago City, Negros Occidental; Cadiz City, Negros Occidental; Mati City, Davao Oriental
Provincial Level: Biliran
Each winning LGU received PHP2 million from the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), while the seven finalists received PHP1 million each.
The Walang Gutom Awards, a collaboration between the DSWD and the Galing Pook Foundation, aims to highlight and replicate successful LGU practices to achieve national food security and eliminate hunger by 2027.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — For standing firm that the Philippines adhere to international laws and not to “imagined claims,” two noted political analysts hailed the keynote speech of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the 21st ISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
“Maganda ang sinabi niya,” said Prof. Renato De Castro from the Department of International Studies at De La Salle University, referring to the President, at the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
He took note of the President’s uncompromising stance in adhering to the international rules-based order in the South China Sea, which includes the West Philippine Sea.
In his address, Marcos stressed the critical importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
He also strongly condemned the acts of aggression in the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing that the presence of the United States is essential to ensuring regional security and enforcing international law.
De Castro said the President’s speech was bold and well-crafted.
“It’s very strong, it’s firm, it is characterized by subtlety and of course sophistication. He mentioned the elephant in the room without mentioning its name. We have to give credit for the degree of sophistication on the speech of the President,” he said.
For his part, Prof. Don McLain Gill, also from the Department of International Studies at De La Salle University, praised Marcos for taking a firm stance independent of the US and China.
“President Marcos Jr. making this particular speech is very refreshing coming from a Southeast Asian leader that is able to rally behind him several states in the Indo-Pacific. I’m sure that the region is rooted in international law,” Gill said.
He added that Marcos’ position “resonates with a lot of countries in the region”, asserting that Southeast Asian nations can “act proactively in order to contribute to the stability of the region is a compelling statement.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA – The killing of a Filipino in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid escalating tensions would be very close to an “act of war,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated emphatically.
During the question-and-answer session of the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday (31 May 2024), Marcos highlighted that the Philippine government would respond decisively if tensions in the disputed waters and China’s aggressive actions, such as the use of water cannons, lead to the death of a Filipino citizen.
“What would happen if there was an incident that ended up killing a Filipino serviceman, be it a Coast Guard or in the military and part of the Navy? Well, that would be – that would certainly increase the level of response, and if a willful act results in the death of a Filipino, not only a serviceman but even a civilian, that is very, very close to what we define as an act of war. We will respond accordingly,” he asserted.
Marcos made these remarks when asked what actions would prompt the Philippine government to invoke the decades-old Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States.
He noted that such incidents would heighten the response not only from the Philippine government but also from its “treaty partners.”
“We already have suffered injuries, but thank God, we have not yet reached the point where any of our participants, civilian or otherwise, have been killed,” the President said. “But once we reach that point, we would have crossed the Rubicon. Is that a red line? Almost certainly.”
PH Boosting Military Capability for Defense and Peace
Addressing his vision for the Philippines’ military posture by the end of his term, Marcos stated that the country is enhancing its defense capabilities to safeguard its sovereignty and territory against any foreign aggression. He mentioned the ongoing efforts to find suppliers for the country’s modernization program, Horizon 3.
“We hope these actions serve as a deterrence and work towards peace. This long-term plan of increasing the capabilities of our military and civilians, such as the Coast Guard, has been ongoing for many years now,” he said.
Marcos also emphasized in his keynote address that the country remains committed to diplomacy. “The Philippines remains committed to peace, which is the foundation of our constitutional order. We are dedicated to addressing and managing difficult issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” he added.
Commitment to Sovereignty and International Law
Marcos made history as the first Philippine leader to deliver a keynote address at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, the leading defense and security conference in the Asia-Pacific region. He reiterated his unwavering stance on the nation’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the WPS in his speech.
“In this solid footing and through our clear moral ascendancy, we find the strength to do whatever it takes to protect our sovereign home – to the last square inch, to the last square millimeter. The life-giving waters of the West Philippine Sea flow in the blood of every Filipino,” Marcos declared. “We cannot allow anyone to detach it from the totality of the maritime domain that renders our nation whole. As President, I have sworn to this solemn commitment from the very first day that I took office. I do not intend to yield. Filipinos do not yield.”
Marcos also stressed that any action in the South China Sea must conform to the international order. “Any effort to resolve maritime differences in the East China Sea and the South China Sea must be anchored on international law, particularly UNCLOS. We must accord due regard to the legitimate interests of all parties and respect legally-settled rights,” he said.
He was referring to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), or “The Law of the Sea Convention,” which serves as the basis for the Philippines in implementing laws concerning the WPS.
The dialogue was attended by Singapore’s officials, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, along with IISS Executive Chairman Sir John Chipman and government officials from the Philippines and other countries worldwide.
(Rep. by el Amigo/With reports from PNA)