Focus on the work at hand and other issues are trivial. This was the message that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wanted to impart in rolling up his sleeves to attend to the challenges facing the nation while rising above the din of political squabbles.

The President’s packed schedule from 30 November to 7 December was chronicled through a collaboration between DAILY TRIBUNE and the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Office.

30 November

Honor Andres Bonifacio

In commemoration of the 161st birth anniversary of Gat. Andres Bonifacio, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to honor the hero’s memory by finding deeper meaning in his sacrifice for the country.

President Marcos recognized the Great Plebian’s perseverance and courage, which ignited the flames of the Philippine Revolution, uniting the Filipino people and inspiring many to sacrifice their lives in the fight against the colonizers.

He also encouraged Filipinos to do their part in liberating the Philippines from the shackles of hunger, corruption, criminality and other ills of society.

The Chief Executive likewise called on everyone to unite to build a better “Bagong Pilipinas,” where every Filipino lives in genuine peace, progress and harmony.

P21-M aid to Tondo fire victims

President Marcos distributed P21 million in financial assistance to fire victims in Tondo under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Of the amount, President Marcos distributed P10,000 each to 2,100 fire victims, along with food packs, 2,100 blankets, and 2,100 sleeping mats provided by the Office of the President (OP).

In his speech, Mr. Marcos said the national and local governments would work closely to meet all the victims’ needs.

1 December

Every Filipino deserves Christmas

In his speech during the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at the Malacañang grounds, President Marcos called on the nation to remember the victims of the recent typhoons and other disasters this Christmas, emphasizing that every Filipino deserves to celebrate the yuletide season despite the challenges they face.

The President reminded everyone that Christmas is a time of joy for all Filipinos and a time to extend compassion to those in need.

He also mentioned the fire victims in Tondo and called on Filipinos to continue the tradition of helping one another.

2 December

Respect women

President Marcos called on the nation to fully support the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW).

The campaign is observed annually from 25 November to 12 December as mandated by Proclamation 1172, series 2006, in support of the government’s goal to protect women’s human rights and address all forms of gender-based violence as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

Republic Act 10398, or the Act declaring 25 November of every year as National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), mandates government agencies to raise awareness to the problem of violence and the elimination of all forms of violence against women.

Feel Christmas joy

In a gift-giving event on 2 December for residents of Marillac Hills and the Haven for Women in Muntinlupa City, President Marcos assured that the government will exhaust all means to allow every Filipino to experience a “Merry Christmas” despite the global challenges and the adversities facing the country.

The President said he wanted Filipinos, especially the children affected by recent typhoons and other disasters, to feel the true spirit of Christmas.

The Chief Executive also encouraged the residents to take time to rest and enjoy the Christmas season with their loved ones and friends.

Sub in WPS ‘very worrisome’

In a media interview in Marikina City, the Chief Executive expressed concern over the reported presence of a Russian attack submarine in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The President said he would let the military deal with the submarine issue.

The Philippine Navy reported the presence of the Russian attack submarine last week. It was identified as the Russian Navy’s Ufa.

FRLD significance cited

The President expressed optimism that the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) will significantly help the country address climate change and improve Filipino lives amid increasing disaster risks.

During the FRLD board’s courtesy call at Malacañang, the President said the government is working very hard to have the fund based in Manila.

The board will serve as the principal decision-making body for the FRLD. It is composed of 26 members from the Conference of the Parties and Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement, with 12 members from developed country parties and 14 members from developing country parties.

The Philippines secured a seat on the board as a permanent representative of the Asia-Pacific Group for 2024 and 2026 and as an alternate representative of the Asia-Pacific Group for 2025.

3 December

Junk VP Sara impeachment

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the Office of the President (OP) “has nothing to do” with the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.

According to the Executive Secretary, the complaint filed by several private citizens was an independent initiative.

He said President Marcos’s earlier statement implying no support for any calls for the impeachment of Vice President Duterte was “unambiguous.”

Boost drive vs malnutrition

Mr. Marcos directed the Department of Health and other relevant government agencies to strengthen the drive of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to address undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency, and overnutrition, also referred to as the “triple burden of malnutrition” in the Philippines.

The Global Burden of Disease 2021 report revealed that dietary risks and malnutrition are the country’s leading contributors to the burden of disease.

President Marcos highlighted the need for national-level intervention to support local government units (LGUs) through an invigorated NNC in addressing malnutrition nationwide.

Partnership against corruption

The President reiterated during the 5th State Conference on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation and Review that the Philippines would continue to collaborate with the UN in fighting corruption.

The President said that by learning from and working with other nations, the government strengthens its anti-corruption mechanisms while reaffirming its place as a proactive member of the global community.

The UNCAC aims to promote and strengthen State Parties’ measures to prevent and combat corruption more effectively and efficiently; facilitate and support international cooperation and technical assistance in preventing and fighting corruption, including asset recovery; and promote integrity, accountability, and proper management of public affairs and properties.

Observe values that promote integrity

President Marcos encouraged upholding core values that help promote integrity and emphasized a people-centered approach to prevent corruption and address vulnerabilities in public office.

He said the government is employing digitalization and people participation to respond to its obligation to the conference.

Senator Santanina Rasul honored

In his statement on the passing of former senator Santanina Tillah Rasul, President Marcos praised the first and only Muslim woman senator for serving the Philippines as “a trailblazer for equality and empowerment.”

The pioneering Muslim Filipina member of the Senate passed away on 28 November at the age of 94.

Healthier food options

The Department of Health (DoH) was directed to campaign for healthier food options to address malnutrition and stunting through the government’s consolidated efforts.

President Marcos met with officials of the DoH and other agencies concerned in Malacañang to discuss the strategies, initiatives, challenges, and ways forward for implementing the DoH’s First 1,000 Day program.

“We have to educate people to eat healthier options. We go back to the main point, I think, which is how do we consolidate all of these things that we are doing,” the President said during the meeting.

4 December

Filipinos’ safety a priority

The safety of Filipinos is the government’s top priority, President Marcos declared.

The President stressed this message during the 33rd Anti-Terrorism Council meeting and year-end celebration in Malacañang.

“This year, the Anti-Terrorism Council has achieved significant milestones in dismantling threats and fortifying our nation’s security,” Marcos said in his speech.

“By disrupting terrorist organizations and limiting their resources, we have sent an unequivocal message: the safety of our people is our topmost priority,” he added.

New top AFP officers honored

President Marcos honored 37 newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In an oath-taking ceremony in Malacañang, the President said the promotion of the generals and flag officers “is a clear reflection of how your expertise, your discipline, and commitment to the nation come together in pursuit of the welfare of our people.”

“This gathering reminds us that the true measure of service is not found in accolades or ranks or promotions; it lies in the fulfillment of your duty to uphold the integrity of our nation and to ensure the safety and security of every Filipino citizen,” the President said.

Trade ties robust

The Philippines is strengthening its trade partnerships with Canada and other members of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

President Marcos, in a meeting with WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Malacañang on Wednesday, highlighted the country’s “big plans” to enhance trade and commerce with its partners.

Rising from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the President emphasized that trade has become more significant.

“We have big plans and I think one of the many things that we picked up from the conference just like Davos, with the interactions with other leaders and other countries, is that it requires transformation. But trade has become more important than ever,” the President told Iweala.

5 December

Timely completion of Davao infra eyed

President Marcos said he is optimistic that key infrastructure projects in Davao will be completed before the end of his term in 2028.

In his speech during the distribution of land titles and certificates of condonation with the release of mortgage (COCROM) in Panabo, the President said the completion of the projects will pave the way for prosperity and development in the region.

Mr. Marcos said he intends to revisit the region to inaugurate these significant projects.

Body to fast-track Marawi rehab

The President has created the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation and Development (OPAMRD) to rebuild Marawi City and nearby localities, the Presidential Communications Office said.

President Marcos issued Executive Order 78 on 28 November, creating the OPAMRD.

The body will be headed by the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation under the control and supervision of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President.

6 December

Evacuation hubs, loan moratorium laws inked

President Marcos signed the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act and the Student Loan Payment Moratorium during Disasters Emergencies Act to underscore his administration’s commitment to supporting families and students affected by calamities.

In his speech, the President said the Ligtas Pinoy Center Act mandates the establishment of fully equipped evacuation centers nationwide to provide secure, temporary accommodations to disaster-affected residents.

“We do not wish for the frequent use of such facilities and can only pray that we have fewer calamities. Nonetheless, we need to ensure that the evacuation centers sufficiently respond to the needs of our people affected by calamities and other such emergencies,” Mr. Marcos said.

First mobile soil lab

The President led in the inauguration of the country’s first mobile soil laboratory (MSL) in Malacañang.

In his speech at the ceremony, he highlighted the procurement of the MSL as a historical landmark and stressed the critical role of the agriculture sector.

“Today is a historic day — a significant step that emphasizes the importance of agriculture in our goal to ensure sufficient food, prosperous communities and a more united nation,” the President said.

He added the government will continue to strengthen support for the agricultural sector, this time by procuring mobile soil laboratories for all regions.

Map that inspires

President Marcos asked Filipinos on Friday to draw inspiration from the message of the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map to protect and assert what is rightfully ours with resolve and integrity.

He and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos received the original Murillo Velarde 1734 Map during a formal ceremony at Malacañang.

“Let us not only admire the artistry of the masterpiece presented to us today but also draw inspiration from its enduring message: the call to protect and to assert what is rightfully ours, with resolve and with integrity,” the President said in his message.

Stronger Chile ties

President Marcos expects Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren’s visit to the Philippines to further strengthen ties and cooperation between the two countries.

“I’ll make certain that everything, the time that you spend here, will be as productive as possible and would further the relations between our two countries,” the President said during the Chilean minister’s courtesy call in Malacañang on Friday.

“And that is I think the best way forward in this very interconnected world,” Mr. Marcos said.

“Although physical distance used to be a problem or an obstacle, that does not apply any longer. So, I think there’s much that we can do to further the relations and the partnerships between our two countries,” he added.

7 December

Serve with compassion, humility

The Filipino faithful were urged to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception by emulating the Virgin Mary’s devotion to serve with compassion and integrity.

In his message, Mr. Marcos said 8 December is a significant day as it honors the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of Jesus Christ and in God’s plan for humanity’s redemption.

“As we celebrate this holy feast, I encourage my fellow Catholics and Filipinos to emulate Mary by serving others with compassion and humility, especially as we strive to build the Bagong Pilipinas we desire for our people,” Marcos said.