President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. addressed the combined effects of the heated political climate and US President Donald Trump’s policies that have sparked a global upheaval.

Navigating the economic minefield from the new challenges has been the focus of Marcos and his men as he prepares for his fifth State of the Nation Address.

Through a partnership between the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Office and the Daily Tribune, President Marcos’s activities were tracked last week.

10 February

Foreign visits yield 200K jobs

Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the foreign visits of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have generated more than 200,000 jobs for Filipinos.

Laguesma said power, renewable energy, and electronics manufacturing were the first sectors to create jobs.

He mentioned approximately 201 investment projects valued at over $76 billion, or P4 trillion, all generated by the President’s trips abroad since he took office.

The Labor chief assured that the government would take decisive action to secure additional investments and create more employment opportunities.

Trade war means gains — NEDA

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said in a briefing in Malacañang that with the possible shift to a strengthened regional trading regime due to the American levy on imports, the country would benefit from it amid the external uncertainties and the looming trade war.

Edillon said the Philippines could position itself as an alternative source of exports to the US. She also cited the need to strengthen relevant sectors like the chip and the semiconductor industry.

USAID scuttling won’t affect PH

The Philippines will not be significantly affected by US President Donald Trump’s order to freeze and review all foreign assistance since the government can always ask other foreign development partners for aid, according to NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon.

Last 24 January, the US government issued a “stop work” order for all existing foreign assistance after President Trump ordered a pause to review whether the aid allocations aligned with his foreign policy.

P49 SRP for rice by 1 March

Rice prices are projected to plummet to P49 per kilo by 1 March from the current P55, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced on 10 February during a Palace briefing.

Laurel said the reason for the drop in prices is that traders and retailers are responding to the government’s call to reduce their excess profits and align prices with the world market.

11 February

Strong Cambodia ties means stability

The President reaffirmed his commitment to maximizing the bilateral relations with Cambodia and promoting regional stability.

In a bilateral meeting at Malacañang, Mr. Marcos expressed a strong desire to enhance the cooperation with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The President cited the collaboration in key areas such as trade, tourism, defense and the fight against transnational crime, all within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

12 February

Town mayors hailed for fiscal transparency

President Marcos recognized the significant role of municipal mayors in governance and praised local government units (LGUs) for improving their fiscal discipline and transparency.

Speaking before the local chief executives during the 2025 League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) General Assembly at the Manila Hotel last Wednesday, the President thanked the LGUs for their contributions to developing significant legislation.

He stressed the vital role of mayors as first responders who address citizens’ concerns based on the realities they face.

New strategies for climate change

President Marcos said local chief executives should assess their disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies to handle the increasingly severe weather disturbances caused by climate change.

He said that everyone must analyze the problem, learn from the country’s past disaster experiences, and adjust the response and mitigation measures.

The President encouraged the mayors to engage the public as, he said, they cannot address the challenges alone, hence the national government’s adoption of whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches.

Tech fosters global advancement

Officials were urged to embrace technologies to keep up with global advancements and provide optimal service to the people.

The President said the collaboration between the national government and local government units will greatly benefit the nation.

He also said it was important for the public to learn to use the latest technologies to assist government workers in providing faster, more convenient, and more accountable services.

Uphold standards during campaign

President Marcos enjoined elected officials to prioritize the core values of public service as the campaign for this year’s midterm elections intensifies.

Despite heated arguments among candidates, the President said the focus of public service should remain on assisting Filipinos.

Mr. Marcos said elections are a crucial part of democracy and a means to restore the public service mandate.

13 February

Iloilo must coordinate with gov’t on infra

The President called on Iloilo mayors to coordinate with the national government in developing infrastructure projects in the province.

Speaking at the Regional Development Council meeting in Iloilo City, President Marcos said local chief executives play a crucial role in improving the province and the welfare of their constituents.

The President was briefed on the progress of the major infrastructure projects in Western Visayas, including the rehabilitation and improvement of the Boracay Circumferential Road and the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage III.

Priority on uplifting lives

The President, during his visit to Iloilo, said the government will continue to uplift the living conditions of Filipinos by providing state subsidies, ensuring access to food, and creating job opportunities.

Mr. Marcos was in Iloilo to observe the DSWD payout and the ongoing jobs fair.

The President said the government has been organizing job fairs, making affordable food available and extending state support to the poor.

14 February

JPE marks 101st

The President, in a message, wished Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile good health, cheer and spirits as he celebrated his 101st birthday.

Mr. Marcos said he was truly blessed to have Enrile on his side as his chief legal counsel.

He praised Enrile as a statesman, a legal luminary, and an exemplary public servant who not only witnessed history but has actively shaped it.