The Palace wanted to strengthen its ability to reach out to the populace through a revamp, which has been long in coming, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

Last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed new heads of the Malacañang communications team.

Later on, officials in the agency were asked to submit their courtesy resignations to give the new PCO chief Jay Ruiz a free hand in reforming the vital arm of the Office of the President.

President Marcos’ activities last week were compiled through a partnership between the Daily Tribune and the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Office.

24 February

Jay Ruiz takes over as PCO chief

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. swore in veteran broadcast journalist Jaybee “Jay” Ruiz as Secretary of PCO on February 24 in Malacañang.

The President instructed him to ensure that accurate information about the government’s programs and services is conveyed directly to the people.

The President wants information on government programs and services made accessible to the people so that they can avail of them easily.

The new PCO secretary is expected to infuse new messaging strategies, further enhance public trust in official communications, and combat fake news and disinformation.

Castro new press officer

The President also swore in Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Clarissa Castro.

Palace Press Officer Lawyer Castro, on the other hand, graduated from the University of Santo Tomas, with a degree in AB Political Science. She earned her Bachelor of Laws degree at the same university.

She is a trial lawyer at The Law Office of Clarissa Castro and a radio commentator at DZXL News “Usapang Batas” (2022-present); Abante Teletabloid “Asintado” (2021-2022); DZMM “Usapang de Campanilla” (2007-2020); and DZMM “Relos Reports with Atty. Kiko” (2000-2001).

She was also a columnist at Abante and became a TV Host at ABS-CBN Corp., and UNTV News and Rescue.

Palau accords inked

On the same date, the Philippines and Palau signed on Monday agreements on foreign affairs policy consultations, agriculture, and fisheries in Malacañang.

President Marcos and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. witnessed the signing of the agreements in Malacañang.

Among those signed were the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Policy Consultations between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of State of the Republic of Palau; and the Diplomatic Notes for the Study Visit of Palau Officials and Stakeholders to Agriculture and Fisheries Facilities in the Philippines.

25 February

US-based Amkor expanding

Amkor Technology Inc. will expand the semiconductor industry in the country as more skilled Filipinos become capable of working as chip manufacturers and integrated circuit designers.

The President made the statement during a meeting with officials of Amkor Technology, in Malacañang.

The semiconductor industry accounts for a significant portion of the country’s electronic sector.

In 2024, semiconductors accounted for almost 40 percent or USD29.16 billion of total exports.

US aid freeze exemption confirmed

DFA confirmed that the US has exempted its security aid to the Philippines from the current pause on global foreign aid.

Malacañang expressed elation over the news.

It said that the exemption indicated the US had not wavered its defense commitment to the Philippines.

The Palace said that the modernization of the AFP is proceeding as planned, with the administration emphasizing the importance of financial support from the US.

Last year, the US announced a grant of assistance worth $500 million for the AFP modernization and the PCG.

26 February

Seniors’ welfare protected

Senior citizens deserve all the love, care, and protection, which is why the government has been working hard to provide for their needs and benefits, the President said on 26 February.

The President distributed cash gifts to select senior citizens identified by the NCSC. Similar cash gift distributions occurred nationwide simultaneously, benefiting 1,079 recipients.

The NCSC aims to complete the distribution of cash gifts to 7,759 identified beneficiaries by the end of this month.

Continuous ADB support lauded

The President praised the ongoing support of the ADB for the Philippines, which has significantly contributed to the country’s economic development.

During newly-elected ADB President Masato Kanda’s courtesy call in Malacañang, President Marcos recalled the long-standing support of the ADB to the Philippines, which began during his father’s administration, Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

The President described the ADB as “the most important partner” of the Philippines.

Stronger ties seen with Slovenia, Palestine

The President said on the same date that he hopes to forge a stronger relationship with Slovenia and Palestine to further promote peace and a rules-based international order.

The President made the statement as he received the credentials of Slovenian Ambassador-designate Smiljana Knez and Palestinian Ambassador-designate Mounir Y.K. Anastas in two separate ceremonies in Malacañang.

The President also affirmed the Philippines’ shared values with Palestine in promoting peace.

In September 1989, the Philippines and Palestine established diplomatic relations, now in its 35th year.

27 February

Sweden, Egypt ties deepen

The President wants to enhance bilateral relations with Sweden and Egypt, as the newly appointed ambassadors of both countries present their credentials to the Chief Executive.

President Marcos made this statement during separate meetings with Swedish Ambassador-designate Anna Ferry and Egyptian Ambassador-designate Nader Nabil Zaki at Malacañang.

Ferry informed the President that Sweden views the Philippines as a “priority partner.” He stressed that both countries share common values, including respect for human rights, the upholding of democracy, and the pursuit of progress.

28 February

Joins Ramadan observance

The President issued a message to join the Islamic communities across the country and around the world in observing the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The President said that the occasion serves as a powerful and profound catalyst for social transformation.

He also called on finding strength in the importance of humility and dedication to living the values of faith.

Differences set aside for better PH

The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates, who belong to different political parties, have set aside their differences to realize their shared goal of improving the Filipinos’ lives, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

During Alyansa’s campaign rally at City College of San Jose del Monte here, Marcos said he would not be surprised if the senatorial candidates of the opposition party and other political parties got “nervous” because his preferred candidates are most qualified to occupy the Senate seats.

“We have put aside our parties to unite, to do everything, to help and improve the lives of every Filipino,” Marcos said in a speech delivered before an estimated crowd of at least 20,000.

“If these are the people I will face as Senate candidates, I would think about it because it is too heavy, because they are known to be knowledgeable, efficient, intelligent, hardworking and most importantly, they love the people, they love the Philippines,” he added.