President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. kept his administration’s focus on the infrastructure buildup despite the setback of the P1.2-billion Cabagan–Santa Maria Bridge collapse in Isabela.

The President wants all officials involved in the construction of the bridge probed and the negligent to be held accountable.

A partnership between Daily Tribune and the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Office charted the Chief Executive’s activities last week.

3 March

Easing in 2024 budget gap hailed

Malacañang welcomed the drop in the budget deficit last year, attributing the reduction to the effective stewardship of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the efforts of the administration’s economic team.

A budget deficit occurs when government expenditures surpass its revenue. It is a key indicator of a country’s financial health, mainly concerning government spending and income.

On 28 February, the Department of Budget and Management reported a decrease in the country’s budget deficit for 2024, noting that it was better than government expectations.

Regulatory body for socmed proposed

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) acknowledged the need for a regulatory body for social media to combat fake news on the platform.

The PCO stressed the need for such a body to reduce social media abuse. It also recognized the urgency of working with Congress to expedite the passage of laws against troll armies and fake news.

Prepare for extreme heat

The government stands ready to address the rising heat index, particularly its impact on the economy.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said its stations in Quezon City and Clark Airport in Pampanga forecast a high heat index, considered in the “danger” category.

The Department of Health had issued a statement reminding the public to take precautions. It said the government is compiling more action plans to address the situation.

Long-term Kanlaon plan mulled

The government will implement a long-term plan to ensure the safety of residents affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon volcano on Negros Island, the President said.

He said the plan involves identifying safe evacuation sites and establishing permanent relocation areas.

In organizing the National Task Force on Kanlaon, the President said he preferred to keep its composition small, with the Department of National Defense-Office of Civil Defense (DND-OCD) as the lead agency.

He stressed the need for a plan to move people out of danger zones and build large evacuation centers for Kanlaon-affected residents.

4 March

Child dev’t centers get funding

The President approved funding of P700 million for the establishment of child development centers (CDC) in 4th and 5th-class municipalities that lack resources to put up basic education development hubs.

The Department of Budget and Management committed to fund the establishment of CDCs this year.

The P700 million, which will be coursed through the Local Government Support Fund, will finance the development of CDCs in every municipality.

5 March

Alternative education program has law

Filipinos can now earn degrees through non-traditional means after the President signed on 3 March the law institutionalizing the expanded tertiary education equivalency and accreditation program (ETEEAP).

Republic Act 12124, or the ETEEAP Act, allows Filipinos, especially working professionals, to finish their college education for career advancement.

The ETEEAP will identify, assess, validate, and assign equivalent undergraduate-level and special graduate programs of prior learning from formal, non-formal, and informal learning systems and relevant work experiences to qualified individuals for the grant of the appropriate academic degrees.

Ease of Doing Business month

President Marcos has declared May of every year Ease of Doing Business Month to promote the government’s campaign of strengthening the delivery of key government services, create a more business-friendly environment, and improve bureaucratic efficiency.

Proclamation 818 directed the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to lead in the annual observance of EoDB Month and to identify the programs, activities, and projects related to the celebration.

It directed all national government agencies and instrumentalities covered by Republic Act 9485, the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, to coordinate with ARTA.

Isabela Bridge liability sought

The President has demanded accountability for the Cabagan–Santa Maria Bridge collapse in Isabela last month, the PCO said.

The President wants all officials involved in the construction of the bridge held accountable for the incident.

The PCO said that initial findings by the DPWH indicated poor maintenance and structural “underdesign” contributed to the mishap on 27 February.

6 March

P67-M modern rice processor

President Marcos inspected the state-of-the-art multi-stage rice processing complex in Barangay Ipil, Echague, Isabela.

The complex, known as the Rice Processing System II, is expected to benefit thousands of farmers in the province.

Inaugurated on 28 November 2024, the complex is part of the government’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program worth P67.48 million.

It includes a state-of-the-art multi-stage rice mill with three-tons per hour capacity valued at P48.58 million and five recirculating dryers, with a 12-ton capacity each, worth P18.9 million.

7 March

Bicol dev’t challenges, initiatives tabled

President Marcos met with members of the Bicol Regional Development Council to discuss regional development accomplishments, challenges, and ongoing initiatives.

The National Economic and Development Authority in Bicol said the meeting with the President at the Digital Transformation Center in Pili, Camarines Sur was attended by national and regional government officials, provincial leaders, mayors and private sector representatives.

The discussions centered on the significant progress across various sectors, focusing on key infrastructure projects aimed at boosting economic and social growth in the region.