The 31 million Filipinos who elected Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the presidency of the Republic of the Philippines should rally behind him and his administration to safeguard the wealth of the nation from political opportunists and foreign interventionists.

President Bongbong Marcos’ visionary leadership has undoubtedly driven positive changes. We should be proud of his achievements, and the honors that he has garnered as our leader in less than three years of his administration.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s inclusion in TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2024” was a “prestigious recognition” that showed his relentless drive in advancing the Philippines’ interests and securing a brighter future for all Filipinos.

TIME recognized Marcos’ leadership, citing how his administration steadied the post-coronavirus pandemic economy and how his presidency “elevated the Philippines on the world stage. His visionary leadership is bringing throughout the islands his visionary projects that could transform the country into a world power.”

He has prioritized the development of critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, mobility, and promoting regional development. To name only one accomplishment, among the many others, is the first underground railway system in the Philippines, a flagship project under the administration’s “Build Better More Program.”

The project currently has an estimated total cost of P488.5 billion, of which P370.7 billion will be financed through an official development assistance (ODA) loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Meanwhile, P117.70 billion will be covered by the Philippine government.

The Marcos administration’s efforts to attract foreign investments have significantly bolstered the economy by driving jobs creation, stimulating growth and fostering prosperity for all Filipinos.

President Marcos’ comprehensive economic agenda has yielded significant gains in addressing unemployment and underemployment. He has prioritized development by driving inclusive growth across the country. President Marcos’ TIME feat is an affirmation that the 31 million Filipinos who voted for him simply made the right choice.

Being lumped together with the world’s best and brightest, and to be touted as among the “most influential,” is something that makes us proud of our President.

TIME’s recognition was the best way to start his third year as President of the Philippines.

President Marcos was listed in the leaders category, along with Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny; Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Taiwan President-elect William Lai, Argentina President Javier Melei, Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed bin Adbulrahman Al Thani, World Bank president Ajay Banga, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, among others.

The President’s stance against China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea was cited as emboldening other countries to follow international law.

TIME magazine started coming out with its list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 1999, but it only became an annual feature beginning 2004. It recognizes not just the most popular or most powerful figures, but also those who have made a major impact on the world, whether positive or negative. The list has five categories: leaders and revolutionaries; builders and titans; artists and entertainers; scientists and thinkers; and heroes and icons.

In an article published on 18 April 2024, TIME noted how Marcos, after only two years in office, had stood up to Beijing on the international stage and stabilized his country’s economy as it emerged from the Covid-19 slump.

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