The Vatican was the focal point of global mourning yesterday as approximately 170 world leaders, including Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, gathered to pay their final respects to Pope Francis who passed away on 21 April at age 88.

The historic gathering highlighted the Philippines’ leadership as a pillar of Catholicism and its growing global diplomatic presence. Mr. Marcos and his delegation reinforced ties with other nations amid the shared reverence.

Under a partnership between Daily Tribune and the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Office, the Chief Executive’s busy week is thus chronicled.

21 April

Strong mechanism vs fake news needed

In a sectoral meeting in Malacañang on the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) programs and projects, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday recognized the need for a strong mechanism to combat misinformation and disinformation in light of rapidly evolving digital technologies.

The President acknowledged that regulating online platforms would be challenging, as any proposals would be weighed against the right to freedom of expression. He supported the DICT’s and the Presidential Communications Office’s anti-fake news campaign.

PBBM’s best Pope

President Marcos expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, who was affectionately known among Filipinos as “Lolo Kiko.”

Before his passing, Pope Francis appeared before the crowd at St. Peter’s Square to greet them a “Happy Easter.” According to Vatican News, Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Monday. He was 88.

Pope Francis made a historic visit to the Philippines in 2015 to be with the survivors of the devastation caused by super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) in 2013.

NFA: Regain powers to cut rice prices

Giving back to the state grains firm, National Food Authority (NFA), its regulatory powers to control prices and the authority to sell to consumers directly could bring down rice prices.

The NFA lost the power to regulate rice prices under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) under which it could only sell to Kadiwa stores, the Food Terminal Inc., and local government units (LGUs).

22 April

Local gov’t, farmers grateful for agri support

A local government official led farmers in Misamis Oriental in expressing their gratitude to President Marcos for the government’s support to the agricultural sector.

President Marcos led the launch and turnover of agricultural support for farmers in Barangay San Isidro, Balingasag, on Tuesday.

Heart for people’s comfort, security

The government committed to building and developing infrastructure “with a heart for people’s comfort, security and progress.”

The President made the declaration as he led the launch of the P430.39-million Balingoan Port Expansion project in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental.

The President enumerated other port projects under his administration, citing the completion last year of the expansion of the Passenger Terminal Building at the Port of Batangas.

23 April

Tech partnerships for inclusive growth

Expanding digital infrastructure beyond Metro Manila, Mr. Marcos led the launch of the AI-ready VITRO Santa Rosa (VSR) Data Center, urging stronger public-private collaboration and innovation to build an inclusive and tech-driven Bagong Pilipinas.

In his speech, the President emphasized the vital role of government and private sector collaboration in advancing the country’s digital transformation.

Labelling the Filipino workforce as “the greatest asset,” the President invited investors to explore opportunities in the Philippines’ growing digital economy.

Reviving industrialization is key

President Marcos expressed support for the revival of the national steel mill industry in Northern Mindanao, citing its crucial role in propelling the country’s industrialization.

During the Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao meeting in Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday, the Chief Executive said there are ongoing discussions with local and foreign groups interested in forming ties to bring the National Steel Corp. back to life.

The President said he would instruct the Department of Energy to evaluate the capability of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex to supply the necessary power to operate a steel mill.

Japanese PM sets visit

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will make an official visit to the Philippines on 29-30 April.

President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will welcome the Prime Minister and his spouse, Yoshiko Ishiba, to Malacañang on 29 April.

Mr. Marcos and Mr. Ishiba’s meeting will seek to deepen economic and development cooperation, political and defense engagements, and people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and Japan.

24 April

Significant honor for pontiff

The First Couple left for Rome to join around 170 world leaders and other dignitaries in the Vatican for the funeral on Saturday, 26 April of Pope Francis who died on 21 April.

The Philippines, the largest Catholic country in Asia, joins the global Catholic community in honoring the late Pontiff’s life and legacy.

3 model Filipino travelers

In the global diaspora, three exceptional Filipino world travelers visited all 193 United Nations member countries, a rare feat accomplished by fewer than 500 people.

On Thursday, President Marcos honored Odette Ricasa, the first Filipino to achieve the milestone; Luisa Yu, the oldest; and Kach Medina Umandap, the youngest.

The travelers were accompanied by Donalito “Dondon” Bales, the founder of the global community of Filipino World Travelers, during their courtesy call in Malacañang.

Days of mourning

The nation marked its solidarity with the world as it mourned the passing of Pope Francis with a period of national mourning.

In Proclamation 871, President Marcos declared solemnity until the burial of Pope Francis on 26 April.

The President Marcos cited the late Pontiff’s enduring legacy, describing him as “a global symbol of humility, compassion, and peace,” who spent his life “devoting his ministry to the care of the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable, and advocating tirelessly for social justice, equality, and interfaith dialogue.”

DA rolls out P20 per kilo rice

The Marcos administration announced the pilot rollout of the P20-per-kilo rice initiative, which will begin in the Visayas, following a closed-door meeting between the President and 12 governors from the Visayas at the Cebu Provincial Capitol earlier on Wednesday.

According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., several regions in the Visayas shall serve as a testbed for implementation strategies and logistical coordination.

He said the program will be scaled up nationwide, with the goal of making affordable rice accessible to more Filipino families.

25 April

Antique principal relieved

Following a directive from President Marcos, the Department of Education (DepEd) relieved a school principal for inappropriate behavior during a graduation ceremony at a school in Antique.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Friday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the DepEd will still monitor the behavior of Venus Divinia Nietes, the principal of Col. Ruperto Abellon National School.

Castro clarified the principal was removed from the Antique school but remains a teacher.

She said the charges the principal may face would depend on the DepEd secretary.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara requested an exemption from the Commission on Elections from the ban on the transfer of public officials and employees during the election period in connection with Nietes’s relief. The Comelec approved the request on 24 April.

Probe into foreign poll interference set

Malacañang expressed grave concern over reports by the National Security Council of foreign interference in the 12 May midterm elections.

Castro noted that when the issue reached President Marcos, he immediately ordered a deeper investigation.

Castro assured that the government agencies concerned would intensify their investigation to ensure the integrity of the election process.

PBBM courts digital nomads

To boost tourism and the economy further, President Marcos issued Executive Order 86 establishing a legal framework to facilitate the entry of digital nomads or foreign nationals seeking to temporarily reside and work remotely in the Philippines.

“The DFA is hereby authorized to issue Digital Nomad Visas to non-immigrant foreigners who desire to enter and/or stay in the country for a temporary period to work remotely using digital technologies, and whose clients or employers are situated outside the Philippines,” President Marcos said in the EO, which he signed on 24 April.

Because of the relatively lower cost of living, the Philippines is becoming a haven for digital nomads. The country’s scenic spots also lure an increasing number of remote workers.