President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stood in Malacañang and paid tribute to cultural giants who shaped the Filipino soul, calling Gloria Romero, the late actress whose grace in films like Iginuhit ng Tadhana immortalized his family’s legacy, a “true class act.” Alongside her, chef Margarita “Gaita” Forés was celebrated for weaving the Filipino heart into Italian cuisine, proving the global worth of our food.

National Artist Nora Aunor, whose piercing performance in Himala mirrored the Filipino spirit, was remembered fondly. Her encounters with Marcos dated back to his childhood. These posthumous awards, shared with other cultural icons, underscored a nation cherishing its artistic roots amid modernization.

With the economy’s spectacular growth, the icons reminded Filipinos that excellence in whatever fields they chose will comprise the overall performance of the economy and the nation in its quest to become world-class.

The following were the more noteworthy activities of President Marcos last week, compiled through a joint endeavor of the Daily Tribune and the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Office.

4 May

Gloria Romero: A true class act

Marcos honored the late actress Gloria Romero for her iconic contributions to cinema and described her career as a true class act.

In a ceremony at Malacañang, the President fondly recalled his moments with Romero who played First Lady Imelda Marcos in the 1968 biographical film “Iginuhit ng Tadhana” which chronicled the life of his father, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Romero, who passed away last 25 January, was honored alongside three other cultural icons for their immense contributions to Philippine arts and culture.

Chef Forés proved that Filipino food world-class

Also honored was the late chef Margarita “Gaita” Forés for elevating Filipino cuisine to global recognition, proving it can stand alongside the world’s best.

The President said, “Gaita reimagined Italian cuisine by giving it a Filipino heart. She started as a chef and just wanted to cook, bringing Italian food to the Philippines. But she managed to go far beyond that.”

He said Forés succeeded in fusing Filipino and Italian culinary sensibilities and championed Filipino cuisine as world-class.

Forés passed away on 11 February, but her legacy lives on in the meals she crafted and in the generation of Filipino chefs she inspired to dream beyond our borders.

Superstar who reflected Filipino soul

President Marcos also paid tribute to National Artist Nora Aunor, whose songs and films captured the Filipinos’ hearts and souls.

The President recalled the filming of Himala in the dunes of Ilocos Norte, near his family’s home.

“Whether in Himala or Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Ate Guy looked into our eyes and pierced our souls” and said: “Ito ay kung sino tayo bilang mga Pilipino (This is who we are as Filipinos).”

He also shared a personal story about his first encounter with the young Nora Aunor during his eighth birthday party at Malacañang in 1965. From then on, he said, their paths crossed often at events and dinners, and she remained ever relatable to the public.

5 May

Continued support for Cebu farmers, infra

President Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to supporting Filipino farmers, ensuring affordable food, and speeding up infrastructure development in the Visayas and throughout the country.

In a stirring address at the One Cebu People’s rally held at the Dumanjug Sports Complex (Mega Dome) in Dumanjug, the President stressed the government’s ongoing efforts to bolster the agricultural sector.

He said the P20/kilo rice program will be implemented in the Visayas region immediately after the Commission on Elections’ 10-day spending ban ends on 12 May.

ASEAN Summit set in Malaysia

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Monday President Marcos will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 26-27 May.

President Marcos and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim spoke on the telephone and exchanged views on regional economic and security challenges.

Mr. Marcos expressed optimism about continuing the dialogue with fellow ASEAN leaders during the high-level regional gathering.

Strong national-local ties drive progress

During the One Cebu People’s rally, President Marcos said the strong collaboration between Cebu’s local government units and the national government is a key driver of progress in the Central Visayas region.

The President praised Cebu’s leaders for aligning their goals with the national objectives which ensures the effective rollout of government programs and projects.

The success of national government programs largely depends on the effectiveness of local government units. President Marcos noted that without proper implementation at the regional level, communities may not fully experience the intended benefits.

Sustain reforms after ‘gray list’ exit

President Marcos credited the country’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force gray list to unity, strong leadership, and government-wide coordination, highlighting the accomplishment as a testament to the country’s commitment to financial integrity.

He urged government agencies to implement more vigorous law enforcement and a resilient financial system to ensure the Philippines never returns to the FATF gray list.

The Chief Executive led the recognition ceremony in Malacañang, honoring the “Champions of the Philippines’ FATF gray list exit.”

Changes vowed after deadly tragedies

In a video message posted on his official Facebook page, President Marcos expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and were injured in the recent tragedies at the SCTEX toll plaza and NAIA Terminal 1.

The President vowed to implement reforms in the country’s transport system and ensure accountability for recent tragic vehicular accidents.

He said he has directed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to take immediate and decisive action to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the mishaps.

6 May

PCG plays crucial WPS role

The President commended the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for steadfastly protecting the country’s territory and sovereign rights during the oath-taking of 29 newly promoted Coast Guard officers in Malacañang.

Mr. Marcos also promised to enhance the PCG’s capabilities to fulfill its duties in the face of the geopolitical challenges.

The President said his administration supports the PCG in boosting its capabilities and in the urgency of its work.

Traditions preserved amid modernization

On the same day, President Marcos reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving indigenous culture and traditions amid rapid technological advances.

Marcos directed the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to intensify the implementation of programs that promote and develop the culture and the arts, as mandated by Republic Act 7356.

The President issued the directive after conferring the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan on nine traditional artists who have excelled in oral tradition, embroidery, weaving, dance and brass casting.

Probe NAIA bollards

PPO Castro said the President had ordered a review of the procurement process and technical specifications of the bollards installed on the walkway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 after a fatal vehicular crash occurred at the airport on 4 May.

The bollards failed to prevent a vehicle from crashing through to the walkway, killing two persons, including a 4-year-old girl, and injuring four others.

Bollards are sturdy vertical posts primarily used to manage and control traffic, enhance security, and protect people and property.

7 May

$10M for Tawi-Tawi safe water access

Malacañang welcomed a US$10 million grant from a multilateral agency to help climate-vulnerable towns in Tawi-Tawi have safe, reliable water access amid the growing climate challenges.

The PCO said the project, dubbed “Harnessing the Water-Energy-Food Nexus to Address and Adapt to Climate Change Impacts in Tawi-Tawi,” will specifically benefit the towns of Sibutu and Sitangkai.

On its website, the Mindanao Development Authority said the initiative, focused on improving water security in Sibutu and Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, is the Philippines’ first project funded by the Adaptation Fund.

It aims to benefit over 71,000 residents in the island province by providing access to safe water and supporting the local seaweed industry.

Probe illegal black sand mining

The PCO said in a press briefing the President had ordered a thorough investigation into reports that sand used in reclamation projects may have been sourced from the coastal areas.

In a Senate hearing, an official of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency said the sand used in the reclamation on Manila Bay came from the country’s coastal areas.

Asked about the liability of local officials in the illegal activity, Castro said President Marcos’ directive was meant to pinpoint those responsible and hold them accountable.

PSA: Marcos’s actions slowed rice inflation

The PSA said various government initiatives, including the President’s order to cut rice import tariffs, helped slow down rice price inflation.

It said the current maximum suggested retail price is P45 per kilogram, noting that many provinces are now offering rice at the same price and even lower in some areas, a trend not seen in previous months.

On 29 June 2024, President Marcos issued Executive Order 62 which modified the import duty rates on certain products to rein in inflationary pressures and protect the peso’s purchasing power.

Central Luzon’s role in growth journey cited

The President commended Central Luzon for its strong economic performance which contributed to the Philippines’ ranking among the world’s fastest-growing economies in 2024.

In his speech at the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas rally in Malolos City, the President noted that the gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.7 percent, while Central Luzon’s gross regional domestic product rose by 6.5 percent, making it the third fastest-growing region nationwide.

Marcos also cited Bulacan’s 5.6-percent economic growth, with its GDP increasing from P598.05 billion in 2022 to P631.64 billion in 2023.

Malolos-Tutuban railway to ease commute

The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure upgrades, including the 38-kilometer rail line connecting Malolos to Manila.

During the rally, Marcos said the railway connecting Malolos, Bulacan, to Valenzuela City, which will be completed in five years, is expected to ease travel and improve public transport in Central Luzon and Metro Manila.

The President said the San Ildefonso–San Miguel bypass road in Bulacan, part of the Plaridel bypass extension, is 77.23 percent complete and will be finished by December 2025.

8 May

Marcos to OFWs: Make

your voice count

The President urged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to help shape the nation’s future by voting online in “Halalan 2025,” noting that they can now vote anytime, anywhere — no lines, no travel needed.

In a video message addressed to Filipinos abroad, Marcos assured OFWs that the online voting would be convenient and accessible and that their votes would be counted securely and efficiently.

Highlighting the benefits of digital innovation in the electoral process, President Marcos encouraged overseas Filipinos to use online voting for the upcoming elections.

Expand accessible healthcare centers

The President reaffirmed his commitment to providing efficient and accessible healthcare for all Filipinos through free urgent, ambulatory, and outpatient medical services for non-life threatening conditions.

During the last Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas rally in Malolos City, the President announced plans to significantly expand the number of Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers.

Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said BUCAS centers play a critical role in improving healthcare accessibility, especially in areas where hospital services are limited. The centers support hospitals in giving urgent medical attention to non-life-threatening conditions.

Tourism, consumer spending and ‘BBM’ drive growth

Under the President, the Philippine economy continues its steady growth, driven by a tourism rebound, rising consumer spending and ongoing infrastructure investments through the “Build Better More” program.

The Department of Tourism reported that local and foreign tourists are returning in large numbers, thus helping create more jobs and boosting businesses like hotels, transport, and shops.

In 2024, the country welcomed 5.9-million international visitors, 91 percent of them foreigners. According to the Department of Tourism, this was an increase of 500,000 million over the 5.4 million international arrivals recorded in 2023.

Strong growth spurs opportunities

More jobs, increasing household income, and supporting more stable and productive businesses are expected as the economy posted strong growth in the first quarter due to the administration’s aggressive reforms.

The gross domestic product grew by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, the Philippine Statistics Authority said on Thursday. This resulted in more productive businesses, increased employment, and higher earnings for many Filipinos.