Empowering Filipinos through dynamic gov’t

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has emphasized the importance of proactive governance and public service among public servants, urging agencies like the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to directly engage with farmers to address their concerns with integrity and efficiency.

Similarly, his administration is focused on enhancing public trust in institutions, as seen in his call to the new Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Nicolas Torre III, to prioritize the public welfare and restore confidence in law enforcement, while honoring retired PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil for his efforts in community-oriented policing.

Marcos also highlighted the importance of international partnerships, expressing gratitude for the European Union’s support and welcoming the Philippines-EU Security and Defense Dialogue to address geopolitical challenges, alongside the strengthening ties with Singapore through discussions with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on renewable energy and bilateral cooperation.

The Chief Executive’s week-long efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos through proactive governance are highlighted in a joint report by the Daily Tribune and the Presidential Communications Office’s Bureau of Communications Services.

2 June

‘Don’t wait for farmers to come to you’

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to take a more proactive role by reaching out to farmers directly and addressing their concerns on the ground.

NIA officials and personnel were reminded to honor the public’s trust by carrying out their duties with integrity and efficiency.

PBBM honors ex-PNP chief Marbil

President Marcos expressed the country’s gratitude on his retirement to P/Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil for leading the Philippine National Police (PNP) and bringing the police force closer to the people.

Marbil bowed out of the service after heading the PNP for 14 months.

New PNP Chief Torre ushered in

New Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III must lead the efforts to restore the people’s trust in the police force and improve its service to the public, according to Marcos.

The President instructed the new PNP leadership to prioritize the needs and welfare of the public and place them at the center of their law enforcement campaigns.

EU support hailed

President Marcos conveyed his appreciation to High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas for the European Union’s continued and steadfast support of the Philippines during the EU leader’s official visit.

The President welcomed the establishment of the Philippines-EU Security and Defense Dialogue, underscoring the importance of addressing geopolitical challenges with those who share similar values and an adherence to the rules-based international order.

3 June

DSWD holds ‘Walang Gutom’ job fairs

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced that the Department of Labor and Employment will organize job fairs specifically for the DSWD beneficiaries transitioning out of the food stamp program.

The targeted job fairs follow a key milestone in the program’s implementation after a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, commissioned by Globe in partnership with the DSWD, showed a 4.1-percentage point drop in hunger among beneficiaries, from 48.7 percent in October 2024 to 44.6 percent in December 2024.

Expand pro-poor program

Recognizing the direct, immediate, and positive impact of the Walang Gutom program, President Marcos ordered its expansion to reach more poor families, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.

The DSWD’s Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program, commonly known as the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), will be intensified and expanded to cover 750,000 food-poor families.

Manalo stays put for now

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will continue to serve at his post pending the official confirmation of his appointment as the Philippines’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin clarified Manalo’s current status in the administration during a Palace press briefing on Tuesday to dispel any confusion regarding his appointment.

PBBM’s first SC appointment

President Marcos is thoroughly vetting the candidates for his first appointment to the Supreme Court, in anticipation of the mandatory retirement of Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez on 4 June.

Lopez was appointed to the SC on 5 December 2019. He previously served as associate justice of the Court of Appeals (CA) for 13 years.

Cabinet members must excel

Although retained in their posts, President Marcos is urging 21 Cabinet members to demonstrate renewed vigor as the performance evaluation of top government officials continues.

Bersamin announced the third tranche of courtesy resignations that have been accepted and declined by the President.

Stronger workers’ rights protection

The President met with labor leaders in Malacañang to reaffirm the government’s strong commitment to upholding workers’ rights and promoting their welfare.

Present were Trade Union Congress of the Philippines president and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito Mendoza, Associated Labor Unions national president Michael Democrito Mendoza, and other prominent labor leaders and members.

4 June

1-M SIM cards free to students, teachers

In response to President Marcos’s directive to expand internet access nationwide, especially in remote areas, the Department of Information and Communications Technology is launching the Bayanihan SIM project targeting teachers and students.

DICT Undersecretary Paul Joseph Mercado said that under the project, some one million SIM cards will be distributed to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

Singapore Premier visits

President Marcos said the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Singapore remain robust and continue to deliver tangible benefits for both nations.

In a joint press conference with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong after their

meeting in Malacañang, Marcos said both sides had detailed discussions on priority areas of cooperation.

Motorists can check violations on eGovPH

On the directive of President Marcos to digitalize key government services, the DICT announced that motorists will soon be able to check their traffic violations, including those under the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), and pay fines through the eGovPH app.

During a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, Undersecretary David Almirol Jr. said the DICT is working closely with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to link the NCAP violations monitoring system to the eGovPH app.

Monitor school supply prices

To ease the burden on families ahead of the 16 June school opening, President Marcos directed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to monitor the prices of school supply and ensure that they remain affordable.

The DTI recently issued the 2025 Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies or price guide, providing more affordable options for parents and students based on their budgets and needs.

World Health Assembly leadership clinched

The Philippines achieved a significant milestone when it presided over the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) for the first time since the global body was founded in 1948.

Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa was elected to preside over the annual WHA, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO) comprising 194 member nations.

BUCAS centers serve 860-K patients

Fulfilling President Marcos’s directive to make healthcare services accessible, the Department of Health reported that some 860,000 patients were served across the country by Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) centers as of this month.

Inspired by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’s LAB For All project, BUCAS centers bring medical care and other services to the country’s poorest communities.

Through the BUCAS centers, the DoH provides patients with free medical services, eliminating the need to visit hospitals and medical facilities.

5 June

Faster, continuous HIV care in place

On the orders of the President, the DoH launched a patient appointment system (PAS) to ensure the faster delivery of drugs to people affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Under the PAS, persons affected by HIV can secure appointments to get free anti-retroviral drugs and free HIV screening on specific dates, Health Secretary Herbosa said in a Malacanang press briefing.

Singapore asked to invest more

President Marcos and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed during a meeting their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, agreeing to explore expanded collaboration in the field of renewable energy.

The President acknowledged that Singapore remains a major partner in the Philippines’ goal to diversify its energy sources.

PCO pushes for social media regulation

In pursuit of the fight against fake news, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Thursday called for stronger government regulation of social media platforms, a revision of community standards, and a national media literacy campaign to fight the growing problem of disinformation.

At a joint House hearing conducted by the committees on public order and safety, information and communications technology, and public information, PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz emphasized that digital platforms must be held accountable for the content they spread.

6 June

A call for sacrifice, renewal, compassion

President Marcos expressed solidarity with Muslim Filipinos during the solemn occasion of Eid’l Adha, “in the name of Allah, the Most Just and the Most Merciful.”

The President emphasized that Eid’l Adha is more than a remembrance of devotion—it is an inward journey, one that challenges individuals to let go of attachments and embrace what truly matters.

FL opens LIKHA 4

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the opening of the highly anticipated LIKHA 4, a free public celebration of Filipino creativity, craftsmanship, and culture.

Running from 6 to 8 June at the Foro de Intramuros along Anda Street, the event serves as a significant highlight of this year’s Independence Day festivities.

LIKHA 4 is open to the public to engage with the creative process, witness live demonstrations, and purchase locally made, heritage-rich products.