Efforts to modernize the agricultural sector by leveraging technology have gained momentum. During his engagements in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, at the 50th Gawad Saka and discussions with farmers, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the need to reverse perceptions that farming is a dead-end career.

By introducing advanced technologies, his administration aims to enhance harvests and reduce reliance on food imports, particularly rice, thereby making agriculture a vibrant, tech-driven industry that appeals to young people and supports national food security.

The Benteng Bigas Meron Na program, with its 94th outlet launched in Cavite, ensures that affordable rice is available at P20 per kilo for vulnerable groups. At the same time, Malacañang urges rice farmers to report exploitative traders to safeguard their livelihoods.

Through a landmark collaboration, the DAILY TRIBUNE and the Presidential Communications Office’s Bureau of Communications Services track the country’s tireless leader’s busy schedule every week.

30 June

Tech-driven youth as farmers

The government is working to transform agriculture into a modern, technology-driven sector that appeals to young people, encouraging more young Filipinos to pursue a career in farming.

Speaking with farmers and stakeholders in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. acknowledged that as Filipino farmers and fisherfolk age, new technologies are needed to improve harvests.

Mr. Marcos emphasized the need to change the prevailing mindset that farming is a dead-end career.

Agri self-sufficiency cuts importation

President Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the agriculture sector into a more robust one, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce the country’s heavy reliance on food imports, particularly rice.

Speaking before farmers and fisherfolk during the 50th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda held in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, the Chief Executive declared that agricultural self-sufficiency is a central goal of his administration.

New Customs chief takes oath

President Marcos has sworn in Ariel F. Nepomuceno as the new Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BoC), the government agency responsible for intensifying efforts to combat smuggling and illicit trade.

Before his appointment, Nepomuceno served as executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and undersecretary of the Office of Civil Defense.

1 July

Era of financial inclusion

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial bell-ringing at the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday to mark the start of implementing a landmark reform that benefits not only the wealthy and professionals but also Filipinos who aspire to better financial security.

During the event at the PSE Tower in BGC, Taguig City, President Marcos said the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act aims to democratize investment access and enhance the country’s financial competitiveness.

Signed into law in May 2025 as Republic Act 12214, CMEPA slashes the stock transaction tax from 0.6 to 0.1 percent — aligning the country with regional peers and encouraging broader participation in the capital market.

Order of Sikatuna on new DFA chief

President Marcos has sworn in Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro as the new Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, succeeding outgoing chief Enrique Manalo, who is set to be named as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York City.

In a simple oath-taking ceremony at Malacañan Palace, President Marcos also conferred the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross), and the Gold Distinction on Lazaro in recognition of her leadership and vital contributions to Philippine foreign policy and diplomacy.

The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit, conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the Republic of the Philippines.

Full support for Air Force modernization

Recognizing the sacrifices of Philippine Air Force personnel who risk their lives in the line of duty, the President reaffirmed his administration’s full support to the PAF, pledging to continue investing in its modernization and ensuring the welfare of its personnel.

Speaking before airmen and airwomen during the 78th founding anniversary of the PAF at Villamor Air Base in Pasay, the Commander-in-Chief emphasized that the government remains steadfast in equipping the Air Force for present and future challenges.

The President said a modern, well-equipped force is only possible with continued commitment and support from the government.

Anti-smuggling campaign ramped up

An intensified campaign against smuggling had started through the newly appointed head of the BoC, Ariel Nepomuceno.

Nepomuceno is not new to the BOC, as he had previously held positions within the agency, including Assistant Commissioner of the Post Clearance Audit Group from December 2017 to April 2018 and Deputy Commissioner of the Enforcement Group from December 2013 to February 2017.

P34-M hot onions, mackerel

Some P34 million worth of smuggled onions and mackerel were seized at the Port of Manila by government agents following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the campaign against smuggling.

In a joint operation, the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Agriculture intercepted six container vans from China carrying misdeclared imported onions and mackerel, potentially serving as a test case for the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act that President Marcos signed last year.

The intercepted shipments were declared as egg noodles, spring rolls, and dumplings.

Oil firms offer fuel discounts

Following Mr. Marcos’ call to ease the impact of fluctuating global oil prices on consumers, major local oil companies have begun offering fuel discounts to motorists.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that, aside from a rollback in fuel prices, the Department of Energy has announced that nine oil companies have committed to providing fuel discounts.

The fuel companies offering discounts include Petron, Shell, Caltex, Seaoil, Phoenix, PTT, Jetti, Clean Fuel, and Petro Gazz. Meanwhile, Shell, Seaoil, and Phoenix will offer fuel discounts for Transport Network Vehicle Service drivers.

Balanced interests in wage debate

Amid the issue of a wage hike, the President committed to listening to all sectors, including workers, businesses, and investors, to come up with decisions that benefit all, Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro of the Presidential Communications Office said.

In a press briefing, Castro said that the administration of President Marcos has been implementing programs to improve the working conditions of Filipino workers, including the holding of job fairs, which have generated 170,000 jobs from 2022 to 1 May 2025.

Additionally, due to the US$27 billion in investments that flowed into the country from 2022 to 2024, approximately 350,000 jobs were created nationwide.

2 July

94th Benteng Bigas Meron Na outlet

Indigent families and other vulnerable sectors in Cavite are among the latest to benefit from the Marcos administration’s initiative to make rice accessible to millions of Filipino families at P20 per kilo, consistent with a 2022 Presidential campaign vow.

President Marcos launched the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program at the Zapote-Bacoor Public Market in Bacoor City, marking the 94th outlet for the P20-per-kilo rice.

Under the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program, recipients of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and minimum wage workers are given priority in purchasing P20 per kilo rice.

3 July

Speed up road and bridge construction.

On the President’s orders, a road system connecting Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte touted as a key gateway for progress in the Zamboanga Peninsula and, by extension, the entire Mindanao region, is now 95 percent complete.

President Marcos had ordered the swift construction of high-impact infrastructure projects that would benefit ordinary Filipinos while using public funds judiciously, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

Palace to rice tillers: Report exploitation

Malacañang urged rice farmers to report unscrupulous traders who are taking advantage of the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program by purchasing palay at unfairly low prices.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said rice farmers can file complaints with the Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior and Local Government, or the Department of Justice.

Asian execs converge for summit

President Marcos welcomed business leaders from across the region who are in Manila to participate in the 14th Asian Business Summit.

The Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee is organizing the summit in collaboration with the Japan Business Federation, also known as Keidanren. The Philippines is hosting the summit for the second time; the first was in 2014.

4 July

P22.85M livelihood aid for GenSan fisherfolk

The President led the turnover of P22.85 million worth of livelihood support for fisherfolk in General Santos City and nearby coastal communities.

President Marcos distributed various assistance worth P22.85 million from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources during the “Ugnayan with Fisherfolk” town hall meeting held in Barangay Tambler, where the President engaged directly with port stakeholders, local fishers and industry representatives.