Dreams unlocked; shelter for all

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has exemplified proactive governance focused on urban renewal, sustainable infrastructure, housing accessibility, and robust national security measures.

From Manila’s revitalization to bolstering defenses against regional threats, his initiatives have underscored a commitment to the Filipinos’ welfare and sovereignty.

Kicking off with urban redevelopment, Marcos announced expanded revival projects post the successful Pasig River rehabilitation.

Seamlessly transitioning to road travel, Marcos launched the One RFID system in Calamba, Laguna, after eight years of development. This unifies the toll systems of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. and San Miguel Corp., eliminating the hassle of dual RFID cards.

Timed for the Undas and Christmas traffic surges, Marcos encouraged free, hassle-free RFID registration to ease motoring woes.

In housing, Marcos praised Pag-IBIG for delivering 50,000 homes in 2025, along with home improvement loans. “Our dear OFWs and 4Ps graduates can also apply,” he noted, expanding shelter options for vulnerable sectors.

Amid escalating tensions, Marcos directed an overhaul of the defense ecosystem, as affirmed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.

19 October

More redevelopment beyond Pasig River

Following a meeting with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, President Marcos announced more revival projects following the success of the Pasig River rehabilitation. He said the government is looking to promote sustainable transportation options for the public.

With this, the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) launched the M/B Dalaray, the country’s first locally designed and fabricated electric ferry that can sail continuously for three hours on the Pasig River. According to Marcos, the M/B Dalaray will sail by November.

Robots to collect garbage

To aid the cleanup of one of the country’s main waterways, the President said the government is looking into using ClearBot, a solar-powered, AI-enabled robotic vessel capable of autonomously collecting floating trash and invasive plants to enable more efficient, environmentally friendly cleanup operations.

Marcos said Clear Robotics and the Asian Development Bank are working together on a pilot initiative.

Open green space

The President is looking into converting the Intramuros Golf Course into an Open Green Space to provide more breathing room for Manilans while preserving the historic charm of Intramuros, as well as the rehabilitation of Plaza Calderon, a cultural and historical landmark, a couple of steps away from the river.

21 October

Seamless travels

From the flowing waters of the Pasig River to the steady travel of cars on roads, Marcos led the launch of the One RFID in Calamba, Laguna that was eight years in development, removing the restrictions of the two RFID systems of the two tollway companies — Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. and San Miguel Corp.

Just in time for the commemoration of the Undas and the celebration of Christmas, where thousands of vehicles will ply expressways, Marcos urged the motoring public to avail themselves of this new initiative, as registration is free and hassle-free.

‘Bagong Pilipino’ honored

The Chief Executive paid tribute to 10 Outstanding Filipinos chosen by the Metrobank Foundation, calling them the faces of the New Filipino who are honest, committed, and wholeheartedly serving their fellowmen.

“Fellow countrymen, you have shown that true service to the nation is not measured by social status, but by the goal of bringing change to our countrymen,” he said. The awardees included police officers, scientists, and military personnel.

22 October

Good practices only

Speaking before the mining community, Marcos appealed to them to refrain from engaging in unlawful mining in areas prone to disasters.

“We will strictly enforce the laws against practices that destroy forests, poison rivers, and endanger lives. Mining should build communities, not burden them,” he said in his speech.

Marcos stressed that mining operations must be consistent with the country’s environmental commitments, which include the Paris Agreement and the Philippine Energy Plan.

He said his administration shared a common vision of responsible, inclusive and climate-resilient mining, helping the industry uncover the country’s rich mineral resources.

Boosting housing sector

Citing gradual gains that provide housing to Filipinos dreaming of owning homes, President Marcos lauded Pag-IBIG, which has turned over 50,000 houses in 2025, cementing it as the government’s most prominent partner in providing shelter options.

Not just homes, but home improvement loans, are what Pag-IBIG offers its members; along with lower interest rates for low-income earners.

Marcos noted that the government’s flagship Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) housing program, has enabled low-income earners to own their homes. Combined with three-percent interest rates, applying for housing loans has become easier.

“Our dear OFWs can also benefit from this low interest rate,” he said. “Beneficiaries and graduates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino or 4Ps program can also apply with the help of our Expanded 4PH.”

More housing loans approved

In celebration of National Shelter Month, Marcos said Pag-IBIG will issue Notices of Approval, enabling members to receive cash loans from the agency for home renovation and other improvements.

More than 5,000 families living in Los Baños, Laguna; Lucena City, Iloilo City and Caloocan City will receive Certificates of Entitlement.

Pag-IBIG, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, and the National Housing Authority combined aim to provide 730,000 families with homes by 2028 under the 4PH program.

23 October

PCG: Guardians of safety, stability

Amid the threats at home and beyond our shores, Marcos called the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) the “guardians of safety and stability.”

“The PCG is one of the government agencies that restores my faith in the dedication of the workers in government. When I see the PCG in action, I see what the best of government can look like. That is discipline, with integrity, with excellence working as one,” he said during the 124th celebration of the PCG’s founding anniversary on Thursday.

“I know that these are difficult times that we live in. Our people’s trust in the government has been shaken, we cannot deny that,” he said. “But I am certain that trust can be regained if we remain transparent and true to our mission.”

New assets for Coast Guard

Marcos said the government will invest in new vessels to enable the Coast Guard to patrol the country’s shores and defend it against its adversaries.

“We will keep investing in new vessels, in aircraft, command posts, communication systems. We will improve training, facilities, and logistics to provide every PCG personnel a sense of dignity in fulfilling their roles,” he said.

Meanwhile, Marcos lauded outstanding PCG units that went the “extra mile” in the service of the nation. He also honored 16 PCG personnel who exhibited “exemplary performance, professionalism, and dedication to public service.”

24 October

PTVs for Mindanao

To improve healthcare delivery in underserved areas, Marcos led in the distribution of 229 patient transport vehicles (PTV) or ambulances from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to different Mindanao provinces.

Marcos reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing Filipinos with accessible and efficient healthcare services. “At the very basic, if you do not have a healthy population, you cannot have a happy population. And that is what we need to do. We have to bring healthcare down to the people,” he said.

The PTVs went to Agusan del Norte, including Butuan City, 12 units; Surigao del Norte, 20; Surigao del Sur, 19; Dinagat Islands, seven; Davao de Oro, eight; Davao Oriental, four; and Misamis Occidental, one unit.

Boost territory protection

President Marcos is pushing for a stronger defense to protect Philippine territory, particularly amid the rising regional tensions, Malacañang said.

This after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Thursday that Marcos has issued a directive to reshape the country’s defense ecosystem, as the Philippines currently sits at the “spearhead of threats to the international order,” citing China’s illegal actions in the West Philippine Sea.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reaffirmed Marcos’s commitment to protecting and upholding the country’s sovereignty.