Last week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. faced a storm, lent an arm to the bereaved, marked the latest milestone in the economy, and issued orders to benefit the country. 

The nation weathered another round of natural and political tempests last week. 

As typhoons lashed the country, bringing floods and devastation to communities across the archipelago, President Marcos moved swiftly to oversee relief and recovery operations. 

Efforts were coordinated among key agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways and Department of Energy. 

In these moments of crisis, the President’s role as a unifying figure was put to the test.

4 November

Copenhagen infra execs visit Palace 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received officials of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) who paid  a courtesy call at Malacañang.

The CIP expressed confidence about investing in the Philippines’ renewable energy sector, citing the country’s location and Marcos’ commitment to transition towards renewable energy.

It is set to build its first offshore wind farm project, worth $3 billion, in Camarines Sur, its first in Southeast Asia.

5 November

Marcos assures aid after ‘Tino’ 

Following the onslaught of typhoon “Tino,’ Marcos declared a state of national calamity to enable the national and local governments to access emergency funds for faster recovery.

“That gives us quicker access to some of the emergency funds, number one,” he said. “Secondly, our procurement will be accelerated so that we don’t have to go through the usual bureaucratic procedures.”

Marcos lamented the aftermath of Tino in Cebu, which left hundreds of casualties and millions in damage.

P760-M aid for typhoon victims

In response to typhoon “Tino” and the coming super typhoon “Uwan,” the Office of the President has pledged P760 million in aid to support the recovery of calamity victims.

The following provinces will receive P50 million each: Cebu, Capiz, Surigao del Norte, Iloilo, Bohol, and Negros Occidental. Eastern Samar, Surigao del Sur, Southern Leyte, Antique, and Aklan will get P40 million.

Leyte and Masbate will receive P30 million each, while Guimaras, Agusan del Norte, and Dinagat Islands will get P20 million.

Biliran, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Misamis Oriental, Negros Oriental, and Palawan have been promised P10 million, while Albay, Romblon, Batangas, Northern Samar, Siquijor, Quezon, Samar, Agusan del Sur, Laguna, Zamboanga City, Camiguin, Occidental Mindoro, Camarines Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, and Iligan City will get P5 million.

6 November

P1.3T set to stimulate economy

The Chief Executive ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release P1.307 trillion for programmed spending to boost economic growth in the last quarter of 2025. A large portion of this fund has been earmarked for social services programs.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, which covers the Quick Response Fund and Emergency Cash Transfers for areas hit by  calamities has been allocated P2.74 billion for the remainder of the year.

The DSWD received more than P27 billion to fund its poverty-combating programs. The agriculture sector received P12.09 billion to ensure a continuous food supply for 2025. Education, health, and support for migrant workers were also prioritized for the fourth quarter.

7 November

Fallen airmen honored

President Marcos mourned the loss of six airmen who perished in the Super Huey helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur. They were conducting a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) operation last Tuesday in the aftermath of typhoon “Tino.”

“We mourn the loss of our brave men of the Philippine Air Force who gave their lives in the line of duty, serving our people and our nation until their final moments. Their courage and selfless service in bringing aid to those in need will never be forgotten,” he said.

Marcos visited the wake at the PAF Mortuary at Villamor Air Base where he extended his condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers. 

Tino devastation in Cebu assessed

In Liloan, Cebu — one of the areas most severely affected by Tino, with numerous casualties and widespread damage reported — Marcos oversaw relief and recovery operations. He also visited evacuation centers and distributed family food packs, health kits, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits from the DSWD.

During his inspection, the President observed the overwhelmed dikes and flood protection systems that overflowed into residential areas.

“The real damage was from the flooding in this storm, not so much from the strong winds,” he said. “The dikes and protections that were installed were not really able to handle the weight, the amount of water that fell.”

Cash aid given to families

Families whose homes were completely damaged received P10,000 each, while those with  partially damaged homes got  P5,000. 

Flood victims whose houses were built in no-build zones will be relocated, according to the President. 

“We talked to the local government units here in Cebu, including the provinces, the municipalities, and the cities, about how, where we will place them because we rely on the LGUs to find the land for those who will be relocated,” he said.

Marines mark 75th anniversary

Marcos attended the 75th anniversary of the Philippine Marines, recognizing their decades of courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to national service.

“We gather here today to celebrate 75 years of valor, devotion, and the unyielding spirit of service that define the Philippine Marine Corps,” he said in his remarks.

“From a small volunteer contingent to today’s modern archipelagic coastal defense force, you have built a legacy of duty and conviction. Through countless dawns and dusks, you have stood guard over our shores and our lands — defending, responding, and rebuilding when duty calls,” he said.

He lauded the swift actions of the Marines in disaster response in Palawan following the recent onslaught of typhoon “Tino.”