Rizal, new heroes set PBBM tone for 2026

The final week of 2025 and the opening days of 2026 unfolded through a convergence of memory, recognition, and governance for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., offering a glimpse into how his administration will seek to anchor the future on the pillars of history, people, and policy.

During the week, the execution of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal was marked. Rizal’s life and sacrifice continue to serve as the moral compass of the Filipino nation. 

By honoring Rizal, Mr. Marcos reaffirmed a narrative of nationalism grounded on relevance. Rizal’s ideas were invoked as enduring principles meant to guide the country through contemporary challenges.

In a period marked by economic anxieties and institutional scrutiny, Rizal’s symbolism underscored the administration’s appeal to unity, reflection and moral clarity.

Parallel to this was the tribute paid to the late Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, whose legacy resonates strongly in a country with millions of overseas Filipino workers. 

Ople’s lifelong advocacy for migrant workers’ rights positioned her as a modern-day champion of the Filipino diaspora. 

By honoring her, the Marcos administration recognized the sacrifices of Filipinos abroad and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting their welfare. 

The spotlight also turned to Jessica Sanchez, the internationally acclaimed singing sensation whose rise to global prominence symbolizes Filipino talent on the world stage. Her story of perseverance and excellence mirrored Filipinos excelling globally while remaining rooted in national identity.

These symbolic acts were complemented by the President’s engagement with pressing governance issues, particularly concerns surrounding the national budget. 

The President, thus, set the tone for the year ahead: one that will draw strength from history, honor those who embody service and excellence, and confront present challenges with continuity and resolve. 

30 December

 ‘Live by Rizal’s example’

President Marcos urged Filipinos to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Jose Rizal and draw inspiration from his patriotism, pursuit of truth, and responsible citizenship.

“Let our celebration deepen our resolve to live by the values he embodied: love of country, respect for truth, a tireless pursuit of just reform, and the courage to speak and act for what is right,” Marcos said in his message. “May this commemoration inspire every Filipino, especially the youth, whom Rizal so dearly cherished, to pair patriotism with responsible citizenship so that we can be of better service to the country.” 

 The First Family led the flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Park.

Sharing on holidays

The First Family met with their supporters before the new year to express their appreciation for their enduring support for the Marcos family. More than 2,000 Friends of Imelda Romualdez Marcos (FIRM) attended the event.

“It’s good that our longstanding relationship hasn’t been broken and we continue to be united, we continue to see each other,” said the President, adding that he could always count on the supporters wherever he goes in the country.

“Thank you very much for your help. I cannot repay the great kindness you have shown us over the years, perhaps more than a decade that we have been together,” Marcos said. “Rest assured we have not forgotten you. You are always in our thoughts. And more importantly, you are always in our hearts.”

Migrant workers’ icon honored

Recognizing her exemplary public service, President Marcos posthumously conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) on the late Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople.

“In the midst of her own trials, she did not abandon her duty to the people. Until the end, she fought. Until the end, she served,” the Chief Executive described Ople.

Ople was the first full-fledged Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, following the establishment of the new agency tasked with handling the affairs of overseas Filipino workers. The day also coincided with the DMW’s fourth anniversary.

 Jessica Sanchez in the Palace

The President and the First Lady received singing sensation and America’s Got Talent champion Jessica Sanchez in Malacañang.

During the courtesy call, the First Couple lauded Sanchez and discussed her triumph, Filipino culture, and cuisine.

The President thanked Sanchez for bringing pride to the country through her success on the international stage. He also asked the Filipino-American singer to perform at the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summits and Related Summits. 

GAA set for review 

After Congress ratified the 2026 General Appropriations Bill, acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said Malacañang would review the P6.79-trillion national budget “to ensure its integrity and effective execution.”

“The President and his team are scrutinizing all allocations and provisions to fully account for any changes from the originally submitted National Expenditure Program,” he said.

“We will ensure that the 2026 GAA will satisfy not only the legal and technical requirements but, more importantly, the needs of the Filipino people,” he added.

31 December to 1 January

Budget by the 1st week of January

As the country ushered in 2026, President Marcos urged Filipinos on Thursday to enter the New Year with discipline and confidence, united by a shared commitment to national progress and the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas.

The President encouraged the public to pause and reflect on the past year, underscoring the importance of learning from challenges and setting a hopeful, purposeful path forward.

“Embrace the year with discipline, confidence, and a shared commitment to our nation’s progress. Beyond personal resolutions, the New Year calls on us to examine how we live with one another, how we lift up one another, and how our choices shape our nation,” Marcos said.

He also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to pursue a more unified and compassionate Bagong Pilipinas, highlighting solidarity and moral responsibility as essential pillars of nation-building.

Discipline, empathy urged in 2026

President Marcos called on Filipinos to embrace discipline, empathy, and shared responsibility as the country welcomed 2026.

In his New Year message, Marcos said the start of another year offers Filipinos the opportunity to reflect on past lessons and look ahead with renewed purpose.

“I join Filipinos all over the world as we welcome the New Year 2026,” the President said.

“The coming of another year is always a moment for reflection and renewal.”

The Chief Executive urged the public to go beyond personal resolutions and reflect on how individual actions shape the nation’s future.