Security, better options for small firms sealed

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s week was hectic, but productive, after he visited the United Arab Emirates, sealed the momentous Philippines — UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Defense Cooperation, and provided livelihoods to Manila’s micro, small and medium enterprises.

The trade agreement was the centerpiece of the UAE visit, the signing of which was witnessed by President Marcos and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 13 January.

The agreement marks the first free trade pact with a Middle Eastern country, aimed at expanding market access for Philippine goods and services in the Gulf region.

The CEPA complements the country’s existing network of trade agreements and is poised to diversify supply chains while attracting increased UAE investment, building on prior pacts such as the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.

Along with the economic milestone, the signing of the MoU on Defense Cooperation established a framework for collaboration on advanced defense technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, and naval capabilities. It is designed to support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines through joint trainings, intelligence sharing, and cooperation in areas such as anti-terrorism, maritime security, and peacekeeping.

12 January

UAE visit for ‘future-ready world’

During his two-day working visit to the UAE on 12-13 January, President Marcos joined other heads of state at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) to discuss a “future-ready world” at the largest global gathering addressing sustainability challenges.

A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of the CEPA and the MoU on Defense. The foreign trade agreements’ significant feature is the further liberalization of trade in services in the UAE, including professional services, health, construction, and IT, among others.

Contributor to UAE dev’t

The President, along with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, also met with around 700 members of the Filipino community at the InterContinental Hotel in Abu Dhabi, extolling them on their vital role in the UAE’s development since its founding in 1971.

“You bring honor to our country through your contributions to the United Arab Emirates, through the good example you show in your work, toward fellow Filipinos, the UAE government, the various nationalities living here, and through your contributions to the economy of our beloved Philippines,” the President said.

13 January

Dubai bringing data hub

Marcos expressed elation over the planned investment of a Dubai-based firm in what will be the biggest data center in the Philippines, viewing it as an opportunity to position the country as an emerging data center hub in the region.

Marcos met with top executives led by company founder and chairperson Hussain Sajwani of DAMAC Digital at the Mandarin Oriental, Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi to discuss the company’s planned investments in the Philippines, including the establishment of a data center in Laguna.

“We are very excited about DAMAC Digital’s planned investment in the Philippines, including what is set to be the largest data center in the country, with up to 250 megawatts of capacity,” Marcos said in a Facebook post late Tuesday night.

14 January

Trade, security deals bagged

The President returned to the Philippines from the UAE where he secured landmark free trade and defense cooperation agreements to strengthen bilateral ties.

He said his visit focused on advancing discussions on building a “future-ready world,” particularly through cooperation in key sectors such as energy, water, finance, food, and the environment, stressing that these have a direct impact on Filipinos at home and abroad.

15 January

Cebu leaps forward

After arriving in the country on 15 January, Marcos flew to Cebu where he contributed P5 million for the upgrade of the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Balamban. He led the distribution of essential medical equipment and medicines to enhance healthcare services in the province.

Also on Thursday, he witnessed the historic naming and delivery ceremony for the Kamsarmax SC-443 named Brave Pioneer, the world’s first methanol dual-fueled bulk carrier, held at the West Cebu Estate in Balamban, Cebu, regarded as the country’s shipbuilding capital.

Green maritime power soon

President Marcos said the country is ready to compete in the global shift toward green maritime transport as he led the naming and delivery of the world’s first dual-fuel methanol-powered Kamsarmax bulk carrier built in the country.

The vessel named Brave Pioneer has a carrying capacity of 81,200 metric tons and was constructed by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. at the West Cebu Estate in Balamban town.

Marcos said the delivery of the methanol-capable bulk carrier places the Philippines firmly on the global map as a future-ready maritime manufacturing hub aligned with international decarbonization targets.

“This achievement sends a clear message to the world that the Philippines is ready to lead the global transition toward low-carbon and sustainable maritime transport,” he said.

Craft Expo Center relaunched

The Chief Executive witnessed the reopening of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls in Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, a newly revitalized exposition hub that brings together Filipino craftsmanship, regional delicacies, and the country’s rich creative heritage in one dynamic space.

The initiative, supported by the Office of the First Lady, celebrates the country’s enduring cultural identity and strengthens the platform for local artisans and producers.

16 January

Partnership made in heaven

On Friday, Marcos graced the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between Globe Telecom and Starlink in Taguig City, calling it a significant step toward a more connected, inclusive, and disaster-resilient Philippines.

The launch of Globe and Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell (D2C) service — the first in Southeast Asia and second in Asia — lets smartphones connect directly to Starlink’s low-orbit satellites without extra hardware or special apps, providing basic services like messaging and data access.

Moment for friendship

Marcos hosted the biannual Vin d’honneur at Malacañang on Friday, during which he was lauded by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, for exposing corruption in the flood control projects.

“The Diplomatic Corps wishes to take the opportunity to commend you for your State of the Nation Address last July 2025 and for your denunciation of those who seek to steal the future of Filipinos by corruption, especially in the area of public work projects. Your government’s continuing commitment to eradicating the affliction of corruption has our complete support for all of us,” said Archbishop Brown, the dean of the diplomatic corps.

7 January

PAL marks 85 years

The President joins Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country’s national flag carrier, in celebrating 85 years since its founding with the launch of the new PAL jingle and the unveiling of its latest aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000, at Lufthansa Technik Philippines in Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, on 17 January 2026.

Marking a significant milestone as Southeast Asia’s first, the highly anticipated A350-1000 serves as the next-generation widebody aircraft, poised to expand PAL’s network and improve the overall flying experience.

PAL plans to operate the Airbus A350-1000 on its trans-Pacific routes, featuring a spacious three-class cabin layout that accommodates up to 382 passengers. The cabin includes 42 seats in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy, and 316 in Economy.

The acquisition of the Airbus A350-1000 brings PAL’s total fleet to 82 aircraft. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofan engines, each capable of delivering up to 97,000 pounds of thrust, the A350-1000 boasts enhanced efficiency and reliability.