The Chief Executive’s week was abbreviated as he recuperated from diverticulitis, an inflammation of the large intestine’s irregular, bulging pouches.

However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with his hectic schedule, has to ensure that there will be food on the table and potable water for the majority of Filipinos, and that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has a thriving business environment.

Despite his recent bout with diverticulitis, Marcos continued a busy agenda focused on key national priorities.

On food security, Marcos emphasized ensuring affordable and accessible staples for Filipinos. Earlier this week, he inspected rice processing facilities and announced plans to establish 300 additional rice processing centers across the country in 2026 to boost production and stabilize supplies.

He reiterated that no Filipino should go hungry, tying into broader agricultural reforms, including potential amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law.

Overall, engagements last week demonstrated a focus on sustainable development, public welfare, and regional stability.

19 January

Antique tourism catalyst

President Marcos spearheaded the inauguration of the Antique Airport Development Project, expecting it to boost tourism, improve the passenger experience, and enhance economic activity in the region.

During the inauguration of Antique Airport’s new Passenger Terminal Building, Administrative Building, and other airport facilities, Mr. Marcos said the launch is part of government efforts to ensure fast and convenient travel for the people.

With the opening of the new Passenger Terminal Building, capacity was expanded to 360 passengers from the previous 64.

Other improvements include the upgraded Administrative Building, new airport apron and taxiway, and construction of an air traffic control tower, which the President said could provide better services to the people.

Food safety ensured

Still in the province of Antique, Marcos visited the newly constructed Rice Processing System (RPS) in Barangay Poblacion 2 in Hamtic, Antique, stating that the rice processing center will produce higher-quality rice and make work easier for farmers by automating drying and milling.

Operated by the Hamtic Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC), the RPS features state-of-the-art technology and equipment for palay drying, milling and storage.

During the visit, the President also led the handover of various interventions to Antique farmers and fisherfolk.

Kadiwa grant released

The Department of Agriculture (DA) — Western Visayas provided KADIWA financial grants to the Hamtic local government unit (LGU) and the Hamtic MPC, totaling P5 million and P1.5 million, respectively.

The University of Antique-Hamtic Campus received P1 million in the Young Farmers Challenge — Business Development Assistance.

The DA also turned over P32.1 million in assistance to beneficiaries of the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development program, and two units of solar panel systems worth P2 million to farmer-cooperatives in Patnongon and Belison towns.

The DA also turned over P110.63 million worth of assorted farm inputs to the Antique provincial government; a corn warehouse valued at P10 million to Patnongon MPC; and P3 million for the High Value Crops Development Program to various recipients.

Water treatment plant opens

Afterwards, Marcos led an inspection of the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant, marking a significant step toward improving access to clean, reliable water for the people of Bacolod City.

During his visit to the recently opened facilities, the President underscored that safe and dependable water is essential to protecting public health and sustaining economic growth.

Considered one of the most extensive water treatment facilities in the Negros Island Region, the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant, located in Barangay Salvacion, Murcia, Negros Occidental, significantly strengthens Bacolod City’s long-term water security.

The facility has a capacity of up to 75 million liters of potable water per day. It is expected to benefit approximately 100,000 households, or 500,000 residents, in Bacolod City and the Municipality of Murcia.

21 January

Incentives made available

On 21 January, Marcos Jr. presented cash incentives to the medal-winning athletes in the recently concluded 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, recognizing their dedication and excellence in bringing pride to the nation.

President Marcos led the “Parangal at Pasasalamat sa mga Bayaning Atleta: A Homecoming Celebration for the 33rd SEA Games Athletes” held at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila, where he commended the delegation for their strong performance.

Team Philippines won a total of 277 medals (50 gold, 73 silver, and 154 bronze), exceeding its medal haul in the last two SEA Games and placing the country sixth overall in the latest edition of the biennial competition, held in Thailand from 9 to 20 December 2025.

President Marcos said the Office of the President matched the cash incentives provided to the winning athletes in accordance with Republic Act 10699 or the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act,” which awards gold medalists P300,000; silver medalists, P150,000; and bronze medalists, P60,000.

‘BARMM anniversary marked’

In the afternoon, Marcos Jr. graced the 7th Founding Anniversary of BARMM held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City, in which he relayed the assurance that his government would continue to support BARMM, urging them to build on the gains of peace by accelerating economic growth and improving the quality of life of its people.

Marcos said that while significant progress has been made, much more work remains to be done.

Describing the establishment of BARMM as a milestone in the country’s pursuit of lasting peace and unity, the President said the past seven years have seen development and strengthened institutions in the region, and deepened the bond between the national and Bangsamoro governments.

President Marcos also assured the people of BARMM of the national government’s continued commitment to support the region in pursuing lasting peace and inclusive development.

January 21 is officially recognized as Bangsamoro Foundation Day to commemorate the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law through the 2019 plebiscite — a historic event that formally established BARMM.

22 January

Stomach pains hit Bongbong

Malacañang Palace, in a press briefing on Thursday, announced that the President was hospitalized due to stomach discomfort, later admitting that the President was confined at the St. Luke’s Medical Center for diverticulitis.

However, the President, on Thursday afternoon, appeared in a video interview with Palace press briefer Undersecretary Claire Castro, saying he is fine and recovering.

The Chief Executive assured the public that he is in good health and fully capable of performing his duties, as his recent medical condition is neither serious nor life-threatening.

Even under medical observation, the President continues to function in Malacañang, holding meetings with various stakeholders.

23 January

Sandro pitches in

As the President remains under medical observation, he sent his son, House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos, to represent him at the launch of the Bagong Pilipinas Merit-Based Scholarship Program (BPMSP) at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena in Laoag City.

In his message, delivered by Rep. Marcos, the President emphasized that education must be inclusive.

The new scholarship program is among the major education initiatives rolled out by the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) under the Programa para sa Buti ng Bayan at Mamamayan: Galing, Akses, Batid at Angat Tungo sa Yaman ng Bayan or the PBBM-GABAY ng Bayan Programs.

Through the BPMSP, the top five graduates of each senior high school nationwide, as well as qualified holders of TESDA National Certificates, will have the opportunity to pursue undergraduate degrees or technical or vocational education training diploma programs in any high-performing higher education or technical-vocational institution.