Showing his commitment to a digitalized government, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the National Digital Connectivity Plan to enhance internet access.

Also last week, he honored outstanding public servants and the Philippine National Police for their dedication, and inaugurated the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cebu, focusing on sustainable tourism.

He was brought to the hospital but immediately recovered from diverticulitis and resumed duties.

He advocated firm diplomacy on West Philippine Sea disputes, received EDCOM 2’s education reform report, witnessed the ASEAN-BAC chairship handover, and mandated bi-weekly progress reports on government projects.

26 January

Connectivity for cheaper, faster internet

The Chief Executive has approved the first National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP), a strategic framework aimed at accelerating broadband rollout, lowering internet costs, and providing reliable, secure digital access for millions of Filipinos nationwide.

The NDCP is a product of an “extensive and deliberate consultative process” that began in early 2024.

The plan “envisions a Digitally Connected Philippines — one where connectivity is meaningful, inclusive, and transformative, anchored on universal access, affordability, higher speeds, and secure digital services for all Filipinos.”

NDCP has four strategic pillars, including plans to strengthen governance and regulatory framework to liberalize the industry, promote competition, and lower barriers to entry; expand universal access to ensure that no community, particularly those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, is left behind.

28 January

Strong Republic’s ramparts

President Marcos emphasized the crucial role of public servants in sustaining a strong and resilient Republic, honoring them for quietly working behind the scenes to serve the Filipino people.

During the annual awarding ceremony for outstanding government workers at Malacañang Palace in Manila, Marcos said the nation’s strength depends on the integrity and dedication of government employees.

“I believe that so long as we have public servants like you, our Republic will remain strong,” the President said in a speech delivered by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

He emphasized that public service is not limited to those in high-ranking positions, noting that every employee, regardless of rank, can contribute meaningfully to the nation.

Tourism must be sustainable, inclusive.

Sustainable and inclusive tourism is the goal as the Philippines, this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair, formally opened the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 in Cebu.

During the opening of the ATF 2026, President Marcos underscored the crucial role of the tourism sector as a “driver of opportunity for economies and communities.”

“When tourism is inclusive, it becomes empowering. When policies are carried out with care, they become sustainable,” Marcos said in a speech delivered by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

“As we look to the future, the Philippines invites all ASEAN member states and partners to move with us and be part of this journey. I share with you the sense of confidence and optimism that ASEAN tourism will continue to thrive,” he added.

Marcos said a significant milestone under the ATF is the completion and adoption of the ASEAN Tourism Sector Plan 2026-2030, which sets a clear and unified course for advancing sustainable and inclusive tourism across the region.

Visible, trusted service needed

On Philippine National Police Day, President Marcos lauded the 228,000-strong police force for their efforts to deliver people-centered service and ensure public safety.

“As we build a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), peace and order remain fundamental for growth and public confidence,” Marcos said.

“I ask every member of the PNP to focus on what matters most: visible presence, disciplined conduct, and service that communities can trust. These are the actions that steadily rebuild the confidence and give meaning to the badge that you wear,” he added.

Marcos acknowledged that since the PNP’s inception on 29 January through Republic Act 6975, police work has become “more demanding.”

Back in form

Mr. Marcos recovered from a sudden ailment, was in stable condition and remains fit to perform his duties, despite his doctors’ advice to rest following a diverticulitis diagnosis.

The Presidential Communications Office released a video update on Marcos’ health on Wednesday night.

In the video, Marcos said he is taking prescribed antibiotics and medication to treat diverticulitis, an inflammation of small pouches in the colon.

“Okay na ako (I’m okay now),” Marcos said.

“Thank you for your concern, but I said I got the best possible medical care that you can have. That’s why I’m already back in harness,” he added.

Marcos returned to work on Monday, presiding over the 7th Economic and Development Council meeting at Malacañan for over two hours to discuss major government projects awaiting approval.

Son’s inhibition ‘very proper.’

President Marcos said his son, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, acted appropriately when he recused himself from impeachment proceedings against him.

Marcos said he learned about his son’s move from the news, not directly from him, and expressed support for his decision, citing the Ilocos Norte First District congressman’s natural closeness.

“That is very proper because I am his father and of course, he has a bias for me,” Marcos said.

Marcos said the inhibition ensures the impartiality and credibility of the proceedings.

“He should recuse himself. He should remove himself from the process so that the process can be seen to be fair and proper,” Marcos added.

29 January

BARMM polls will proceed

Holding the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections must not allow the conduct of polls that may violate existing laws. 

Marcos yielded to the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) assessment that the BARMM elections should be postponed due to legal and operational concerns. 

The Comelec showed possible reasons for a postponement — operational and legal issues, according to the Palace. 

It appears that the time for preparation is lacking, and some documents still need to be signed,” she said. 

She said the President understands that proceeding with elections without full compliance with legal requirements could result in violations of the law. 

The Comelec announced on Wednesday the postponement of the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election scheduled for 30 March 2026, citing insufficient time to prepare. 

Firm, diplomatic WPS stance

The Chief Executive supports a “firm with diplomacy” approach in dealing with the rising war of words between Philippine and Chinese officials over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute.

Marcos indicated awareness of the ongoing back-and-forth between Filipino officials and the Chinese embassy, prompting calls from lawmakers to declare certain Chinese diplomats persona non grata.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the declaration of persona non grata is “one of the most severe forms of diplomatic action” that can be imposed by the government against foreign diplomatic personnel, and should just be “an option of last resort.”

The DFA said it remains committed to resolving disputes through dialogue, adding that it is in “direct communication with the Chinese government on various bilateral and international issues that are of great importance to the Philippines.”

Whole-of-society education reforms

A collective effort to implement education reforms that go beyond his six-year term was the aspiration as President Marcos received the Second Congressional Commission on Education’s (EDCOM 2) final report on the country’s learning crisis.

In a ceremony at Malacañang Palace, Marcos received the final report titled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform,” detailing EDCOM 2’s three-year findings on the Philippine education system’s current state and the systemic weaknesses affecting learning outcomes.

Marcos also received the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan) 2026-2035, a 10-year strategic roadmap developed by EDCOM 2 to reverse the worsening state of the education system and align workforce development with national goals.

“These documents reveal where we have fallen short and what we must do to improve our educational system. The final report of the EDCOM 2, aptly named ‘Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform,’ provides a clear picture of the learning crisis that our education system needs to overcome,” Marcos said in a keynote speech.

ASEAN caretaker

Marcos witnessed the official handover of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) chairship to the Philippines in a ceremony at Malacañang Palace, signaling as part of the ceremonies related to the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) Summit this year.

The President witnessed the handover, as Jose Ma. Concepcion III, this year’s ASEAN-BAC chairperson, received the council flag, symbolizing the formal transition of leadership from Malaysia to the Philippines.

Marcos said the Philippines, as ASEAN-BAC head, is committed to building economic corridors that expand trade and investment, strengthen regional supply chains, and open opportunities for businesses and communities in the region.

He added that the Philippines would push for “forward-looking, inclusive, and responsive” initiatives.

30 January

Progress reports every 2 weeks

The President has ordered agencies to submit progress reports on ongoing projects every two weeks, warning against submitting “false reports” or embellished updates.

Marcos issued the directive during a meeting with his economic team at Malacañang Palace, with discussions focused on accelerating reforms and boosting the economy.

He ordered the fast-tracking of infrastructure, particularly the construction of schools and classrooms.

Agencies and their projects will be monitored every two weeks to see their progress.