A string of national observances last week had President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sharing messages centered on faith, discipline and collective purpose.

In welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse, the Chief Executive urged Filipinos to temper optimism with responsibility, stressing that while the Horse symbolizes movement and courage and Fire represents energy and drive, genuine progress depends on everyday diligence.

The President, in his Lunar New Year message, underscored the importance of turning daily effort into long-term gains, highlighting the roles of both government and industry in maintaining momentum and ensuring that growth remains inclusive and stable.

On 18 February, Marcos joined Muslim Filipinos in marking the start of Ramadan, encouraging a deeper faith, compassion, and solidarity within the community during the sacred month.

In his message released through the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, he noted that Ramadan, observed with fasting, prayer, reflection and charity, serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and moral responsibility, reinforcing unity among communities while nurturing spiritual renewal.

16 February

Pre-cast bolsters 4PH rollout

At the expansion of the 4PH program and the seventh anniversary celebration of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) at the Megawide Pre-Cast Plant in Taytay, Rizal, President Marcos underscored the role of modern construction technology in accelerating housing delivery without sacrificing quality or affordability.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure that this plant you see today will be expanded and multiplied to speed up construction and increase the number of homes we can provide,” Marcos said.

Optimism with action

The Chief Executive joined Filipinos in welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse, urging the public to pair optimism with discipline and purposeful action to sustain the country’s growth.

In his Lunar New Year message, Marcos said the Horse symbolizes “movement, courage, and forward motion,” while the Fire element represents energy and drive.

“These symbols convey great meaning for many among us, but the nation does not advance on symbolism alone,” he said. “It progresses when Filipinos show up for work, when households make every peso count with prudence and good judgment, and when government and industries keep the country growing through consistent service, sound decisions, and the rigor that turns daily effort into long-term growth.”

18 February

Ramadan means compassion, solidarity

Muslim Filipinos were reminded during the Holy Month of Ramadan to deepen their faith and strengthen solidarity within their communities, as the President joined them in marking the start of the sacred observance.

“I join our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world as you enter the Holy Month of Ramadan,” Marcos said in his message made public by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

Ramadan, observed with fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, reflection, and acts of charity, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

KIG builds up port, airway

The Chief Executive ordered a review of the infrastructure needs in the Kalayaan Island Group, including the construction of port and airway facilities.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President directed the Department of Public Works and Highways to assess the conditions on the territorial fringe.

“I just spoke with Secretary Vince (Dizon), and the President ordered them to go to the Kalayaan Island Group and see what is needed. And they will suggest building a port and an airway there,” Castro said in a Palace briefing.

PBBM wishes VP Sara ‘good luck’

President Marcos wished Vice President Sara Duterte “good luck” following her announcement of her presidential bid in 2028.

“He heard it, and he said good luck. That’s all. He heard the Vice President’s words of regret and asking for forgiveness,” Palace Press Officer Castro said during a briefing.

Castro, however, said she could not tell if Marcos was being sarcastic when he expressed his well-wishes for Duterte.

Expanded trade, infra, tourism cooperation

The Philippines and Japan have expressed interest in advancing their bilateral cooperation, the Presidential Communications Office said on Wednesday.

President Marcos welcomed delegates of the Japan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Committee (JPECC) and the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee Inc. (PHILJEC) in their courtesy call at Malacañang.

The JPECC and PHILJEC are holding their 42nd annual joint meeting in Manila.

19 February

Nearly 2K teachers promoted

Education was reaffirmed as a top administration priority as 1,991 public school teachers and school leaders in Central Luzon were promoted under the Expanded Career Progression system.

The mass oath-taking, led by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, included personnel from the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga elevated to higher teaching and school leadership ranks.

The ceremony was part of the nationwide implementation of Republic Act 12288, or the Career Progression for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act, signed by President Marcos in 2025.

The President said the promotions reflected the government’s sustained investment in the education sector, both in funding and structural reforms. “Like I said before, education is a priority of this administration.”

‘Keep moving forward’

President Marcos lauded the people of Bago City in Negros Occidental during its 60th Charter anniversary, which Malacañang declared a special non-working holiday.

“As you mark this milestone. I urge you to keep moving forward by investing more in people, building stronger infrastructure, and embracing innovation to create more jobs and protect the welfare of every Bagonhon,” the President said in his message posted on the Bago City Information Office Facebook page.

He noted that “for six decades, Bago has delivered real progress to its people by building stronger local governance, expanding economic opportunities, and improving public services.”

Bulacan school, YAKAP program check

The President visited a public elementary school in Bulacan to inspect the implementation of the government’s Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) health program.

Marcos, accompanied by Education Secretary Angara, went around the Minuyan Elementary School and interacted with teachers and students. He emphasized the government’s commitment to support the well-being of teachers and students beyond career advancement.

He also witnessed the oath-taking of newly promoted teachers and school heads under the Expanded Career Progression program from the Bulacan and Pampanga clusters.