President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s engagements over the past week reflected his administration’s drive to sustain economic growth while expanding opportunities through stronger international partnerships.

Balancing domestic governance with high-level engagements in Singapore, the President focused on initiatives to advance the country’s long-term development agenda. Singapore, one of the Philippines’ key economic partners in the region, played a prominent role in efforts to deepen cooperation in investment and development.

From inspecting infrastructure projects to promoting the Philippines before global investors in Singapore, Marcos’ activities centered on infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture, sports, foreign investment and job creation.

Taken together, the week’s engagements underscored the administration’s efforts to reinforce the country’s foundations for growth while fostering closer ties with international partners to attract investment, generate employment, and support long-term economic development.

13 July

Regional dev’t moves forward

The President opened the week with a visit to the island province of Camiguin, where government services and regional development took center stage.

The first stop was the P171.3-million Port Operations Building at the Port of Benoni in Mahinog, one of the province’s primary gateways connecting residents and visitors to neighboring islands.

The visit underscored the importance of modernizing transport facilities that facilitate commerce, tourism, and mobility in island provinces.

Marcos also inaugurated the P86.9-million Benoni Port Light Craft Landing Station, a facility designed to improve maritime operations and accessibility for coastal communities.

Farthest community reached

Following the port activities, Marcos led in the launch of Bawa’t Bayan Makikinabang: Camiguin, highlighting the administration’s commitment to ensuring that government programs reach communities nationwide.

The initiative reflects the government’s emphasis on inclusive development by empowering local government units and villages in Camiguin.

The President later visited the Camiguin General Hospital, underscoring the administration’s continued focus on strengthening healthcare and improving access to medical services.

Herbosa resigns, new

DoH chief named

The Chief Executive appointed Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC) chief Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. as the new Health Secretary following the resignation of Dr. Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa.

Herbosa submitted his courtesy resignation due to health reasons after recently undergoing a medical procedure.

14 July

Growth corridors boosted

Marcos directed the fast-tracking of the P20.54-billion Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase II in San Jose, Tarlac.

The irrigation project is expected to enhance water management and support agricultural productivity in Central Luzon.

The President also inspected the state-of-the-art National Academy of Sports at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac, highlighting the government’s support for young Filipino student-athletes through world-class training venues and cutting-edge economic infrastructure.

Clean energy moves forward

Marcos then traveled to Nueva Ecija to inaugurate the Terra Solar Phase I together with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

The project, touted as the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility, represented another milestone in the country’s transition toward renewable energy.

Large-scale solar developments are expected to diversify the country’s energy resources while promoting sustainability.

No healthcare leadership vacuum

Before departing for Singapore, Marcos administered the oath of office to Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. as acting secretary of the Department of Health.

The oath-taking ceremony emphasized the importance of stable leadership as the government continues to implement health programs and reforms.

Strong institutional leadership remains central to the government’s efforts to improve the delivery of essential public health services.

15-16 July

Asia’s investment hub promoted

After his domestic engagements, the President flew to Singapore for a series of high-level meetings focused on strengthening economic cooperation.

Singapore has long been among the Philippines’ major sources of foreign investments, making the visit significant in advancing the administration’s investment promotion efforts.

During his working visit, Marcos paid a courtesy call on Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, reaffirming the deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss areas of cooperation and regional priorities.

Huddle with business leaders

Marcos also met with business leaders to present investment opportunities in the Philippines.

The discussions aimed to promote the Philippines as an attractive investment destination, highlighting ongoing infrastructure development, economic reforms and priority industries that continue to attract investor interest.

Discussions with Singapore-based Singtel Group and ABC Impact focused on their continuing investment and expansion plans in the Philippines.

Marcos also met with Indo-Pacific investors at the Philippine Embassy, providing a platform to promote the country’s competitive advantages and encourage greater investor confidence.

He also participated in a Milken Institute roundtable with regional leaders, exchanging views on investment, innovation, and regional economic growth.

17 July

Honoring future maritime leaders

The President ended the week in Zambales by attending the commencement exercises of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Salighirang Class of 2026.

He recognized the contribution of Filipino seafarers to the national economy and underscored the importance of investing in a maritime education.

Marcos highlighted the importance of maritime education in sustaining the Philippines’ role as one of the world’s leading sources of seafarers.