On Tuesday, Marcos led the awarding of Certificates of Entitlement to 100 beneficiaries in Lucena City under Presidential Proclamation 436, emphasizing that secure land tenure gives Filipino families not only legal ownership but also the confidence to build a better future.
The Lucena visit also showcased the government’s whole-of-government approach through the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program, which combines national and local initiatives to expand the reach of public services.
The week’s activities underscored the administration’s twin priorities of improving the lives of Filipinos through expanded social and infrastructure programs while sustaining strong diplomatic relations that support the country’s long-term economic growth and regional cooperation.
20 July
Alliance emissaries
President Marcos welcomed newly appointed US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor to Malacañang Palace.
The Chief Executive and the two American envoys reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific while further strengthening the enduring century-old Philippines-US alliance.
The courtesy call served as a prelude to the upcoming Quad Ministerial Meeting, which a US representative is expected to attend.
21 July
Luceninos get lots
Marcos highlighted the government’s commitment to continue land tenure regularization for socialized housing sites and provide decent shelter for Filipino families, as he led the Awarding of Certificates of Entitlement (CoE) to 100 Lucena City beneficiaries under Presidential Proclamation 436.
The grant of CoEs is part of the Expanded 4PH Program, with 11 hectares of residential lots allotted to Lucena’s urban poor and government employees, with 1,000 more beneficiaries slated to receive lots.
The President’s Lucena City swing included an interaction with 165 Bagong Pilipinas Presidential Scholars, an initial 10 of whom received P20,000 each to mark the start of the scholarship distribution.
Brawner retires, feted
The President honored Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., the 60th chief of staff of the Armed Forces (AFP) of the Philippines, on his retirement, hinting he will be offered another post, as Marcos expressed confidence Brawner’s dedication to the nation would continue.
During the AFP Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony, the President lauded Brawner for leading the AFP through key reforms and modernization efforts, becoming the first Chief of Staff to complete the fixed three-year term under Republic Act 11939.
He then directed the newly installed AFP chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, to safeguard the Filipino people, defend every inch of the country’s land and waters, and secure the nation’s future.
22 July
BARMM partnership endures
At Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, the President reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the national government and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), saying the shared commitment to peace, inclusive development, and mutual trust is helping build a more prosperous Philippines.
Speaking at the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang and the Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program, Marcos said the partnership is anchored on responsibility and a common vision of ensuring the well-being and dignity of every Filipino.
Later, the President led the ceremonial turnover of P3.4 billion worth of projects and assistance during the launch of the National Government-Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program in Maguindanao del Norte.
Pax Silica, U.S. compact
Back in Malacañang, President Marcos welcomed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with both agreeing to further strengthen Philippines-US collaboration in various areas of mutual interest in response to current and emerging challenges.
They also discussed the Pax Silica Initiative, a US-led technology and economic security initiative. The project features a 1,619-hectare industrial and artificial intelligence hub in New Clark City, which aims to secure supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.
Rubio was in Manila to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Foreign Ministers and Related Meetings.
23 July
Food security in focus
President Marcos flew to Palawan to inaugurate the Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) in Aborlan, describing it as a major government investment to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve food security and help farmers adapt to the effects of climate change.
The Ibato-Iraan SRIP, implemented by the National Irrigation Administration, is the largest irrigation project in Palawan and the island’s first such reservoir-type system.
The project will provide a reliable year-round water supply to more than 1,072 hectares of agricultural land and directly benefit 425 farmers in Aborlan.
Marcos also led in the distribution of rice assistance to 16,000 beneficiaries in Puerto Princesa City under the Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang campaign.
The President also took to the air to inspect the Malampaya Phase 4 Project, one of the phases of the Malampaya gas project, the country’s only source of natural gas.
24 July
Priority: healthier kids
Capping the week, the President inaugurated the Department of Health-Jose B. Lingad General Hospital-Children’s Medical Center at the Clark Freeport in Pampanga, marking another step in the administration’s push to bring specialized healthcare closer to Filipinos outside Metro Manila.
The establishment of the medical center was a collaborative effort of the public and private sectors, including the Razon-led Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc., Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, and the Clark Development Corporation.
The children’s hospital is the first completed facility in the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center complex.
The state-of-the-art pediatric hospital will begin accepting patients on 1 August, offering free high-quality specialized medical services to children and families from Regions I, II, III and neighboring areas.
