President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of active public participation in social issues, saying citizens’ involvement is essential to realizing his vision of a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines).

In his latest vlog, the President thanked Filipinos who sent messages and letters following his fifth State of the Nation Address (SoNA), as he urged them to continue participating in discussions and initiatives concerning the country’s development.

The President read letters from members of the Youth for Health Coalition, including one from a young Filipino whose father is undergoing dialysis while the family struggles with hunger.

He spent most of the week reinforcing his administration’s reform and development agenda, strengthening the country’s diplomatic engagements, and bringing services closer to communities to sustain economic growth and improve the people’s lives.

3 August

Japanese solon calls

The President began the week meeting with Japanese House of Representatives member and Japan Innovation Party co-representative Fujita Fumitake at Malacañang.

The meeting reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the Philippines and Japan, one of the country’s closest strategic allies and largest source of official development assistance, trade and investment.

Ready for ASEAN duty

Marcos then held a private meeting before presiding over discussions on the country’s preparations for upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) engagements.

The pre-ASEAN preparations highlighted the administration’s resolve to ensure that the Philippines remains ready to advance regional cooperation on trade, investment, security, connectivity, digital transformation and other shared priorities.

4 August

Diplomatic reach expanded

Marcos welcomed four non-resident ambassadors who formally presented their credentials in separate ceremonies.

The new envoys represented the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Dominican Republic, the Republic of The Gambia, and the Gabonese Republic.

Strengthening diplomatic ties with other nations is a key pillar of the Marcos administration’s foreign policy, which seeks to promote trade, attract investments, expand tourism, and foster broader international cooperation.

5 August

Execs seek AI body

Members of the Education and Jobs Sector Group and the Digital Infrastructure Sector Group of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) reaffirmed the crucial role of the business community in shaping policies in support of economic growth and jobs creation.

During the meeting, the PSAC recommended the creation of a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Implementation Task Force to help the country move faster in preparing workers, businesses, and the government for the threats and opportunities brought about by AI.

Established to provide strategic recommendations to the President, PSAC has become instrumental in providing an important platform for government-business collaboration, contributing policy proposals in agriculture, infrastructure, digitalization, education, healthcare, and employment.

The administration has adopted several of the PSAC’s recommendations, translating them into policy actions aimed at improving the country’s competitiveness and investment climate.

6 August

Priorities pushed forward

The Chief Executive chaired the fourth Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) meeting at Malacañang to discuss 24 priority measures for the 20th Congress.

Among these were the Anti-Political Dynasty Law, Partylist System Reform Act, People’s Freedom of Information/Right to Information Act, amendments to the Bank Deposits Secrecy Law, the Philippine Budgeting Code and proposed tax reforms.

The meeting brought together leaders of the executive and legislative branches to review and align priority measures needed to sustain economic expansion, improve governance, and strengthen public service.

7 August

Public service upgrade

The week culminated with the President flying to Ilocos Norte, where he shifted from policy discussions to field inspections and direct engagements with communities.

Marcos inspected several projects before attending the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) graduation rites in Laoag City.

Addressing the graduates, the President announced the allocation of nearly P19 billion for Tesda scholarship programs this year, the largest budget in the agency’s history, to provide more Filipinos with access to skills training and better employment opportunities.

He reaffirmed support for expanding skills training programs as part of the administration’s broader human capital development agenda.

Ensure zero billing

The President visited the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City to check on the implementation of government programs, particularly the Zero Balance Billing.

He also inspected healthcare facilities and assessed ongoing initiatives aimed at improving access to quality medical services.

The visit underscored the government’s continuing investment in the country’s public healthcare system through upgraded infrastructure, modern equipment, and enhanced service delivery.

Later in the day, the President inspected the fire-damaged Batac Public Market, where he met with local officials and stakeholders to assess the extent of the damage and discuss recovery efforts.