As many Filipinos remain without decent homes, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has continued to push housing projects under his flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, overseen by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) under Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.

Following a recent “credit-grabbing” controversy over the People’s Ville Housing Project in Calinan District, Davao City, Malacañang clarified that the Marcos administration indeed undertook the project. It was the last housing project Marcos visited during his trip to Davao on 28 July.

More than 2,600 condominium units have been completed, while four buildings containing 400 units are currently under construction. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the project aims to provide 7,200 condominium units across 72 residential buildings, offering secure and dignified housing to families in Davao City.

The project’s development permit was approved in 2023, while its Certificate of Registration was issued in 2024 and its building permit was issued in February 2024, marking key regulatory milestones in its development.

Palace Press Officer and PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said these documents show the administration’s efforts to address the country’s housing shortage and give more Filipino families access to decent homes.

“This is clear proof of the actions taken by the President to fill the gap in the scarcity of housing in Davao City,” Castro said.

10 August

Palace situation briefing

Amid the heavy rains and flooding caused by the convergence of the enhanced southwest monsoon and two typhoons last week, President Marcos convened a briefing with Cabinet officials at Malacañang to assess the situation and direct the government response and relief efforts.

Present were Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, and other Cabinet officials.

Reports had noted flooding in several areas, particularly in parts of Luzon and Metro Manila.

U.S. defense execs visit

The same day, the President welcomed senior United States defense officials and conferred the Order of Sikatuna on outgoing French Ambassador Marie Fontanel in separate diplomatic engagements at Malacañang.

The Chief Executive received US Undersecretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby and Assistant Secretary of War for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh at the Palace at 10 a.m.

11 August

Key health posts filled

On Tuesday, President Marcos administered the oath of office to newly appointed Health Secretary Dr. Edwin Mercado and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) president and CEO Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho in separate ceremonies at Malacañang with their respective families present.

Mercado succeeded Health Secretary Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. who stepped down for health reasons, while Ho succeeded Mercado at the helm of PhilHealth.

Las Piñas projects checked

The same day, the President inspected ongoing flood control operations in Las Piñas City, including the deployment of a high-vacuum, self-priming drainage trailer pump to lower water levels in the Alido River and reduce flooding in surrounding areas.

During typhoon “Maymay” and the habagat, Las Piñas City’s pumping station broke down, prompting the government to deploy a mobile drainage pump to address the flooding.

After the inspection, the President ordered Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon to revisit plans to complete the long-delayed Las Piñas spillway, which plays a crucial role in addressing flooding in Metro Manila.

Higher calling

Later, the President visited the Philippine Army headquarters in Taguig City and honored the Army’s outgoing commanding general, Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, for his service, particularly in modernizing the force and ensuring the soldiers’ welfare.

As Nafarrete assumes command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as chief-of-staff, the President expressed confidence his leadership would be guided by the same discipline and sense of duty across services, domains, and the archipelago.

12 August

Nature issues reminder

Under the monsoon rains, President Marcos inspected the clearing and waste collection operations at the Baclaran River in Parañaque City, which recently drew public attention due to the massive accumulation of garbage following days of downpours.

In brief remarks to the media, he said the heavy rainfall over the past week, combined with the accumulated garbage and a damaged trash trap, resulted in a massive buildup of waste in the river.

To address the problem, the President directed the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to deploy personnel and equipment, including dump trucks, backhoes, and an inflatable rubber boat, to speed up the clearing of the waterway.

Trash collects near Senate

Marcos also inspected the clearing operations at a pumping station along Jose W. Diokno Avenue, across from the main gate of the Senate building in Pasay City, where a huge volume of solid waste — plastic, Styrofoam, wood, and other debris — had accumulated.

13 August

Neglected laborers no more

On Thursday, the President issued an order expanding social protection coverage to include contract of service (CoS) and job order (JO) workers in government to ensure their equitable access to social protection programs.

Marcos had issued Administrative Order 43 on 3 June facilitating the voluntary deduction and remittance of Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund contributions of CoS and JO workers in government.

Photogs with photogenic hosts

The President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, along with other officials, graced the opening of the Presidential Photojournalists Association’s photo exhibit dubbed “In Focus: Marcos Presidency” at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Hall in Pasay City.

The exhibit recorded significant moments and milestones of the Marcos administration over the past four years, as captured through the lenses of photojournalists covering the President, organized in celebration of World Photography Day on 19 August.

The exhibit presented a visual narrative of the President’s leadership and public service, recognized the vital role of photojournalists in documenting the nation’s history, and preserved important images for the country’s historical record.

Featured photographers include Nole Pabalate, Kriz John Rosales, and John Ryan Baldemor of Philippine Star; Alfredo Vicoy, Mark Louis Balmores, and Santi San Juan of Manila Bulletin; Niño Jesus Orbeta and Marianne Bermudez of Inquirer; Jonathan Sulit of Abante; Renato Dilan and Michelle Mike Alquinto of The Manila Times; Marianita “Jack” Burgos of Police Files; Revoli Cortez of Manila Standard; and Yummie Dingding and Jose Aurelio Lozano of DAILY TRIBUNE.