The President also attended the formal announcement of the country’s membership in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), a global multi-stakeholder partnership launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in September 2019.
The CDRI promotes new and existing resilient infrastructure systems against climate and disaster risks, an issue of particular importance to the Philippines as it grapples with the effects of climate change.
Joined by Secretaries of Transportation Giovanni Lopez, Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro, Finance Frederick Go, and other officials, the President met with representatives of Rail India and Technical Economic Service (RITES) Ltd.
RITES Ltd. is working on business relations with the Department of Transportation to explore alternative funding and technical partnerships with India, Japan and South Korea after discontinuing prospective Chinese financing for major railway projects like the Mindanao Railway, mass railway system in Cebu, and the extension of the Philippine National Railway in Tutuban, Manila.
The President was also briefed by the Indian Space Research Organization on how the Philippines could take advantage of and explore the Indian Space Program.
BRICS importance
On his birthday on 13 September, the President will deliver a speech at the BRICS Summit, saying his participation would advance peace, inclusive growth, food and energy security, and a rules-based international order.
“Indeed, international and regional groupings may diverge on issues, thrusts, and interests. It is our conviction, however, that as a broader community of nations, we must coalesce and cohere around issues that impact on us collectively,” the President said.
7 September
Flood concerns persist
Before flying to India, the President’s schedule last week was hectic as usual.
On Monday, during an inspection of the Marikina River Linear Park and the city’s Centralized Materials Recovery Facility in Barangay Sto. Niño, Marcos urged cities and municipalities across the country to replicate Marikina City’s solid waste management system, calling it a “magandang halimbawa (good example)” and a “template” that could bring “relief” from flooding while protecting the environment amid climate change.
He said Marikina’s experience demonstrated that effective flood mitigation requires more than desilting rivers and collecting garbage, describing the city’s approach as a comprehensive system that starts with waste collection and ends with recycling and recovery.
Model disposal system
The Chief Executive said the city’s materials recovery facility strengthened flood mitigation by retrieving trash that would have otherwise ended up in waterways and drainage systems.
The facility processes biodegradable waste into compost and converts plastic into bags, bricks, and other useful materials, including components for school desks.
The President described the initiative as a practical example of a circular economy, where materials are recovered, recycled, and reused rather than thrown away.
Accessible training programs
Marcos then proceeded to the Lipa-Malvar (LIMA) Estate, Batangas State University campus, and JERA-AboitizPower Global Technical Center of Excellence, and urged government partners to expand educational and professional development opportunities for the Filipino workforce by ensuring easier access to training programs and closer alignment with market demand.
Marcos said Filipinos deserve to have the skills to find meaningful work, build careers, and contribute to the country’s growth.
8 September
Korea, Norway envoys
Marcos welcomed the new ambassadors of Norway and the Republic of Korea to Malacañang, expressing optimism about stronger and deeper partnership with both nations.
The President received the credentials of Ambassador Kristian Netland of Norway and Ambassador Lee Dong-gy of the Republic of Korea.
Pacman now anti-poverty man
Boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao has been named Secretary and Lead Convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), placing him at the helm of the government’s efforts to strengthen poverty reduction and social reform programs.
Pacquiao succeeds Lope B. Santos III, who served as NAPC Secretary and Lead Convenor since 31 January 2023.
9 September
Spending must not flag
On Wednesday, Marcos led the 8th meeting of the Private Sector Advisory Council ensure its resilience and water security.
Other goals include mitigating flooding in communities near Laguna de Bay and southern Metro Manila, improving water security and climate resilience through appropriate responses to climate-related water risks, and speeding up the development of water infrastructure projects.
The President instructed the DPWH to update the master plans for major river basins, review and revisit the construction of a spillway in Parañaque City, and expedite the completion of water supply projects in areas to be severely affected by El Niño.
10 September
Bring your capital
The President urged foreign investors to consider the Philippines during the 2026 Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City.
Marcos assured the investors that they could trust the Philippines, and not to see it as simply as another market but as a trusted partner and a place where they can build, innovate, and grow for generations.
Nat’l artists named
The President named 10 distinguished Filipinos as National Artists for 2025, recognizing their outstanding contributions to Philippine arts and culture across architecture, dance, fashion, cinema, literature, theater, music, visual arts and cultural development.
Under Proclamation 1414, the President conferred the Order of National Artists on Gabriel P. Formoso (posthumous), Rafael “Nonoy” Froilan, Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro, Armando “Bing” Lao (posthumous), Gregorio C. Brillantes (posthumous), Nicanor G. Tiongson, Alfredo S. Buenaventura, Teodoro L. Hilado (posthumous), Imelda Cajipe-Endaya and Nunelucio M. Alvarado.
11 September
Remembering Apo Dad
President Marcos flew to his hometown, Batac City, Ilocos Norte, to lead a series of activities to commemorate the 109th birth anniversary of his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
Joining President Marcos during the ceremony were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their sons, House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos and William Vincent “Vinny” Marcos.
The President said public service should always center on the welfare of Filipinos, emphasizing that it should serve the country and the Filipino people, not personal interests, reflecting his father’s principles from his service as a soldier through his years in public office and, eventually, as President.
Education as comparative advantage
The President issued Executive Order (EO) 124 establishing the Education Philippines (EduPhil) program to promote the Philippines as a preferred destination for international students seeking higher education, research, and training in the country’s higher education institutions.
Through the EO, the administration recognized the increasing importance of international education as a driver of economic growth, innovation, cultural diplomacy, human capital development, and international cooperation.
