BRICS is the bloc of emerging economies originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Last week also saw the groundbreaking of a major subway project, an economic policy meeting, and visits to food technology and health programs. Together, these covered where Filipinos live, how they travel, what they eat, and how they stay healthy.
Amid the workload, Marcos marked his 69th birthday on 13 September in simple fashion. On Monday, the day after, he hosted the annual “Salo-Salo sa Palasyo” on the Kalayaan grounds of the Palace.
Supporters, loyalists, and Office of the President personnel attended the gathering, which drew less fortunate and disadvantaged guests.
As part of his birthday celebration, the Handog ng Pangulo Serbisyo Caravan was held at about 90 locations nationwide benefiting thousands who received government assistance worth P2.88 billion.
14 September
Laying bricks for BRICS
The President on Monday reported on his successful participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi where, as ASEAN 2026 chair and country coordinator, he represented the regional bloc as well as advanced the Philippines’ strategic partnership with India.
In his post-visit statement, Marcos said the seat accorded to ASEAN at the BRICS summit is a testament to the bloc’s stature, credibility, and convening power.
Red-letter day with Pinoys
The President celebrated his 69th birthday with more than 9,000 Filipinos, mostly dressed in red, gathering on the Kalayaan Grounds of Malacañang for this year’s “Salo-Salo sa Palasyo.”
The annual salo-salo brought together Filipinos from various sectors, including supporters and loyalists, vloggers and OP staff.
The Palace also welcomed persons with disability, senior citizens and members of FIRM (Friends of Imelda Romualdez Marcos), as well as public school students on a field trip.
15 September
Dignity through homes
On Tuesday, the President led the ceremonial turnover of 333 housing units at Disiplina Village Arkong Bato, providing families from high-risk communities with safe and decent homes.
The project is part of the government’s relocation program for informal settlers, including those living in flood-prone areas near the Tullahan River.
Marcos emphasized the importance of providing safe homes to families who are vulnerable to flooding and other hazards. The project consists of five phases that the government continues to develop and complete so more families can benefit.
Securing their peaceful corner
The President also led the distribution of titles to 110 qualified beneficiaries under the Llano Homeowners Association Federation at the Barangay 167 Gymnasium.
According to the residents, the day marked the end of their years of waiting as they finally received individual land titles formally recognizing their ownership of the homes they had long considered their own.
16 September
Subway happening soon
On Wednesday, the President spearheaded the groundbreaking of the Metro Manila Subway Project-NAIA Terminal Station at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, marking a major step toward providing faster and more efficient public transportation and easing traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
When the subway is fully operational, travel from Valenzuela to NAIA will drop from one hour and 30 minutes to 40 minutes, the President said, noting that the Terminal 3 Station will also provide passengers with a rail connection to the busiest airport terminals in the country.
17 September
Underlining basic healthcare
The Chief Executive went to Pangasinan to spearhead the delivery of integrated health and nutrition services to the Sta. Barbara Central School.
Marcos inspected the primary healthcare activities under the PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) at the school. He inspected the Elpidio M. Balolong Science Room, observed an ongoing class, and interacted with the Grade 5-Citrine students.
The President was welcomed by some 1,300 students, teachers, and parents. YAKAP benefited around 200 learners, parents, and teachers at the school.
The President also inspected the Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corp. in Barangay Malanay in Sta. Barbara where technologies developed by the Department of Science and Technology are being transformed into commercially produced nutritious food products.
Revised railway timeline
Malacañang announced that the Economic and Development Council chaired by the President approved the revised implementation timeline for the North-South Commuter Railway project, with the first partial operation targeted for December 2027.
The EDC meeting, officiated by the President, adjusted the timeline to ensure the prudent use of public funds, address procurement challenges and resolve right-of-way issues.
18 September
Elusive schools safety
With the fatal shooting that happened at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, the President called for stronger efforts to ensure the safety of students in schools, emphasizing that school shootings should never become an accepted part of people’s lives.
He ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting and how a minor was able to obtain and bring a firearm into the school.
The President expressed his condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the shooting and assured those injured they would receive the necessary medical treatment and assistance.
