President offers calming presence amid challenges

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. showed that his administration never sleeps, providing programs and projects to benefit the agriculture sector — which feeds the country — as the past week opened with assurances that the rice fields have enough water supply.

By midweek, the spotlight shifted to prices. At the New Bilibid Prison, Marcos urged the public to remain calm even as the peso weakened, oil and fuel prices rose, and September inflation stood at 7.2 percent.

On Thursday, he and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended the Michelin Guide Manila & Cebu 2027 ceremony, pitching local cuisine as a reason for travelers to visit the country.

He also directed government agencies to support Climate Change Consciousness Week. As All Saints’ Day neared, he ordered inspections of bus terminals and airports and announced free passage on the new NLEX C5 Northlink section till the end of the year.

26 October

Addressing rising prices

The government will intensify efforts to improve the livelihood of Filipino farmers, in recognition of their sacrifices in ensuring the country’s food security amid rising production costs and the growing challenges of climate change.

Speaking during the inauguration of the P1.49-billion Pamplona Solar Pump Irrigation Project in Barangay Gattu, Pamplona, Cagayan, the President assured farmers his administration will continue to explore ways to ease their burdens, increase agricultural productivity, and provide other sustainable sources of livelihood.

Marcos emphasized that the government remains committed to addressing farmers’ needs, particularly as the country braces for the prolonged effects of El Niño, which could threaten agricultural production and water availability.

Sunshine for productivity

Citing the expansion of solar-powered irrigation systems as one of the administration’s priority interventions to reduce farming expenses and ensure a reliable water supply despite increasingly unpredictable weather conditions, Marcos said the government has established approximately 3,000 solar-powered irrigation systems nationwide since 2022.

He also vowed to accelerate other projects to help farmers prepare for the anticipated effects of El Niño.

The President noted that solar-powered irrigation could reduce monthly operating expenses from P300,000 to P400,000 under conventional fuel-dependent systems to about P50,000 to P100,000, allowing farmers to save substantial amounts for their families and other agricultural needs.

27 October

4 envoys and the President

Mr. Marcos received the credentials of four newly appointed non-resident ambassadors from Jordan, Chad, Fiji and Burundi in a simple ceremony at the President’s Hall in Malacañang.

Nasser S.H. Shraideh, non-resident Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Philippines, conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein.

The President then received the credentials of Abakar Saleh Chahaimi, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Chad to the Philippines. Ratu Isoa Delamisi Tikoca, non-resident Ambassador of Fiji to the Philippines, also presented his letter of credence to the President.

The last to present his credentials was Telesphore Irambona, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to the Philippines.

28 October

Liberty for 265 PDLs

The President graced the 32nd National Correctional Consciousness Week celebration at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, where he witnessed the release of 265 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) and awarded them Certificates of Discharge after they completed their sentences or qualified for release.

Of the total, 78 were freed from the NBP, 48 from the Davao Prison and Penal Farm, 42 from the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, 38 from the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm, 31 from the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, 17 from the Leyte Regional Prison, 10 from the Correctional Institution for Women, and one from the CIW Iwahig. Sixteen others were granted executive clemency.

The grounds for release included completed probation and sentence, parole, habeas corpus, and other legal processes, according to Bureau of Corrections director general Gregorio Catapang.

29 October

Bulacan vehicle flow eased

The President announced a proposed P120-billion elevated road project linking Balintawak in Quezon City to Bocaue, Bulacan, as the government seeks to improve traffic flow, cut travel time and transport costs, generate jobs, and spur economic development through expanded infrastructure investments, during the opening of NLEX-C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 Section 1A in Valenzuela City.

Marcos said the MVP Group will undertake the project in coordination with the San Miguel Corp. group, following his call for both conglomerates to collaborate in expanding the country’s road network, provide commuters with alternative routes, and improve travel conditions.

Going electric

The Chief Executive later visited the Sazgar facility in Barangay Mamplasan, Biñan, Laguna, and stressed that electric tricycles could help drivers save on fuel expenses and bring home more of their daily earnings, as the administration pushes to expand local electric vehicle manufacturing.

He noted that Sazgar electric three-wheelers can travel 100 to 210 kilometers on a single charge, potentially covering tricycle drivers’ daily routes in both urban and provincial areas.

The electric models take six to eight hours to charge fully, the President said, adding that the shift to electric tricycles could help drivers reduce their dependence on gasoline, allowing them to retain more of their earnings to support their families.

Crème de la crème

In the evening, President Marcos graced the Michelin Guide Ceremony for Manila and Environs and Cebu 2027 at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, highlighting the potential of culinary tourism to generate jobs, expand livelihoods, and promote Filipino cuisine globally, thereby creating opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk, and local food producers.

In his speech, Marcos said international recognition of Filipino cuisine could help attract more tourists and benefit local businesses.

He also highlighted the growing international recognition of Filipino cuisine, saying the country’s rich culinary traditions are gaining ground on the global stage through the Michelin Guide.

30 October

Peaceful communing with departed

In a Facebook video, President Marcos said all preparations for Undas 2026 are in place.

He said all airport immigration counters will have enough personnel on duty from 30 October to 3 November to avoid long queues during Undas, adding that the government will increase the use of digital systems, including electronic gates or eGates, to speed up passenger processing and reduce waiting time.

He said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board released 1,000 special permits for additional buses to ensure commuters traveling to their provinces are accommodated.

Peace aims fulfilled

In the afternoon, the President flew to Cotabato City to grace the opening of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parliament at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center Compound.

He assured the Parliament of his administration’s utmost support, especially in terms of its autonomy and in upholding democratic institutions.

The day formally ended the seven-year transition under the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and marked the beginning of the region’s first regular parliamentary government, Marcos said.