Marcos juggles reforms, ASEAN preparations
BRAZILIAN President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Rosângela da Silva sign the guest book at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Saturday, following the arrival honors ceremony hosted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spent the week advancing education, infrastructure and national security initiatives while overseeing preparations for the country’s hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings.
From distributing laptops to public school teachers and administering oaths to newly promoted military officers, reviewing major infrastructure projects to reassuring businesses affected by the summit preparations, the President’s engagements covered key government priorities.
9 November
The President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos witnessed the ceremonial distribution of laptops to public school teachers in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Computerization Program.
The President said providing teachers with modern equipment was essential to improving classroom instruction and giving students greater access to digital learning resources.
He noted that in School Year 2023-2024, only 16 percent of public school teachers had government-issued laptops, forcing many to buy their own computers for work. To address the shortage, the government is procuring more than 230,000 additional laptops for teachers nationwide.
Marcos also led the mass oath-taking of 234 newly hired School Counselor Associates, saying their deployment would help schools address learners’ concerns and promote safer, more supportive learning environments.
10 November
In Malacañang, The President administered the oath of office to 34 newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
He recognized the military’s contributions to protecting the country’s sovereignty, maintaining peace, responding to disasters, and advancing national development, urging the newly promoted officers to embrace their expanded leadership responsibilities.
11 November
Marcos chaired the 12th meeting of the Economy and Development Council at Malacañang, tackling infrastructure and social development projects involving energy security, flood control, transportation, and student housing.
Among the priorities discussed was the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi hydropower facilities in Mindanao to improve electricity reliability and strengthen energy security. The Council also reviewed the completion of the remaining pumping stations under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project to improve drainage and reduce flooding in vulnerable communities.
In transportation, it discussed proposed adjustments to the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project, which seeks to improve connectivity and the movement of people and goods between Samal Island and Davao City.
The meeting also covered Project Balay, a pilot initiative providing safe and affordable dormitory accommodations for students in five state universities and colleges, prioritizing beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and other disadvantaged sectors.
Other agenda items included a social protection framework to identify priority beneficiaries and improve resource allocation, as well as a proposed executive order establishing a unified framework for local government land-use planning and the protection of agricultural lands.
12 November
With preparations intensifying for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, the President appealed for the public’s understanding over the disruptions affecting motorists and micro, small and medium enterprises.
In a video message, he said the country’s hosting of more than 400 ASEAN meetings this year had generated employment and business opportunities across the hospitality, transportation, food, tourism and creative industries.
Among those benefiting were Filipino weavers, garment makers, fashion designers, performers, production crews, makeup artists, set designers, lighting and sound technicians, and writers involved in summit-related activities.
Local food manufacturers and culinary businesses also gained opportunities to showcase their products such as dried mangoes, cornick, chocolates and other Filipino delicacies to international delegates.
Hotels, transport operators, drivers, and small suppliers of branding materials, tarpaulin, and souvenirs likewise benefited from the increased demand.
The President emphasized that the locally produced goods and services showcased during the meetings highlighted Filipino craftsmanship and talent.
He also stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation in addressing rising food and oil prices, economic uncertainties and security concerns, particularly in food and energy security, agriculture and livelihoods.
13 November
The President administered the oath of office to the new heads of three government agencies: Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza as Bureau of Customs commissioner, Atty. Rolando T. Ligon Jr. as Bureau of Internal Revenue commissioner, and Ariel F. Nepomuceno as Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and chief executive officer.
He also welcomed newly installed Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Alan M. Javier, the service’s 42nd Flag Officer in Command.
Marcos led the Navy’s change-of-command and retirement ceremony at Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila, where Javier succeeded Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, who retired after serving as the Navy’s 41st Flag Officer in Command.