PBBM pushes envelope from mentors to investors

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spent the week moving between the classroom and the boardroom, honoring the country’s teachers at home and pitching the Philippines to investors in Singapore.

The President opened the week by joining the celebration for teachers and thanking educators for shaping the nation’s future. He underscored his administration’s commitment to education as the foundation of national progress.

Attention then turned to the economy as the President flew to Singapore on 7 October to make the case that the Philippines is open for business. He highlighted reforms designed to make the country a more attractive destination for capital.

The week’s engagements showed a leader balancing two imperatives: investing in the people who will build the country’s future and attracting the capital needed to power it.

5 October

Bonuses for educators

The President joined the nation in celebrating National Teachers Day, honoring educators for their sacrifices and the vital role they play in shaping the country’s future.

At the celebration at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Marcos said teachers are the heart of every classroom, guiding young Filipinos as they learn, discover their potential, and pursue their dreams.

He assured that his administration is expediting the processing of the 2024 Performance-Based Bonus for teachers and education personnel while easing teachers’ administrative workload.

Dry spell body formed

The President convened the El Niño Task Force that includes the secretaries of Environment and Natural Resources, Science and Technology, Agriculture, and Health, Pagasa and the Office of Civil Defense.

He instructed the task force to step up measures to protect the food and water supplies as the government prepares for El Niño’s effects.

He ordered the National Food Authority to increase its palay procurement and warehouse capacity to build up the government’s rice buffer stock.

6 October

Rich Polish engagement

The Chief Executive and Polish President Karol Nawrocki discussed ways to deepen cooperation between the Philippines and Poland in key areas during their bilateral meeting at Malacañang on Tuesday.

President Nawrocki arrived in Manila on a historic state visit, the first by a Polish president since diplomatic relations between the two nations were established on 22 September 1973.

The President noted that relations between Manila and Warsaw have gained momentum over the past decade, with cooperation expanding in such areas as security and defense, trade and investment, science and technology, food security, tourism, and academic and cultural exchanges.

Another rule of law partner

President Marcos said the Philippines and Poland continue to work together in regional and multilateral fora in support of the rule of law in international relations.

He and President Nawrocki discussed defense and security during their bilateral meetings, alongside trade, industry, agriculture, and people-to-people ties.

Marcos described the developments as a milestone in the growing Philippines-Poland partnership and said this would sustain the momentum of recent high-level exchanges between Manila and Warsaw.

7 October

Bound for Lion City

President Marcos left Manila on Wednesday for a five-day working visit to Singapore to deepen ties with its Southeast Asian neighbor, expand economic engagement, and advance cooperation in sectors vital to the nation’s development.

8 October

Probe from Forbes

The President attended the 24th Forbes Global CEO Conference and answered tough questions from Forbes Magazine editor-in-chief Steve Forbes in front of business and thought leaders from around the world.

Marcos promoted the Philippines as an investment destination, highlighting opportunities in digital technology, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and health care. He also underscored the country’s potential to attract investments and expand economic opportunities.

The President also met with FedEx Corp. president and CEO Richard W. Smith during a meet-and-greet on the sidelines of his attendance at the Forbes conference.

Partnership guaranteed

The President and Finance Secretary Frederick Go met with FedEx executives at the Shangri-La in Singapore to discuss the company’s continued partnership with the Philippines and opportunities to expand the country’s logistics, e-commerce and supply chain sectors.

FedEx’s top officials thanked the government for its support, which has driven the company’s rapid growth in the Philippines, now operating close to 40 flights a week, and discussed the country’s bid to become a regional logistics hub.

FedEx operates two main facilities in the Philippines: the Clark Gateway Hub in Pampanga and the Manila Gateway at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.

Its expanded Clark Gateway Hub, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2028, is expected to increase international freight capacity and help domestic businesses reach global markets.

10 October

Nuke thrust pushed

After a free day on 9 October, President Marcos visited the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute to learn from Singapore’s experience in nuclear technology and safety as the Philippines explores options to strengthen long-term energy security.

Joined by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and Finance Secretary Frederick Go, among other government officials and private sector representatives, such as Aboitiz Group president and CEO Sabin Aboitiz and Ayala Group’s Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Marcos listened to the talk of Low Xin Wei, CEO of the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute, on how nuclear energy can be a viable source of power for the Philippines.

Marcos said his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., dreamt of harnessing nuclear energy which led to the construction of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, a 621-megawatt pressurized water reactor in Morong, Bataan, in 1976.

11 October

Business and leisure

President Marcos will watch the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix today where he is set to meet Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and some top business owners.

Afterward, the President will meet with members of the media to update them on his working visit to Singapore. He will return to the country on Sunday afternoon.