PBBM highlights creativity, safety

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spent the week promoting school safety during disasters and Filipino creativity, capping it with the inauguration of a new theater at the Likhang Filipino complex in Pasay City.

Malacañang on Tuesday released Executive Order 130, signed on 28 October, which sets three mechanisms for suspending classes, school activities, and on-site work in public and private schools during calamities.

On Friday, Marcos swore in ad interim appointees, including Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, Transportation Secretary Secretary Vince Dizon, and seven other Cabinet members. “This is the best team ever assembled here since my father’s Cabinet,” he said.

That evening, the President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, joined by former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos and National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, inaugurated the 279-seat Likhang Filipino Theater, part of the complex’s Creative Lab, ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit.

1 November

Day of remembrance

The First Family paid a private visit to the tomb of the President’s father and namesake, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. The President urged Filipinos to turn the Undas spirit into acts of kindness.

2 November

All Souls Day. The President has no engagements.

3 November

Class act turns classier

Marcos issued Executive Order (EO) 130 establishing a unified framework for suspending and resuming in-person classes and school activities, as well as on-site work in public and private educational institutions and learning centers, to strengthen disaster preparedness while ensuring learning continuity.

The order mandated the government to adopt three mechanisms for suspending classes and on-site work: automatic suspension based on prescribed technical thresholds; localized suspension declared by local chief executives; and granular suspension initiated by individual educational institutions based on documented, site-specific assessments.

EO 130 seeks to harmonize existing policies on class suspensions due to natural and human-induced hazards while ensuring that scientific information, local conditions, and the safety of learners and school personnel guide decisions.

PSAC tackles connectivity

The President convened members of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) on digital infrastructure, pushing to expand reliable internet connectivity and access to online services so more Filipinos can participate in the country’s growing digital economy and no one is left offline.

The President also discussed ways to improve Filipino skills and explore opportunities in the space industry. The meeting also focused on how the government and private sector can work together to support local businesses, create jobs, and open new opportunities in the space industry.

Mr. Marcos said Filipinos are among the most talented people in the world and the government must ensure that opportunities are available for them and for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

4 November

Highest honors for exiting CJ

The President conferred the Order of Lakandula with the Rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) on Supreme Court Chief Justice (CJ) Alexander Gesmundo in a ceremony at Malacañang.

Gesmundo retired on 6 November at the age of 70.

As the head of the Judiciary, Gesmundo guided the courts through the challenges of the post-pandemic period, ensuring the administration of justice continued as institutions adapted to the changing circumstances.

Among Gesmundo’s most significant reforms was the pursuit of digital transformation in the Judiciary. He also supported digitized and regionalized bar exams, reflecting his vision of a more modern legal system that champions innovation in shaping the next generation of legal professionals.

New Spanish envoy

The President received the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines, Xavier Martí Martí.

Peace initiative strengthened

The President convened the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and directed the government agencies concerned to prioritize the Transformation Program which provides livelihood opportunities, educational assistance, and other support to help former rebels reintegrate into their communities.

The program also extends assistance to their families, with at least 3,911 dependents receiving scholarships under the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Educational Assistance Program.

The government has also established 4,713 people’s organizations to strengthen community participation and expand economic opportunities for former rebels and their families.

Celebrating fashion heritage

On Wednesday night, the President, together with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, joined Filipino designers, artisans, and fashion enthusiasts at “Filipiniana: A Celebration of Filipino Fashion Heritage and Craftsmanship” in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The event highlighted the beauty of traditional Filipino clothing and recognized the creativity, talent and hard work of Filipino designers and local artisans who help preserve the country’s cultural heritage.

The President expressed his pride in celebrating Filipino traditions alongside the two most important women in his life, noting their shared appreciation for Filipino fashion and their role in promoting local designers and artisans.

5 November

Progress with natgas

The President witnessed the ceremonial first flow of gas at the Malampaya Onshore Gas Plant in Batangas City, joined by officials of the Department of Energy and Service Contract 38 joint venture partners, including the Aboitiz Group and Prime Infra chairman Enrique K. Razon.

Marcos stressed that securing an indigenous natural gas source for the Philippines’ energy needs would mean a stable electricity supply vital to its long-term energy security.

Indigenous natural gas from offshore Palawan will flow through the Malampaya gas transmission infrastructure to Batangas and ultimately to gas-fired power plants serving the Luzon grid, meaning domestic gas, reliable electricity, and a stronger energy sector.

Support for LGUs continues

In the afternoon, the President attended the ceremonial turnover of funds under the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program at Malacañang and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with local government units (LGUs) to bring development projects and essential services closer to Filipino communities.

He said the government continues to support local communities through the Local Government Support Fund and the Socio-Civic Projects Fund, providing financial support for local development initiatives and projects that address community needs.

6 November

Cabinet sworn in

President Marcos swore in ad interim Cabinet appointees including Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

Others sworn in were Public Works Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Tourism Secretary Maria Bernadita Angara-Mathay, Health Secretary Edwin Mercado, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon, and Philippine Space Agency director general Gay Jane Perez.

“This is the best team ever assembled since my father’s Cabinet,” the President said.

Another arts platform

The First Couple opened the 279-seat Likhang Filipino Theater in Pasay City, giving Filipino artists and emerging talents an additional platform to showcase their work, reach wider audiences, and share Filipino stories and creativity with the world.

In his first State of the Nation Address in 2022, the President emphasized the importance of nurturing Filipino creative talents, institutionalizing support for the creative industries, and protecting the welfare of creative workers, particularly freelance artists, a vision that recognizes creativity not only as an expression of Filipino identity, but also as a driver of economic growth and global competitiveness.

Likhang Filipino was established in January 2026 as a platform for showcasing Filipino craftsmanship, design, innovation, and creative enterprise, connecting Filipino-made products with local and international markets.