Inauguration of the Expanded Petrochemicals Manufacturing Complex of the JG Summit Olefins Corporation
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graces the inauguration of the expanded Petrochemicals Manufacturing Complex of JG Summit Olefins Corporation (JGSOC), the country’s leading petrochemical company and the largest polyolefin manufacturer in the Philippines, in a ceremony at the JGSOC Petrochemical Complex in Barangay Simlong, Batangas City on January 19, 2024.
Under the theme, ‘Celebrating our Nation’s Strength and Unity,’ President Marcos Jr. tours the 160-hectare facility and leads the unveiling of the commemorative marker. Joining him are JG Summit Holdings, Inc. (JGSHI) Chairman James L. Go, JGSHI President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lance Gokongwei, and JGSOC President and CEO Arnel Santos.
JGSOC operates the only facility in the Philippines that processes naphtha into ethylene and propylene, key ingredients used for the production of common plastics. This not only benefits local plastic businesses by providing a steady supply of these materials, but also reduces costs, enables increased production and enhances competitiveness. Additionally, the plant produces other chemicals used in paints, plastics, rubber and other products.
In 2023, JGSOC commenced commercial operations of its US$1.3 billion expansion project, which boosted the overall site capacity to over one (1) million metric tons of petrochemical products annually.
Ceremonial Opening of the Showcase Area of the ‘Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM): Pasig River Urban Development’ Project
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos lead the ceremonial opening of the showcase area of the ‘Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM): Pasig River Urban Development’ project at the Jones Bridge in Binondo, City of Manila on 17 January 2024.
Spanning almost 500 meters, the showcase area is designed to function as a public park, featuring a pedestrian-friendly walkway on a concrete platform. It is equipped with a water fountain accented by lighting and includes seating areas that can also serve as an open-air venue for events.
The inauguration of the showcase area marks the start of a comprehensive urban renewal project led by the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD), chaired by Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar.
The project aligns with Executive Order (E.O.) No. 35 signed by President Marcos Jr. on 25 July 2023 that aims to revitalize the Pasig River for improved transport, recreation and tourism. The goal is to transform the river into a center for economic activity and tourism, while enhancing transportation connectivity in Metro Manila and nearby areas. Notably, the First Lady has been the first to express her full support for the project.
Developed by the IAC-PRUD, the project's master plan includes mixed-use establishments, recreational amenities and the relocation of informal settler families. The government seeks to maximize the river's potential for economic development, drawing inspiration from waterways in other major cities worldwide.
Kapihan sa PIA Eastern Visayas with RTF8 ELCAC & RPOC8 | 17 January 2023
WATCH | Kapihan ha PIA with MGen. Camilo Ligayo, 8ID commander and chairperson of the Regional Task Force 8 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict – Technical Working Group and Lt. Col. Jomar Buban, Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations of 8ID.
Hosted by Deputy Officer-in-Charge Gemma Tabao of the Philippine Information Agency 8, today’s Kapihan highlights the significant accomplishments of the regional task force in ending local communist armed conflict and the peace and order efforts in Eastern Visayas through the whole-of-nation approach.
#RTF8ELCAC #WholeOfNationApproach #PeaceAndDevelopment
#BagongPilipinas
#KapihanHaPIA
PCO Press Briefing with the Department of Agriculture January 16, 2024
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. holds a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on January 16, 2024.
Press Briefer Ms. Daphne Oseña-Paez moderates today’s press briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
PCO Press Briefing with LTFRB
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III, LTFRB-NCR Regional Director Atty. Zona Russet Tamayo, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Romando Artes, and Office of Transportation Cooperatives Chairperson Jesus Ferdinand Ortega and hold a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on January 15, 2024.
Press Briefer Ms. Daphne Oseña-Paez moderates today’s press briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
73rd Anniversary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graces the 73rd founding anniversary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at the DSWD Compound in Batasan Hills, Quezon City on January 12, 2024.
This year’s celebration centers on the theme, ‘DSWD Angels in Red Vests: Empathy on Action, Integrity in Service, Unity in Community,’ which marks various activities in line with the Administration’s efforts to improve disaster response and management system in the country.
The anniversary highlights the launching of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC), which is made to ensure the efficient disaster response and relief operations of the Agency in the country.
The centralized hub, which will be operational by next month, will see to it that all situation reports from DSWD’s regional offices are consolidated and automated. It will also be consistent and compatible with the country’s other command centers that are involved in other aspects of disaster management.
Moreover, the DSWD launches the ‘Buong Bansa Handa’ program that strengthens the Department’s capacity in meeting the needs of Filipino families in various disaster-hit areas through the establishment of two parallel supply mechanisms for disaster preparedness and response. This also encompasses the directives of President Marcos Jr. to accelerate the provision of services to Filipinos affected by calamities to ensure that no one is left behind.
Groundbreaking of the Ciudad Kaunlaran Project (Phase II) and Turnover of 360 Housing Units (Phase I) Bacoor, Cavite January 12, 2024
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the groundbreaking and awarding ceremonies of the National Housing Authority’s (NHA) new housing projects in Bacoor, Cavite on January 12, 2024.
The groundbreaking of Ciudad Kaunlaran Phase II marks the start of the construction of two (2) 5-storey low-rise buildings, which is set to generate 120 housing units in total. An additional 5-storey building will soon be constructed with 60 more units in the same location.
For Phase I, 360 families are awarded with units and will occupy six (6) buildings. Once completed, Phase I will compose nine (9) 5-storey buildings totaling 540 housing units.
These resettlement projects in Barangay Molino II form part of the relocation sites identified for informal settler families (ISFs) affected by the Supreme Court (SC) Mandamus to Clean-Up the Manila Bay Area. These demonstrate the collaboration between the NHA and the Bacoor City Government in fulfilling the “Building Better and More Housing” agenda anchored in the Administration’s initiative to address the nation’s housing backlog.
Along with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development’s (DHSUD) Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program, the NHA remains committed in its goal of building more than a million houses and create sustainable communities in different parts of the country.
Vin D' Honneur 2024
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveys his optimism for the new year, rekindled bilateral relations and diplomatic accomplishments, as well as a positive economic outlook given the Philippines’ strong economic performance, as he hosts the traditional vin d’honneur at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan Palace on January 11, 2024.
Expressing his gratitude to the diplomatic community for their crucial role in facilitating his foreign visits and fostering bilateral ties, the President acknowledges the significance of their collaboration in creating new opportunities for the Philippines and their respective countries.
“I am proud to have closely worked with many of you on many initiatives and endeavors since I assumed the Presidency in the middle of 2022. I hope that we will continue to serve as able agents of our respective governments and countries in furthering the breadth and depth of our bilateral ties as well as in exploring collaboration in regional and multilateral fronts,” the Chief Executive says.
He urges the diplomatic corps to work closely with the Philippine Government in identifying areas for joint endeavors, outlining the challenging tasks ahead, including addressing concerns on poverty, education, food security, peace and order, health, jobs and livelihood.
On the Philippine economy, President Marcos Jr. announces the nation’s successful recovery from the pandemic, citing the 6.1% growth in the third quarter of 2023, along with better management of overall inflation and decrease in unemployment and underemployment rates.
Furthermore, he urges countries to work together amidst geopolitical tensions, highlighting the Philippines' independent foreign policy while emphasizing flexibility and cooperation in addressing mutual concerns.
"For the Philippines, the New Year or January is not only the start of our year. It is also the symbolic renewal of our social contract to our people; and our commitment and obligation as a responsible membe
PCO Press Briefing with DepEd
Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Michael Poa and Undersecretary Gina Gonong hold a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on January 11, 2024.
Press Briefer Ms. Daphne Oseña-Paez moderates today’s press briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
Presentation of Signed MOU and Leaders’ Statement
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and President Joko Widodo of Indonesia underscore their unwavering commitment as they witness the presentation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at significantly enhancing and solidifying bilateral relations between the Philippines and Indonesia in a ceremony at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace on January 10, 2024.
The MOU offers potential benefits in economic, environmental and geopolitical aspects, including enhanced energy security through diversification of energy sources, technology transfer and knowledge exchange. It can also contribute to economic growth, job creation and investment attraction, as well as bolster collaborative efforts between the two nations.
Following the MOU presentation, President Marcos Jr. and President Widodo deliver their respective Leaders’ Statement.
Arrival Honors for President Joko Widodo of Indonesia Part 2
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomes President Joko Widodo of Indonesia as the latter continues his three-day Official Visit to the Philippines.
The Indonesian President is accorded with arrival honors at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañan Palace before signing the guest book at the Reception Hall.
Thereafter, the two leaders deliver their remarks as they commence their bilateral meeting which is anticipated to tackle the progress in Philippines-Indonesia relations following the successful state visit of President Marcos Jr. to Indonesia in September 2022.
Both leaders are also expected to reaffirm their commitment to deepening and expanding ties as the two nations mark 75 years of formal diplomatic relations this November.
Arrival Honors for President Joko Widodo of Indonesia
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomes President Joko Widodo of Indonesia as the latter continues his three-day Official Visit to the Philippines.
The Indonesian President is accorded with arrival honors at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañan Palace before signing the guest book at the Reception Hall.
Thereafter, the two leaders deliver their remarks as they commence their bilateral meeting which is anticipated to tackle the progress in Philippines-Indonesia relations following the successful state visit of President Marcos Jr. to Indonesia in September 2022.
Both leaders are also expected to reaffirm their commitment to deepening and expanding ties as the two nations mark 75 years of formal diplomatic relations this November.
PCO Press Briefing with AMLC
Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Secretariat Executive Director Atty. Matthew David holds a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on January 2, 2024.
Press Briefer Ms. Daphne Oseña-Paez moderates today’s press briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
127th Commemoration of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal 12/30/23
Rizal Park, City of Manila
December 30, 2023
In observance of the 127th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joins the nation in paying tribute to the national hero in a ceremony at the Rizal Park, City of Manila on December 30, 2023.
The President lays a wreath at the Rizal National Monument after the simultaneous flag raising ceremony across various historical sites nationwide.
Embracing the theme for this year, 'Rizal: Pundasyon ng Kahapon, Isinasabuhay Ngayon', several activities in honor of Rizal are organized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in collaboration with various government agencies.
Joining the Chief Executive in the occasion are First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and Presidential sons, Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos III, Joseph Simon Marcos and William Vincent Marcos.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.,NHCP Chairman Emmanuel Calairo and Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan are also in attendance.
88th Anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the 88th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on December 21, 2023.
Focusing on the theme, ‘AFP@88: Rising over the Challenges in the Service of the Nation,’ this year’s celebration is aimed at showcasing the AFP’s progress towards becoming a world-class armed forces that is a source of national pride. It also serves as a way for the military to express gratitude to the continued support and patronage of the Filipino people. A series of activities is organized nationwide to commemorate the decades-long service of the AFP to the country.
During the event, the Commander-in-Chief witnesses the parade of various military assets of the AFP, as well as the awarding of recognition to its personnel.
Ceremonial Signing of the General Appropriations Act of 2024
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signs the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024, amounting to PhP5.768 trillion, in a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on December 20, 2023.
The 2024 GAA is anchored in the framework provided by the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP) that is geared towards achieving the country’s economic goals specifically identified in the Administration’s Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF), the Eight-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.
It prioritizes expenditure items that advances social and economic transformation through programs that promote food security, reduction of transport and logistics costs, improved health system, strengthened social protection, sound fiscal management and enhanced bureaucratic efficiency, among others.
The national budget, which is equivalent to 21.7 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), is 9.5 percent higher compared to last year.
Overseas Filipino Workers Family Day 2023
In recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as one of the country’s modern-day heroes, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graces the OFW Family Day 2023 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on December 20, 2023.
With the theme, ‘Nagkakaisang Pamilyang OFWs Patungo sa Bagong Pilipinas’, the occasion also celebrates the families and loved ones of OFWs, who continuously serve as their pillar of strength as they pursue their dreams of a better life.
The Administration — through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and other national government agencies — remains relentless in prioritizing the welfare and interests of the OFWs, especially in advancing their rights overseas and protecting them from the threats of exploitation.
Press Briefing with DENR, DOST and DND
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. hold a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on December 19, 2023.
Press Briefer Ms. Daphne Oseña-Paez moderates today’s press briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
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