Inauguration of the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Stage II
Fulfilling the Administration’s Bagong Pilipinas vision to provide agricultural progress to Filipinos, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the inauguration of the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Stage II (MMIP-II) in the Municipality of Pikit, Cotabato on April 29, 2024.
The PhP5.133 billion project covers a total agricultural land area of 9,528 hectares in the Provinces of North Cotabato and Maguindanao del Sur under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Prior to the inauguration, the project achieved an overall weighted physical accomplishment (OWPA) of 99.56% where a series of test runs were conducted to measure the readiness and operating condition of the structure before the turnover.
Once operational, it is envisioned to benefit more than 4,000 farmers amidst the ongoing impacts of the El Niño phenomenon in the country, with a projected harvest of more than 110 cavans of rice per hectare. This is equivalent to an average of 1 billion production value per year.
Spearheaded by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the MMIP-II is targeted to promote social and agricultural development in BARMM anchored on sustaining lasting peace and positive impacts in the Region.
16th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week November 23, 2023
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) spearheads the 16th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Pasig City on November 23, 2023.
With the theme, ‘Bayanihan Para sa Klima: Bagong Bansang Matatag,’ the week-long observance is pursuant to Proclamation No. 1667, which aims to raise awareness on global warming and climate change by pursuing broad and intensive public information and educational campaigns.
According to the CCC, this year’s celebration conveys a message of collective action in addressing the climate crisis by promoting the spirit of Bayanihan among Filipinos amidst the impacts of climate change in the country.
Arrival Statement From the Participation to the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Villamor, Air Base, Pasay City November 20, 2023
Following his successful participation to the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in San Francisco, California, and his Working Visits to Los Angeles, California and Honolulu, Hawaii, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his arrival statement at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on November 20, 2023.
The President wraps up the results of his productive participation to the APEC Summit, where he pushed for the region’s advancement in various areas of mutual cooperation such as energy, healthcare, digitalization and climate change mitigation, among others.
During his Working Visits, President Marcos Jr. held meetings with his counterparts and business leaders to further enhance the Philippines’ relations with the United States of America (USA) anchored in strengthening partnerships to address common challenges in both economic and national security.
He also met with the Filipino communities to personally express his gratitude and urge them to continuously support the government in its endeavors towards building a stronger and more resilient nation.
One of the highlights of his visit to the U.S. is his speech at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) in Hawaii, where he shared his reflections on the most crucial challenges to the common aspirations of a peaceful and prosperous future for the Philippines and the region.
Likewise, the Chief Executive presented a donation to the State of Hawaii in support of its rehabilitation efforts for the towns affected by the wildfires in Maui last August 2023.
To this end, President Marcos Jr. expresses his optimism towards the continuation of the Philippines' longstanding alliance with the U.S., which has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy for decades.
The Daniel K. Inouye (DKI) Speaker Series with PH President Marcos Jr.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. engages in a discussion with Peter Gumataotao, Director of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), as part of The Daniel K. Inouye (DKI) Speaker Series hosted by the APCSS in Oahu, Hawaii on November 19, 2023.
Dubbed “Perspectives on a Secure, Stable, and Prosperous Indo-Pacific,” the discussions focus on the security challenges arising from the heightened tensions on territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea, as well as other security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.
The DKI APCC serves as a forum for military and civilian leaders from the Indo-Pacific to engage in discussions regarding regional and global security issues. Its primary goal is to promote a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific by advocating for collaborative and inclusive security. Through its programs, the Center aims to advance cooperative strategies and policies based on trust, critical thinking, and shared experiences.
Arrival at the United States Indo-Pacific Command Headquarters
Honolulu, Hawaii
November 19, 2023
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrives at the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Headquarters to meet with security officers, led by Commander Admiral John Aquilino, as part of his Working Visit to Honolulu, Hawaii on November 19, 2023.
USINDOPACOM is the oldest and largest combatant command of the United States of America (USA), with over 380,000 personnel, including soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, coast guardsmen, and Department of Defense (DOD) civilians. The Command oversees all US military activities in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes 36 nations, 14 time zones and more than 50 percent of the global population.
Meeting with the Filipino Community in Hawaii
Continuing his trip in the United States of America (USA), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. holds a Working Visit to Honolulu, Hawaii, commencing with a meeting with the Filipino community at the Hawaii Convention Center on 18 November 2023.
Over a thousand Filipinos and Filipino-Americans greet the President and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, together with the rest of the Philippine delegation.
The event also features various performances from local bands and artists in Hawaii.
Another highlight of the event is the turnover of donations to the members of the Filipino community who have been severely affected by the Maui wildfires on 8 August 2023, which devastated the town of Lahaina, home to a large number of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans.
APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Retreat Session II
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. participates in the second Retreat Session of the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in San Francisco, California on November 17, 2023.
This is the last day of the President’s participation to the APEC Summit. With the United States of America (USA) as host, Economic Leaders and stakeholders engage on global issues, focusing on three (3) overarching APEC 2023 policy priorities: Interconnected (to build a resilient, interconnected region that advances broad economic prosperity); Innovative (to enable an innovative environment for a sustainable future); and Inclusive (to affirm an equitable and inclusive future for all).
As he caps off his activities in San Francisco, President Marcos Jr. is set to proceed to Los Angeles, California for a Working Visit.
Signing of the 123 Agreement between the Philippines and the United States of America
Signing of the 123 Agreement between the Philippines and the United States of America
2nd Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Leaders’ Meeting
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joins his fellow leaders at the 2nd Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco, California on November 16, 2023.
In May 2022, the United States of America (USA) launched the IPEF with its initial Partners across the Indo-Pacific, including Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The Framework seeks to advance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness and competitiveness for the 14 IPEF Partners. It also aims to provide tangible benefits that fuel economic activity and investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and benefit workers and consumers across the region.
The 14 IPEF Partners collectively represent 40 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP) and 28 percent of global goods and services. Since its launch, the IPEF Partners have engaged in intensive discussions covering the four (4) pillars of the Framework: Trade, Supply Chains, Clean Economy (including clean energy, decarbonization and infrastructure), and Fair Economy (tax and anti-corruption).
APEC Economic Leaders’ Informal Dialogue and Working Lunch with Guests (Session 1)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joins his fellow Economic Leaders in the Asia-Pacific region for an Informal Dialogue with guests and the business sector as the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit continues in San Francisco, California on November 16, 2023.
Discussions during the Informal Dialogue focus on sustainability, climate and just energy transition, all of which are anchored under this year’s Summit theme, ‘Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All.’ The theme highlights the commitment to addressing key issues such as supply chain resilience, digital trade, connectivity, opportunities for small and medium enterprises, climate change and environmental sustainability.
Family Photo of APEC Economic Leaders
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. poses for a photo opportunity with his fellow Economic Leaders during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, California on November 16, 2023.
This is the President’s second attendance to the Summit following his inaugural participation in Thailand last year.
APEC is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific region. The 21 APEC Member Economies account for nearly 40 percent of the global population and almost 50 percent of global trade.
With the United States of America hosting this year’s Summit, APEC officials have met all over the country throughout the year to discuss and roll out the priorities for 2023. These priorities aim to continue the progress made and push for new initiatives that will further connect the region, support innovation and ensure inclusivity.
Under the theme, ‘Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All,’ the APEC Summit highlights the commitment to work towards key issues, including supply chain resilience, digital trade, connectivity, opportunities for small and medium enterprises, climate change and environmental sustainability.
Remarks at the APEC CEO Summit
President Ferdinand R. Marcos addresses his fellow world leaders and the global business community at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in San Francisco, California on November 15, 2023.
The APEC CEO summit brings together chief executive officers (CEOs), entrepreneurs, thought leaders, senior political leaders, and other stakeholders from the Asia-Pacific region for a business dialogue on global opportunities and challenges that shape the economic, environmental and societal trends in the region.
This year’s gathering focuses on the theme, ‘Creating Economic Opportunity’ and features a lineup of dynamic and diverse speakers to shed light on sustainability, inclusion, resilience and innovation.
Meeting and Presentation of Signed Memoranda of Understanding
Meeting and Presentation of Signed Memoranda of Understanding
November 15, 2023
Philippine Economic Briefing in San Francisco, California
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with his Economic Team, provides business leaders, analysts and investors with the most significant updates and projections on the economic performance of the country during the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in San Francisco, California on November 15, 2023.
The Chief Executive takes the opportunity to introduce the Administration’s economic agenda for the Philippines at the City and County of San Francisco, which serves as the host of this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW).
San Francisco has long been recognized as a prominent gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. With a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$501 billion, the San Francisco metropolitan area is the fourth-largest economic region in the United States. Moreover, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to many of the world’s biggest Fortune 500 companies, including Tesla, Uber, Salesforce, Pixar, Netflix, Lucas Fils, Levi Strauss. In addition, the region is known for its innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), biotech, software, clean tech and social media.
Opening of the 2023 Singapore FinTech Festival
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joins leaders and experts from around the world in finance, technology and public policy as he speaks before the participants of this year’s Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) via hologram on November 15, 2023.
The SFF 2023 is expected to gather more than 500 exhibitors from 134 countries to provide a platform for different sectors to talk about the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in the field of financial technology globally.
Noting the need to keep up with the rapidly evolving Information and Communications Technology (ICT) landscape, President Marcos Jr. highlights the event as a way to nurture a sustainable financial sector through sharing and learning essential ideas, while reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment in fostering an environment that promotes collaboration anchored in propelling digital transformation.
For the country’s participation, the SFF 2023 features the Philippine Country Pavilion that showcases the Administration’s ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ brand of good governance and fundamental transformation in all sectors of society and government. This is through the collaborative efforts of FinTech Alliance.PH, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and the Embassy of the Philippines in Singapore.
Situation Briefing on Typhoon-Affected Areas in Bulacan
After seeing the condition of typhoon-affected communities in Bulacan, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hears from concerned line agencies on the most recent situation in the Province during a briefing at the City of Malolos on August 7, 2023.
The Province of Bulacan suffered massive flooding brought about by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoons ‘Egay’ and ‘Falcon’. According to latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the situation already affected 170,482 families in over 178 barangays. In the agriculture sector where the Province is largely dependent on, 233 farmers suffered damage and losses in their high value crops.
On the first day of August 2023, the Provincial Government of Bulacan, through Kapasiyahan Blg. 579-T’2023, declared Bulacan in a ‘state of calamity’.
Following the briefing, President Marcos Jr. leads the distribution of cash assistance to the Provincial Government of Bulacan, as well as to the local governments of heavily affected localities that include Malolos, San Miguel, Hagonoy, Pulilan, San Rafael, San Ildefonso, Bustos, Paombong, Calumpit and Bulakan.
Post-SONA Discussions on Poverty Reduction
On the second day of the Post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussions, key officials of various government agencies discuss the Marcos Administration’s poverty alleviation programs and initiatives at the Hilton Hotel Manila in Pasay City on July 26, 2023.
Joining the panel discussions are National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.
Also present are Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Michael Wesley Poa, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Prospero De Vera III, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Deputy Director General Rosanna Urdaneta, and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marlo Iringan.
This whole-of-government approach serves as the Administration’s strategy to alleviate poverty in the country towards the realization of a more progressive and poverty-free ‘Bagong Pilipinas’.
Post-SONA Discussions on Food Security
On its third installment, various Cabinet members join a panel discussion to tackle the government’s resolve to end hunger as well as the strategies and programs set by the Marcos Administration towards the attainment of a food-secure nation as the post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussions resume at the Hilton Manila in Pasay City on July 25, 2023.
The panelists comprise Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella III, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla, and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Odilon Pasaraba.
The 2023 State of the Nation Address
A year after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered his inaugural State of the Nation Address (SONA) in which he outlined his Administration's 8-point socioeconomic agenda, he returns to report on the nation's current state and the actions being undertaken to address post-pandemic challenges as he delivers his second SONA at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on July 24, 2023.
The highlights of his SONA report include significant progress in propelling economic transformation and growth, promoting social development, ensuring food security, securing sustainable progress, and advancing the national interest towards peace and prosperity, among others.
