President Marcos strengthens PH dairy self-sufficiency with Malaysian milk production plant

October 3, 2025

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Strengthening the local milk industry, reducing dependence on imported dairy products, and generating more jobs for Filipinos.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated the Farm Fresh Milk Plant in San Simon, Pampanga on Friday, boosting local dairy production and creating more economic opportunities for Filipinos.

In his speech during the inauguration at the Global Aseana Business Park 2, President Marcos emphasized the significance of milk for both health and the economy, while also highlighting government initiatives aimed at strengthening the local dairy sector.

“Hindi man palaging napapansin, ngunit napakahalaga ng gatas sa ating kalusugan at sa ating ekonomiya… Ang paglaki at pag-develop ng ating kabataan ay nakasalalay sa tamang nutrisyon, kabilang na (rito) ang galing sa gatas,” President Marcos said.

“Ang industriya ng pagkain at manufacturing ay nangangailangan din ng gatas para sa produksyon ng mga tinapay, panghimagas, at iba pang mga delicacies.”

The Chief Executive said the local dairy industry continues to struggle with its dependence on imports and climate-related challenges, acknowledging the need for modern facilities to collect and process dairy products.

The President said the newly inaugurated Farm Fresh Milk Inc. Plant, which is projected to produce 32 million liters of pasteurized milk and 2.4 million liters of yogurt annually, will provide efficient production and sustainable income sources for farmers and farm workers across Pampanga and neighboring provinces.

“None of this would have been possible without the consistent support of Farm Fresh in our collective aspiration to boost our local production of dairy products. Through your efforts, more Filipino farmers, veterinarians can now have a more stable and dignified job,” said the President.

“So, I hope you will continue to improve and expand your operations, while bringing greater opportunities to our communities.”

President Marcos also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Dairy Industry Development Program, under Republic Act 7884, which has distributed 1,042 local cattle and 275 dairy goats to 393 farmers nationwide.

The program provides loans, dairy animals, and training for farmers in dairy management, husbandry, and breeding.

The President added that the government is studying ways to boost production of dairy products and attract more investments into the sector.

“Makakaasa kayo na naririto ang pamahalaan upang magpatupad ng mga programang magpapabilis sa ating pag-proseso ng dairy products,” President Marcos said.

Farm Fresh Milk Inc. is the Philippine subsidiary of Malaysia’s leading dairy company, Farm Fresh Berhad. The 5,700-square meter dairy processing facility in San Simon, Pampanga has an investment capital of PhP312.5 million.

President Marcos led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, together with Philippine and Malaysian officials including Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick D. Go, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda and Farm Fresh executives.

During the tour of the Farm Fresh Milk plant, the President was joined by 15 grade school learners from San Pablo Elementary School.

From July 2022 to June 2025, the government’s Milk Feeding Program has supplied 19.35 million liters of locally produced milk benefiting 3.37 million children.

Undertaken by the Department of Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Milk Feeding Program incorporates fresh milk and fresh milk-based food products in the hot meals provided to children. | PND

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NEWS RELEASE 

October 3, 2025

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Aeta communities displaced by the 1991 eruption of Mt Pinatubo will soon own titles to their land.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday welcomed the announcement that indigenous communities residing in a relocation site in Porac, Pampanga will soon be granted ownership of the land.

“Hindi po maliit na bagay ‘yung kaka-announce lang ni Congresswoman GMA (former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) na ‘yung titulo ng lupa ay mabibigay na para hindi na po kayo nag-aalala,” President Marcos said.

Before the President’s remarks during the distribution of livelihood assistance to Aeta families, Macapagal-Arroyo announced that the indigenous communities displaced by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption and who now reside in Katutubo Village in Porac, could now own the land.

Macapagal-Arroyo joined President Marcos and other officials during the distribution of carabaos and farm implements to Aeta families in Porac.

Speaking during the event, President Marcos recognized the contributions of Pampanga’s indigenous people in ensuring food security in the country.

“Napakahalaga nito dahil pagka kayo’y nagsasaka, hindi po kayo nagpapakain lamang ng sarili ninyo at saka ng pamilya ninyo. Iyong sinasaka ninyo, ‘yung tinatanim ninyo, ‘yung inaani ninyo ay kasama po ‘yan sa pagpakain ng lahat ng mga Pilipino,” the President said.

“Kaya napakahalaga ng inyong sektor ng agrikultura at kailangan na kailangan… bibigyan po natin lahat ng tulong upang makaahon, upang naman magkaroon ng mga simple lang na hanapbuhay at makatulong pati sa progreso sa ating minamahal na Pilipinas.”

A total of 127 beneficiaries received carabaos and farm tools while nearly 1,200 beneficiaries from Barangays Planas and Camias received PhP10,000 cash assistance each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). | PND

October 1, 2025

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A top official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday reported a steady decline in the number of communist guerilla fronts in the country, highlighting the success of the efforts of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to dismantle the remaining guerrilla units in the country.

“Based on the parameters on the clearing, we have seen a steady decline in all the insurgency parameters,” AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

Larida said in terms of manpower, in 2022 there were 2,008communist terrorist groups monitored. By the end of the first semester of 2025, the number of CTGs has gone down to 901.

“So halos less than half na lang ang natira. Malaki po ang role ng Armed Forces of the Philippines in contributing sa objectives ng NTF-ELCAC,” Larida said.

In terms of weapons at the rebels’ possession, the AFP official said that from 1,817 firearms in 2022, the number dropped to 731 by the end of first semester of 2025.

The AFP official joined the Executive Committee meeting of the NTF-ELCAC held in Malacañang on Wednesday.

Aside from conducting military operations, Larida said the military is also engaged in a charm campaign to persuade the rebels to return to the fold of the law.

The AFP is transitioning from internal defense towards external defense as previously mentioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“We’re shifting to territorial defense missions. We are winding up our internal security operations,” Larida said. | PND

PBBM on improved ratings: Continue governance despite controversies

October 2, 2025

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“Kahit na ano ang nangyari… ang taumbayan ay umaasa sa pamahalaan na tuloy ang serbisyo.”

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey for the second quarter of 2025 showed that close to half or 46 percent of Filipinos were satisfied with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s performance, up from 38 percent in April.

President Marcos expressed surprise at his improved satisfaction rating, remaining focused on governance and serving the people.

In a media interview on Wednesday during his visit to Masbate to distribute assistance to one of the areas hardest hit by Typhoon Opong, President Marcos said public service would continue despite any controversies.

“I guess we just have to keep working. Whatever is happening, kahit na ano ang nangyari, kahit may bagyo, kahit may iskandalo, kahit may gulo, ang taumbayan ay umaasa sa pamahalaan na tuloy ang serbisyo, tuloy ang trabaho ng pamahalaan at every level- at the national level, at the local level, na tuloy-tuloy lang,” the President told the media who sought his comment on his improved ratings.

The SWS survey, conducted from June 25 to 29 and released on Tuesday, showed a net satisfaction rating of +10, computed from the 46 percent satisfied minus the 36 percent dissatisfied.

The President’s +10 net satisfaction rating in June was a 20-point increase from the -10 rating in April.

President Marcos said he was not aware of the survey but appreciated the people’s recognition of the government’s efforts to address their needs.

“You know what? I have no idea. I don’t look so much at the (survey). It’s, of course, nice to note. I didn’t know about that. But now that you tell me, of course, I’m glad that it’s that way. I guess we just have to keep working,” the President said.

President Marcos emphasized that the entire government is working to ensure that public servants, elected by the people, are committed to easing the daily burden of the Filipino people.

“Kaming mga public servant, kaming mga hinalal ng taumbayan ay dapat nakikita na hindi naglalaro, na kung ano-ano ginagawa, namumulitika, whatever, basta’t nagtratrabaho lang para makapagserbisyo sa tao,” said the President. | PND

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October 1, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday extended his sympathies to the families affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu, assuring residents that government agencies have been fully mobilized to assist, conduct search and rescue operations, and restore essential services in the affected communities.

“Mga kababayan, kagabi ay niyanig ng magnitude 6.9 na lindol ang Cebu na may epicenter sa karagatan, humigit-kumulang 19 kilometro hilaga-silangan ng Bogo City. Buong puso akong nakikiramay sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng mahal sa buhay, at kasama sa aking mga dasal ang kaligtasan ng mga nasugatan at lahat ng naapektuhan ng lindol,” President Marcos in a statement.

The President assured the public that department heads have rushed to the affected areas to ensure that assistance is provided and to assess the damage from the earthquake and its aftershocks.

“Nasa mga apektadong lugar na po ang ating mga Kalihim upang magbigay ng tulong at suriin ang pinsala mula sa lindol at mga aftershock,” President Marcos added.

The President also said that government agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) are actively working to restore essential services in Cebu following the powerful quake.

“Tinitiyak ng DPWH ang kaligtasan ng mga kalsada at tulay. Ang DOE ay kumikilos upang maibalik ang suplay ng kuryente. Ang DOH ay nagpadala ng karagdagang tauhan sa mga ospital, at ang DSWD ay naghahatid ng pagkain at iba pang tulong,” President Marcos noted.

The Chief Executive emphasized that emergency responders are on the ground to rescue survivors and maintain order.

“Katuwang ang BFP sa search and rescue, habang ang PNP ay nakatutok sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan at pagtulong sa mga operasyon ng pagliligtas,” President Marcos.

The President said that coordinating agencies such as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) have also been tasked with overseeing a unified response.

“Pinamumunuan ng OCD at NDRRMC ang koordinasyon ng lahat ng ahensya upang matiyak ang mabilis at maayos na pagtugon,” President Marcos said.

The President at the same time called on residents to remain vigilant. “Hinihikayat ko ang lahat na manatiling alerto at makinig sa abiso ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan. Sama-sama nating itatawid ang ating mga kababayan at muling itatayo ang mga komunidad na naapektuhan,” said President Marcos. | PND

September 15, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday led the inauguration and turnover ceremony of new housing units to displaced families at St. Barts Southville Heights in Barangay San Bartolome, San Pablo City, Laguna.

In his speech, President Marcos said that more than 1,000 house and lot units have been allocated specifically for informal settler families affected by the ongoing construction of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul Project-Segment 2-7.

“Ang mga benepisyaryo ng proyektong ito ay mga informal settlers na dating nakatira sa kahabaan ng riles ng tren. At ngayon, masaya nating ipinagdiriwang na may mas ligtas, mas maayos na tahanan na mayroon kayong mauuwian na,” the President said.

President Marcos stressed that the government’s goal is not just to improve public infrastructure but also to provide safe and decent homes for displaced communities.

“Ito po ang layunin natin: kasabay ng pagpapaunlad natin sa imprastraktura, ay ang pagginhawa ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” the President said. “Walang iniiwan. Walang isinasantabi. At walang pinapabayaan.”

The housing project was implemented through the collaboration of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), National Housing Authority (NHA), and the local government of San Pablo City. It is part of the administration’s flagship housing program, Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing Program (4PH).

To address the basic needs of resettled families, President Marcos announced that the project will also include the construction of vital public facilities, such as an elementary school, a multipurpose covered court, a health center, a daycare center, a tricycle terminal, and a local market.

“Kaya’t dito sa St. Barts ay hindi lang basta pabahay. Hangad nating bumuo ng komunidad na may maayos na tirahan at kumpletong pasilidad,” President Marcos said.

“Sa ganitong sistema, mabibigay natin ang mas maginhawa, mas maunlad, mas komportableng pamumuhay para sa bawat pamilya,” the President added.

In an interview, NHA General Manager Joeben Tai said that a total of 1,099 housing units were turned over. Each unit has a 40-square-meter lot area and a 27-square-meter floor area, with two bedrooms, a dining area, a kitchen, and a dirty kitchen.

Tai explained that beneficiaries will enjoy a six-month grace period with no payment. After which, they will pay PhP800 per month for the first five years. The whole amortization period will span 25 to 30 years, depending on the beneficiary’s financial capacity.

The DOTr and PNR will determine the eligibility of the beneficiaries, said Tai.

Tai also shared that six more housing projects are in the pipeline for informal settlers in Quezon Province.

The construction of the PNR South Long Haul Project will not only affect San Pablo but also displace communities in Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, and Pagbilao in Quezon Province.

The railway project is a major government transportation initiative spanning 577 kilometers, forming a 33-station rail line that connects Metro Manila to Batangas and Bicol.

It is expected to significantly reduce travel time from Manila to Legazpi and open more economic opportunities in southern Luzon. | PND

September 13, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday encouraged the commuting public to take advantage of the newly revived “Love Bus,” the iconic 1970s transport service now modernized with a fleet of electric buses offering safe, affordable, and eco-friendly transportation.

“Kaya ngayon ay binubuhay ulit natin… Pero ngayon ay mas bago na hindi na kagaya ‘yung dati, ‘yung normal na bus. Ito mga electric na ito. At malaking tulong ito para pagbawas sa polusyon, para sa gastos ng krudo,” President Marcos said during the launching of the Love Bus “Libreng Sakay” program at the Valenzuela Gateway Complex.

The President stressed that the Love Bus project is designed to ease the daily burdens of commuters in Metro Manila, from long waiting times to heavy traffic and air pollution.

“Kaya tangkilikin po ninyo ang ating bagong ‘Love Bus’ para makabawas sa pasahe at makapag-savings nang kaunti,” the President said.

“Mabawasan ang traffic, mabawasan ang pollution dahil nga electric at malaking tulong po ito para sa ating sitwasyon dito sa Metro Manila na kung minsan napakatagal maghintay bago dumating ang bus, napakabigat ng trapik, ang bagal-bagal ng takbo na binubugahan tayo ng exhaust ng mga bus. ‘Yan mababawasan na po lahat ‘yan,” the President added.

The new 20 electric bus fleet, plying various routes in the metro, offer free rides for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.

President Marcos said students will soon enjoy a 50-percent fare discount under the program.

As part of the launch, all rides will be free for everyone during the entire month of September.

The President recalled that the original Love Bus was launched during the term of his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, then governor of Metro Manila, as one of the first projects to make public transport more accessible and affordable.

The President, meanwhile, thanked the local government of Valenzuela for hosting the launch, citing the leadership of the Gatchalian family.

“Kaya naman napili namin dito sa Valenzuela dahil alam ko kung sino man ang lungsod na kayang pagandahin ito — na gawin itong programang ito, ito po ang ating mga magigiting na lider dito sa Valenzuela, mga Gatchalian,” the President said.

Present during the event were Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Valenzuela 1st District Representative Kenneth Ting Gatchalian, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie Gatchalian. | PND

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August 29, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday received key members of the United States Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) in a courtesy call in Malacañan Palace on Thursday.

The U.S. congressional delegation was led by the Chairman of SASC, U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker (Republican- Mississippi), and Senator Deb Fischer (Republican- Nebraska). The delegation was accompanied by Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.

President Marcos thanked the U.S. senators, who are in Manila from August 27 to 29, for the visit to discuss how to further strengthen the partnership between the Philippines and the United States, taking note of the longstanding relationship between both countries.

“We, of course, are greatly appreciative of all the support the United States has given us in the face of all the challenges that we, in the Philippines, are facing. Including the continued support that you have given us with regard to the modernization of our Armed Forces as part of our response to those challenges that we are facing,” President Marcos said.

“We hope to continue working with you in an even greater extent,” added the President.

Chairman Wicker also thanked the President for receiving them.

“We appreciate the support that the Philippines have given to the United States. Our relationship is one of the most important and I would say one of the most growing in terms of the closeness that we have,” the U.S. senator said.

Senator Fischer added, “We see the Philippines not just as good friends but also as an equal and strong partner.”

Among those who joined the President during the courtesy call were Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez, and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

The SASC oversees the review of U.S. defense policy and the deliberation of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes the funding of the U.S. defense budget.

The United States is the Philippines’ only defense treaty ally. Defense and security engagement remains a key pillar of Philippine-U.S. bilateral relations and is carried out within the framework of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), among other bilateral agreements. | PND

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August 31, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 93 suspending the importation of regular and well-milled rice for 60 days, effective September 1, 2025 until October 30, 2025.

Under EO 93 dated August 29, President Marcos said the suspension of the importation of regular and well-milled rice was based on the recommendation of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to protect the country’s agricultural sector.

“Upon the recommendation of the DA, the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice is hereby suspended. The suspension of importation shall not cover specialty rice varieties not commonly produced by local farmers,” the President said.

President Marcos said the period of suspension may be shortened or extended, as may be necessary, upon the joint recommendation of the DA, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The DA, DEPDev, and DTI were directed to convene within 30 days upon the effectivity of the EO to evaluate the effects of the suspension of rice importation on the supply and prices of rice in the country.

The three agencies were also ordered to submit within 15 days from their meeting a joint recommendation to the President, through the Executive Secretary.

According to the EO, the DA reported on August 8 a “sharp decrease in the price of rice across the market” as a result of strong local rice production in the early part of the year and the heavy arrival of imported rice in the previous months, due to reduced tariffs.

“According to the DA, there is a need to suspend the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice for 60 days, which will coincide with the peak of harvest season, to enable the domestic market to absorb the local supply, stabilize prices, and help Filipino farmers sell their palay at a fair and reasonable price,” the EO said.

Republic Act 12078 Section 3 empowers the President to suspend or prohibit further importation of rice for a limited period and/or a specified volume whenever there is an excessive supply of imported or locally produced rice resulting in an extraordinary decrease in local prices of rice.

The Chief Executive tasked the DA, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and the DTI, to immediately issue the implementing guidelines, which shall include the participation and coordination of concerned agencies, as well as enforcement and monitoring mechanisms, to ensure the successful implementation of the order. | PND

• PIO
• JULY 7, 2025
• PRESS RELEASE

Batangas City – Marking a historic return to public service, nine years after her last term, Governor Vilma Santos-Recto officially resumed her role as provincial governor of Batangas during the Inaugural Address, vowing to lead with heart, strength, and renewed purpose.

In a deeply personal yet forward-looking speech, the Governor recounted her previous term from 2007 to 2016, expressing gratitude for the trust of the Batangueños that led to her comeback.

“I didn’t plan this comeback. I was asked — and I simply could not say no,” she said. “Hindi ako nag-ambisyon. But I was called to serve again. And I’m here not just as a public official — but as a mother to our province.”

Acknowledging that much has changed in the last decade, Gov. Santos-Recto emphasized the need for updated strategies and innovative interventions to meet the evolving needs of Batangueños particularly the youth, who now make up a significant portion of the population.

To institutionalize her vision, she signed four key Executive Orders right after her assumption of office. These lay the groundwork for her recalibrated development agenda under the HEARTS Program — which stands for Health, Education, Agriculture, Roads and Infrastructure, Tourism and Technology, and Security and Social Welfare.

Signed Executive Orders:

EO No. 01-2025 – Task Force Matatag na Kalusugan

Aimed at the rehabilitation and modernization of the 13 hospitals in Batangas, this EO seeks to fill long-standing gaps in public health services through:

•   Increased manpower complement,
•   Adequate medical supplies and updated equipment, and
•   Proper hospital facilities ready to serve especially low-income communities.

This includes preparations to absorb the upcoming first batch of graduates from Batangas State University’s medical and allied health programs into the provincial health workforce.

EO No. 02-2025 – Task Force Matatag na Scholars

This EO reforms the provincial scholarship program to be merit- and needs-based, with the goal of:

•   Expansion of the Scholarship Program and improving the examination and selection process;
•   Expanding reach to economically disadvantaged but deserving youth.

Gov. Santos-Recto also highlighted her legislative role in the passage and implementation of the Free College Education Law.

EO No. 03-2025 – Task Force Matatag at Ligtas na Batangas

Drawing from recent and past disasters from the recent typhoons and the Taal Volcano eruption, this EO seeks to strengthen the province’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities through:

•   Enhanced risk reduction and management protocols;
•   Improved evacuation, relief, and rehabilitation operations;
•   Capacity-building and logistical readiness of the Provincial DRRM Office.

EO No. 04-2025 – Task Force Matatag na Pagbabantay

Focused on crime prevention and public safety, this EO creates a centralized body tasked to:

•   Implement and monitor comprehensive crime prevention strategies;    
•   Increase police visibility and community engagement, and;
•   Promote intelligence-driven and partnership-based enforcement to ensure a safer Batangas.

In her speech, the Governor also stressed the value of inclusive leadership and results-driven teamwork ending on a note of humility and resolve, she declared:

“I will serve Batangas again with all my heart. I will just do my best, and trust that God will take care of the rest.”