Malacañang on Monday assured the business community that the government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is actively working to combat corruption while strengthening transparency and accountability within the bureaucracy.
In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro enumerated current initiatives by the Marcos administration to address corruption.
Castro cited the launching of the Sumbong sa Pangulo website and the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure through Executive Order No. 94 to investigate anomalous flood control projects and other infrastructure.
Castro also cited the freeze orders on the assets of those implicated in corruption cases, alongside the issuance of Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders (ILBOs) and the recommendation to file charges against former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
“So, marami na pong nagawa at marami pa pong iniimbestigahan. Nararamdaman po ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon ang mga nararamdaman ng mga businessmen kaya po patuloy ang ginagawang pag-iimbestiga at patuloy ang pagpapabilis ng aksyon para po mapanagot ang dapat na mapanagot,” Castro said.
“Siguro ang hiling na lamang po natin doon sa mga obstructionists na gumagawa na lang ng iba’t ibang kuwento para sirain ang integridad ng ICI, bawasan nila ito o hintuan na nila dahil hindi po ito nakakatulong sa ekonomiya.”
On the call to legislate more power to the ICI, Castro said President Marcos would support moves to provide additional powers to the commission as long as it is for the benefit of the public.
“Mas maganda po talaga na magkaroon ng mas ngipin, pangil ang ICI. Pero sa ngayon po, nakikita naman po natin na maganda ang itinatakbo ng ICI,” the Palace official said.
KABACAN, Cotabato Province (PIA) — State-run University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, Cotabato Province, will continue to pursue growth in academic excellence, social relevance, and financial sustainability, university president Dr. Jonald Pimentel pledged during his first state of the university address (SUA) recently.
“USM remains steadfast in fulfilling its mandate to provide exceptional instruction, and we are committed to continuously enhancing the quality of education we deliver to our students,” Pimentel said.
Pimentel emphasized that collaboration is vital for USM to continue being a beacon in its community and field.
This approach, he stated, will not only sustain its present achievements but also motivate future generations through a commitment to educational excellence and innovative practices.
“I am confident that through our collective effort, USM will continue to be a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and hope,” he said.
On his 288th day in office, the president used his SUA to detail USM’s future direction, focusing on improvements in four core areas: education, research/innovation, community service, and financial sustainability.
Presenting the strategic plan, Pimentel emphasized the university’s primary goal: to provide high-quality, inclusive, and accessible education that prepares students to thrive in a competitive global environment.
USM will achieve this, Pimentel emphasized, adding that the university will continuously improve the curriculum and secure stronger program accreditation to ensure academic excellence and global relevance.
In addition, the institution is poised to strengthen international partnerships to facilitate student and faculty exchanges that provide global perspectives and advanced knowledge.
In research and innovation, USM aims to establish itself as a hub for innovation and impactful research that directly tackles societal issues and challenges by prioritizing socially relevant and multidisciplinary research in vital areas such as health, environment, technology, community development, and economic resilience.
USM also underscored its commitment to enhancing its support for researchers by increasing funding, building capacity, and upgrading infrastructure to improve the quality and impact of their work.
Pimental further stated that the university plans to strengthen its extension services, which bring university expertise and resources to the public, by focusing on delivering programs that are responsive, relevant, and sustainable.
He also vowed to deepen partnerships with local governments, industries, and community organizations to co-create solutions that empower local communities and improve their quality of life.
He added that by integrating diversity and inclusion principles in all activities, it will ensure marginalized groups have equal access to resources and opportunities.
To ensure long-term stability and growth, the university will also strengthen industry partnerships, develop socially responsible enterprises, generate income through the commercialization of research, and optimize the use of its land and property assets.
“The achievements and future directions of the University are firmly built upon the strong foundation laid by previous administrations,” Pimentel said.
He urged the public to continue building a more inclusive, dynamic, and globally connected university.
Pimentel also acknowledged both the hard work of individual people and the shared dedication of everyone involved to making the university better and more successful.
“Our achievements reflect not only our individual efforts but also our united commitment to the growth and success of our university,” he pointed out. (CSH, PIA Region 12)
THE Philippines is positioning itself as one of the world’s premier retirement and tourism destinations, leveraging the warmth of its people, affordability, and natural beauty — while aligning with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas’ (CFO) mission to strengthen diaspora engagement and investment in the homeland.
In a recent interview on IBC-13’s The Chairman’s Report hosted by Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II, chairman of the CFO, Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) Chief Executive Officer Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado said the country is poised to attract thousands of retirees and returning Filipinos through its Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program under the Department of Tourism.
“The Philippines is not just a vacation spot — it’s a place to live your golden years in comfort and community,” he said.
“What truly makes the Philippines unique is its people — the hospitality, the care, the sense of belonging. That’s something money can’t buy.”
The PRA’s SRRV program offers foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens a long-term residency option with benefits such as tax incentives, healthcare access, and investment opportunities. The program has drawn retirees from the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia — and increasingly, digital nomads seeking a flexible lifestyle in a tropical setting.
Zozobrado said the Philippines’ affordability and English proficiency give it a competitive edge over similar retirement destinations such as Spain, Portugal, or Malaysia, where investment requirements are higher.
“Our visa program is accessible and transparent — you don’t need to buy property to retire here,” he said.
Popular locations include Metro Manila, Cebu, and Dumaguete, with growing interest in Baguio, Tagaytay, and emerging eco-tourism destinations. However, Zozobrado acknowledged the need for more world-class retirement and assisted living facilities to serve the growing market.
“We need to build more integrated communities with healthcare, leisure, and security — not just condos,” he said, calling on investors to seize the opportunity to develop the industry.
The CFO, which promotes the welfare of Filipinos overseas and encourages their participation in nation-building, has expressed support for programs like the PRA’s that bridge the diaspora with investment and reintegration opportunities. Many former overseas Filipinos are now returning home to retire, bringing not only remittances but also expertise and entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to local economies.
“Retirement investment is another form of diaspora engagement,” Ang said.
“When former overseas Filipinos choose to retire in the Philippines, they reinvest their resources and experiences into the country, strengthening our global connection.”
Currently, more than 61,000 SRRV holders contribute to the Philippine economy through spending, property investment, and job creation. The PRA aims to expand that figure as it strengthens partnerships with local governments to provide accessible services and assistance to retirees nationwide.
Zozobrado added that the government’s broader tourism and diaspora strategy is a “win-win,” benefiting retirees, communities, and the national economy. “Every foreign retiree or balikbayan who settles here supports local industries — from healthcare to hospitality,” he said.
With the Philippine government’s renewed focus on tourism and diaspora engagement, the country’s transformation into a global retirement and lifestyle hub underscores a wider vision — a homeland that not only welcomes visitors, but also invites Filipinos abroad to come home.
The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is calling on photographers, students, hobbyists, agripreneurs, and storytellers across Southeast Asia to join the 19th SEARCA Photo Contest. This year’s theme, “Beyond the Harvest: People and Processes in the Agriculture Value Chain,” invites images that reveal the often-unseen steps that bring food from farms and seas to our tables.
SEARCA Center Director Dr. Mercedita Sombilla said, “The contest looks for powerful, human-centered stories showing life after harvest—how crops are cleaned and sorted, how food is processed and packaged, how goods travel by road and water to markets, how vendors and cooperatives trade and sell, and how digital tools help small businesses reach customers.”
“Photos may also capture the pride of families enjoying safe, good-quality food, highlighting how every link in the chain matters,” she added.
The competition is open to all Southeast Asian nationals, with the exception of SEARCA staff and their immediate family members. Participants may submit more than one entry, provided each photo follows the guidelines. SEARCA encourages high-resolution color images with accurate captions that include the location and complete date the photo was taken.
Submissions will be screened for eligibility and shortlisted by a SEARCA committee. A panel of external experts will then select the winners based on relevance to the theme, technical quality, and overall impact. A special SEARCA Center Director’s Choice will also be named.
Winners will receive USD 1,000 for first prize, USD 800 for second prize, USD 600 for third prize, and USD 500 for the Director’s Choice, along with certificates. Selected photographs will be featured on SEARCA’s platforms and in exhibitions.
“Help complete the story of agriculture in Southeast Asia by showing the hands, ideas, and journeys that keep our food systems moving,” Dr. Sombilla urged.
Entries will be accepted until 30 November 2025 at 11:59 PM (Philippine time) through photocontest.searca.org/2025.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed his gratitude to government agencies and private groups and individuals for their swift and compassionate assistance to families affected by the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu, commending their vital role in relief and recovery efforts.
President Marcos returned to Bogo City and San Remigio, two of the areas hardest-hit by the earthquake, to check on the situation of affected residents and the progress of government assistance and recovery efforts.
The President said all displaced families are now in shelters where they are provided food, water and other basic services.
“Kaya ako ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng ating mga first responder, lahat ng ating mga volunteer, pati na ‘yung mga agencies of government at maganda naman ang naging response,” President Marcos said in his remarks at the Bogo Tent City.
“Siguro hindi naman tayo mapapahiya sa tao na sabi natin eh basta’t may pangangailangan eh nandiyan ang pamahalaan,” the President added.
The President also thanked the Philippine Red Cross led by its chairman Richard Gordon for its assistance in the temporary shelters.
“At kung makita ninyo, maraming tent dito galing talaga sa Red Cross, pati ‘yung mga relief goods nanggaling sa Red Cross. Ang bilis. After one day, nandito na si Chairman. Kaya naunahan ko lang ng one day,” President Marcos said.
The President also recognized the initiative of the Red Cross to set up a kids’ swimming pool in the tent cities.
“Parang maliit lang na bagay, pero hindi. Dahil ang mga bata, kahit paapano, talagang nayanig ang isip nila dahil sa lindol, tapos nawalan ng bahay, tapos lumipat dito. At least, nakita mo na tumatawa na naman, nagsisisigaw. Malaking bagay ‘yan para sa mental health ng ating mga kabataan,” the Chief Executive emphasized.
President Marcos commended the Red Cross, a global humanitarian organization, for its initiatives to assist earthquake victims.
“And that you can tell that Red Cross, talaga sanay na sanay sa ganitong klaseng trabaho. Iniisip pa lang namin, nagawa na nila. Kaya maraming salamat sa Red Cross,” said the President. | PND
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
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
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
“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
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
the noblest motive is the greatest good for the greatest number
