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.”

July 5, 2025

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A mother, a widow, and a former taxi driver were among those grateful to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for making the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program, or bringing the price of a kilo of rice down to P20, possible.

For Ana Marie Mina, 34, of Zapote Uno, Bacoor City, the PhP20-per-kilo rice was a big help in easing her family’s daily expenses. Mina is a mother of five and a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Mina was among the first to line up at the KADIWA ng Pangulo stall in the Zapote-Bacoor Public Market to avail of the affordable rice.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami ng pamilya ko kay Presidente Marcos sa malaking tulong na ibinibigay niya sa pamilya po namin. Makakakuha kami ng murang bigas,” said Mina.

“Kahit papaano pambawas sa budget namin. Nakakabawas din sa gastusin. Nakakamenos,” Mina added.

President Marcos visited the Zapote-Bacoor Public Market on Wednesday to launch his “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” initiative, aimed at making rice more affordable and accessible to more Filipinos.

Just like Mina, Veronica Openyano, 60, a widow and resident of Zapote, Bacoor City, said it was her first time to purchase rice under the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami ng aking pamilya kay Presidente Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. Sana po mapagpatuloy niya po ito ni Presidente. Maraming salamat po sa inyo,” Openyano said.

Rowel Bangis, 65, a former airport taxi driver and a resident of Zapote, likewise thanked President Marcos for helping his family economize through the PhP20 per kilo rice.

“Okay ang ginawa ng Presidente Marcos. Mabuti po ito sa ating mga Pilipino. Nagpapasalamat po ang aking pamilya kay President Marcos nang marami. Salamat po sa kanya,” Bangis said. | PND

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the government will enhance its support for the agricultural sector to increase production and improve income.

President Marcos renewed his commitment when he inaugurated the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) Grains Terminal and Trading Project, a PhP278.3-million grains facility in Barangay Simlong, Batangas City, on Thursday.

“Lagi po ninyong tandaan na kami sa pamahalaan ay walang tigil sa pagbibigay ng suporta sa inyong mga pangangailangan upang mapabuti ang sektor – mapabuti, mapatibay, mapalakas, at mapalaki ang sektor ng agrikultura,” the President said.

The President ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) to coordinate with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) to strengthen the farmers’ cooperatives.

“Kaya inatasan ko ang DA na makipag-ugnayan sa CDA, Cooperative Development Authority, para patibayin, palakasin ang mga kooperatiba ng ating mga magsasaka,” the President said.

He said that, like the SIDC, other cooperatives will also receive government help to acquire new machinery and post-harvest facilities to increase their harvests and income.

“Tinitiyak po natin sa inyo na gagawin namin ang lahat upang matupad ang mga ito,” he added.

President Marcos said the goal of helping out and giving more opportunities to the farmers will be achieved with the government and private sector joining forces.

He bared the government plans to raise funds for the purchase of dryers, silos, warehouses, rice and corn mills, as well as other equipment for the agriculture sector.

He said that purchasing these facilities and improving the systems would lessen the wastage of rice and corn, lower food prices, and make farmers more productive.

The government will also speed up irrigation and water pumping station projects and expand the programs that will improve and increase production through more effective and advanced technology.

The President said that with the help of the DA and World Bank, the SIDC established the PhP278.3-million facility. The feed mill facility has two silos with a total capacity of milling 12,000 metric tons of corn, equivalent to producing 480,000 sacks of food for 107,000 hogs or 597,758 poultry. |PND

• The maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice is now at PhP45 per kilo, Malacañang said on Wednesday, noting the drop in global prices of the staple.“Nasa 45 pesos kada kilo ang maximum suggested retail price or MSRP ng imported rice kasunod ng patuloy na pagbaba ng global rice prices,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a Malacañang briefing.Castro quoted the Department of Agriculture (DA) as saying that since the MSRP was implemented, there was a reduction of PhP19 from the price of imported rice, which previously sold at PhP64 per kilo.She said the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) sees the MSRP as a big factor in reducing rice prices and slowing inflation.“Nakatulong din ang mas mababang presyo ng bigas sa pagbagal ng inflation rate nitong Pebrero sa 2.1 percent mula 2.9 percent noong Enero,” Castro said.The MSRP was implemented after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the reduction of rice tariffs from 35 percent to 15 percent in July 2024. | PND

March 21, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared April 1, 2025, a regular holiday nationwide in observance of Eid’l Fitr, or the Feast of Ramadan.

In Proclamation No. 839 issued on Thursday, President Marcos cited Republic Act No. 9177, amending Section 26, Chapter 7, Book I of Executive Order No. 292, declaring Eidul Fitr (Eid’l Fitr) as a regular holiday throughout the country.

The Chief Executive signed Proclamation No. 839 on March 20, following the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), which had earlier proposed March 31 or April 1 as the national holiday.

“In order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness and to allow the entire Filipino nation to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr, it is necessary to declare April 1, 2025, Tuesday, a regular holiday throughout the country,” President Marcos said in his proclamation.

Eid’l Fitr commemorates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. | PND

National Shrine Of Saint Padre Pio

San Pedro, Sto. Tomas, Batangas, Philippines

Mass Schedule
Monday to Friday: 7 am | 10 am | 12 nn | 2pm i 5 pm
Saturday: 7 am | 9 am (Healing Mass) | 12 nn | 2 pm | 5 pm (Anticipated Mass)
Sunday: 5am | 7 am | 9 am | 11 am | 2 pm | 4pm l 6pm

Every day: 3 pm (Daily Intensive Prayer for World Peace and Sanctification of the Clergy)
Every 23rd of the month is a healing mass 9am & 5pm.
Hope you can visit the Parish and National Shrine of the St. Padre Pi

Yaman at ganda ng karagatan ng Batangas ipinagmamalaki.

Pormal na binuksan ang Underwater Photo Exhibit, tampok ang mga larawang kuha ni Mr. Penn De Los Santos, Scuba Diving Instructor at Underwater Photographer, nagpapakita sa ganda at yamang sa ilalim ng karagatan ng Lalawigan ng Batangas.

 Naging panauhin sa exhibit opening sina Deputy Speaker at Batangas Congressman Raneo Abu; Mr. Luis Awitan, PG-ENRO Department Head; Batangas Tourism Council President Mr. Sonny Lozano; Lions Club President Alex Beredo; Mr. Alex Yap; at Rotary Club of Batangas Great President Eloisa Portugal. Magtatagal ang exhibit hanggang katapusan ng Abril 2018 sa PTCAO Building, Capitol Compound, Batangas City. Almira M. Eje / Photo: Eric Arellano – Batangas Capitol PIO