President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the distribution of livelihood assistance to Aeta farming communities in Porac, Pampanga, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the long-term welfare and empowerment of indigenous peoples.

Speaking during the turnover ceremony held in Katutubo Village, Barangay Planas, President Marcos said the government remains determined to deliver continued support that will bring lasting improvement to the lives of indigenous Filipinos.

“Ito po ay bahagi lamang ng aming mas mahabaang programa. Hindi po ito lamang. Patuloy po kung ano ‘yung pangangailangan po na makakapagpaganda, magdadala nang kaunting ginhawa sa buhay ninyo,” the President said. “Asahan po ninyo na lagi po kaming nandito na tumutulong sa inyo.”

A total of 127 beneficiaries received carabaos and farm tools under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-abot Program, implemented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the local government of Porac.

President Marcos also announced that nearly 1,200 beneficiaries from Barangays Planas and Camias would receive ₱10,000 in cash aid each from the DSWD.

The Aeta communities primarily depend on farming, crop cultivation, and small-scale livestock production. The President underscored the vital role of supporting their agricultural livelihood and encouraged them to seek assistance whenever needed.

“Kami po ay laging naghahanap ng paraan na kung papaano pang tumulong. Kaya pagka mayroon kayong pangangailangan, huwag kayong magdadalawang-isip na humingi,” he said.

The DSWD’s Pag-abot Program aims to assist vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families by facilitating their reintegration into their communities and improving their access to government services.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday visited Katutubo Village Elementary School in Porac, Pampanga, to oversee the distribution of government assistance and the rollout of new internet connectivity initiatives for Aeta students.

During his visit, the President observed Grades 1 to 3 classes at the school in Barangay Planas and personally led the distribution of Brigada Backpacks to 127 students. He also turned over two Starlink satellite units to provide the school with reliable internet access.

To further support the community, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) served meals to students through its mobile kitchen, while President Marcos directed the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct a medical mission to address health issues among schoolchildren — particularly those with cleft lip and palate.

Before visiting the school, President Marcos distributed carabaos and farm implements to Aeta families in Porac as part of the government’s livelihood assistance program. He also announced that nearly 1,200 beneficiaries from Barangays Planas and Camias would each receive ₱10,000 in cash aid from the DSWD.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) highlighted the crucial role of public-private sector collaboration in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth during the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) held on September 22, 2025, in Clark, Pampanga.

BSP Monetary Board Member Jose L. Querubin underscored that every stakeholder—whether in government, business, or civil society—plays a vital role in shaping the country’s economic future.

“Whether you’re a policymaker, a banker, a business leader, or a community advocate, we are all co-authors in writing the future of our country. Magkapit-kamay tayo para sa isang matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay para sa bawat Filipino,” Querubin said.

Querubin also reaffirmed the BSP’s commitment to price stability, financial stability, and a secure and efficient payments and settlements system, noting that these pillars foster an environment conducive to broad-based economic growth.

He added that the BSP and other public institutions remain committed to good governance, transparency, and accountability in all their operations.

With the theme “Building Better, Delivering More,” the Pampanga leg of the PEB gathered about 250 participants from the finance, infrastructure, manufacturing, and trade sectors.

The discussions centered on the Philippines’ macroeconomic fundamentals, key economic reforms, investment and infrastructure priorities, tourism development, and regional growth strategies aimed at building stronger economic centers outside Metro Manila.

Recognizing Pampanga and Central Luzon as fast-growing hubs for infrastructure and industry, the forum also spotlighted connectivity and investment opportunities that can further accelerate regional development.

Among the attendees were senior government officials, including Undersecretary Ma. Angela Ignacio of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Budget and Management Undersecretary Margaux Salcedo, Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Emil Sadain, and Economy, Planning, and Development Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos, along with other agency representatives and private sector leaders.

PASAY CITY — The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) on Friday, October 3, 2025, officially inaugurated and blessed its new national headquarters at Nexgen Tower in Pasay City — a move that Chairperson and Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II described as a “strategic upgrade and a moment of renewal for the entire Commission.”

Ang said the relocation was a “carefully calculated strategic decision” designed to make CFO services more accessible to its constituents.

By transferring to Pasay City, the CFO is now located near key government and diplomatic institutions, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and several foreign embassies and missions.

“Our new address here in Pasay City brings the CFO closer to the crucial migration gateway,” Ang said. “Aspiring migrants can more conveniently access all the services and transactions required for their migration journey in one area. This is how we provide greater convenience.”

Commitment to staff and taxpayers

Ang took the opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of the CFO staff who made the relocation possible.

“To our administrative staff and our dedicated utility personnel, you are the unsung heroes of this relocation,” he said, expressing gratitude for their efforts in managing the complex logistics of the move.

He also commended all CFO personnel for their patience and cooperation throughout the transition, noting that while a few issues remain to be resolved, most challenges have already been overcome.

The move was also described as a fiscally responsible decision, resulting in a 10 percent reduction in rental expenses — a move Ang said ensures “taxpayers get their money’s worth.” The new headquarters also provides improved parking facilities for clients and visitors.

Ang emphasized that the relocation represents more than just a change of address, but a renewed commitment to accessibility and service excellence. He said the agency will continue expanding its reach through additional extension offices nationwide, following the successful establishment of the Cagayan de Oro branch.

The CFO is responsible for conducting key pre-departure programs for Filipinos bound for overseas residence or employment, including the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP), and Country Familiarization Seminar (CFS). The PDOS—also available through online appointments—is a requirement for outbound permanent resident card holders and visa applicants. The GCP serves spouses, partners, and fiancés of foreign nationals, while the CFS caters to Au Pairs headed to Europe.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has emphasized the importance of building strong, evidence-based cases against individuals involved in alleged irregularities in flood control projects, warning that filing weak cases could undermine the government’s anti-corruption efforts.

“Look, what happens if we rush? If our evidence is incomplete or unclear, and we still push through, we’ll lose the case. Can you imagine? That would be much, much worse,” Marcos said in a teaser video released Sunday for the latest episode of The BBM Podcast.

The President stressed that while many of those implicated in questionable projects may indeed be guilty, the government must ensure airtight cases before bringing them to court.

“We know many of these people are not innocent, but if you’re going to bring them to court, you must have a very strong case,” he said.

Marcos cautioned that prematurely filed cases with insufficient evidence could be dismissed, potentially emboldening violators and weakening public trust in the government’s campaign against corruption.

He underscored that all government actions must adhere strictly to the rule of law. “We have to follow the law. Otherwise, whatever we do is not legitimate. And we have to be very, very clear that we go after the guilty ones,” the President said.

On September 11, Marcos created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate suspected anomalous projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in various parts of the country.

The commission’s formation follows the President’s renewed call for transparency and accountability in public infrastructure spending, particularly in flood control initiatives.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, Marcos publicly condemned those behind irregular flood control projects, saying, “Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino.”

To bolster public participation in oversight, the President also launched the Sumbong sa Pangulo website, which allows citizens to directly report substandard or non-existent infrastructure projects in their communities.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making education a top national priority, pledging stronger investments in schools, teachers, and learners while directing agencies to fast-track the construction of classrooms across the country.

In his keynote speech at the Philippine Development Forum (PDF) 2025 held at the EDSA Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City, the President emphasized that education must remain central to the country’s development agenda.

“No child should be forced to learn in makeshift spaces, and no teacher should be burdened by a system that does not support them,” Marcos said.

While acknowledging the progress achieved in improving the education system, the President said much more needs to be done to ensure inclusive and quality learning opportunities. “The goal is clear: a Philippines where every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to quality, future-proof education,” he said.

The President called on key government agencies—including the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Department of Finance—to ensure that education receives adequate funding and institutional support.

Marcos also ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to accelerate the construction and rehabilitation of thousands of classrooms nationwide by 2028.

He further directed the DEPDev to expedite the review of public-private partnership (PPP) proposals for school building projects.

“Because we truly understand and believe that every classroom built, every teacher trained, and every child supported is a seed for real, lasting progress,” the President said.

The PDF 2025, led by DEPDev, serves as a dialogue platform between the government and its development partners to align strategic priorities for national growth, social development, and policy collaboration.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday declared that the Philippines is ready to move into upper middle-income country status, calling for stronger collaboration with development partners to ensure that economic gains translate into inclusive and sustained growth.

Speaking at the 2025 Philippine Development Forum (PDF) held at EDSA Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City, President Marcos emphasized that the nation’s progress must be anchored on accountability, alignment, and national ownership.

“This Forum also marks our readiness for the next step: our transition to upper middle-income country status,” he said.

The President noted that achieving this milestone requires deeper partnerships founded on shared goals, enhanced coordination, and closer cooperation between the government, development partners, and the private sector.

Marcos also expressed appreciation to the country’s international partners for their continued trust and support in helping the Philippines pursue its development goals.

“Your continued trust, expertise, and support help transform our vision into tangible outcomes,” he said.

He urged government agencies and stakeholders to turn the Forum’s discussions into concrete actions that promote a fair, resilient, and future-ready Bagong Pilipinas.

“As we conclude this Forum with a Joint Declaration, we must remember: declarations by themselves do not create results—they set the direction for our collective actions. So long as we work together and our visions are aligned, we will succeed,” the President said.