MANILA — The Marcos administration sustained its nationwide push for public assistance, infrastructure modernization, and economic protection measures this week as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led several initiatives aimed at improving government services and strengthening national resilience.
Through engagements in Metro Manila and Bulacan, Marcos highlighted programs designed to expand access to aid, enhance flood control systems, and address food supply concerns amid global economic uncertainties.
A key focus of the week was the continued implementation of the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program, which seeks to accelerate the delivery of government support to communities across the country.
During a distribution activity on Monday, Marcos oversaw the release of rice assistance and financial aid to residents, local officials, and scholars.
Thousands of recipients obtained 10-kilogram rice packs under the expanded Local Government Support Fund, while 135 scholars from 27 barangays each received PHP20,000 in educational support through the Socio-Civic Projects Fund.
The program was later brought to Obando, Bulacan, where more than 2,000 families from 11 barangays benefited from rice assistance and 55 students received educational cash grants.
The President reiterated that education remains among the administration’s priorities, describing it as essential to national progress and long-term economic growth.
According to Malacañang, the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program has already reached over 8,700 barangays nationwide since February.
Marcos also emphasized the need for stronger coordination between national and local governments during the oath-taking ceremony of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines.
He urged local officials to help inform communities about healthcare services available through PhilHealth, including expanded benefit packages and the Zero Balance Billing program.
The President noted that many Filipinos still fail to maximize government healthcare assistance because of limited public awareness.
As part of ongoing infrastructure efforts, Marcos inspected the G. Araneta Drainage Improvement Project in Quezon City, a major flood control initiative under the Oplan Kontra Baha program.
The nearly PHP500-million project includes the installation of larger drainage systems and upgraded floodwater outfalls to reduce flooding in one of Metro Manila’s major corridors.
The Department of Public Works and Highways said the project is nearing completion and is expected to be operational before the rainy season begins.
To help stabilize food prices and ensure supply availability, Marcos signed Executive Order 116 increasing the minimum access volume for pork imports in 2026 to 204,210 metric tons from the previous 54,210 metric tons.
The administration said the measure forms part of the broader UPLIFT agenda intended to cushion the effects of global economic challenges while protecting consumers from rising prices.
Ahead of his scheduled visit to Japan next week, Marcos also underscored the importance of deepening cooperation with Tokyo in defense, renewable energy, and supply chain development.
He further welcomed continued dialogue among global powers, saying open communication contributes to regional peace and economic stability.
Meanwhile, Kim Robert De Leon officially joined the Cabinet as the new Budget secretary after taking his oath before the President.
At 32, De Leon became the youngest Cabinet member and is expected to push reforms in fiscal management and digital transformation within government.
Authorities likewise advanced the investigation into the May 13 gun-related incident at the Senate after the NBI and PNP submitted their findings to the Department of Justice in compliance with the President’s directive for a comprehensive inquiry.
ia/xf
