PBBM Good Governance

President Marcos has declared July 17 to 23 of every year as “National Disability Rights Week” to promote full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The two-page Proclamation No. 597 was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on June 13.

The move is part of the government's commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

In his proclamation, President Marcos said the Philippines is committed to the purpose of the UNCRPD to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

He likewise repealed Proclamations No. 1870 and 361 to be consistent with the purpose of the UNCPRD and to promote a rights-based approach to “National Disability Rights Week.”

Proclamation No. 1870 (s. 1979) declared the third week of July as the “National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week while Proclamation No. 361 (s. 2000) declared July 23 as the culmination of the NDPR Week, commemorating the birth of the Sublime Paralytic, Apolinario Mabini.

Under his proclamation, the Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), shall lead, coordinate, and supervise the “National Disability Rights Week.”

The NCDA is also tasked to identify the programs, activities, and projects related to the celebration.

All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and state universities and colleges (SUCs) are directed to observe the celebration.

All local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (MGOs), and the private sector are encouraged to observe the same.

The share of the tourism sector to the country's economy reached more than 8 percent last year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

Data released by the PSA on Tuesday showed that based on the Philippine Tourism Satellite Account, the share of Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) to the Philippine economy as measured by the gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated at 8.6 percent in 2023.

The TDGVA during the period amounted to PHP2.09 trillion, higher by 47.9 percent than the PHP1.41 trillion in 2022.

"This is the highest growth of tourism since the start of the data compilation in the year 2000," the PSA said.

Compiled annually, the Tourism Satellite Account captures accommodation services, food and beverage serving activities, transport services, travel agencies and other reservation services, entertainment and recreation services, shopping, and miscellaneous services.

According to the PSA, among the forms of tourism expenditures, inbound tourism expenditure posted the highest growth of 87.7 percent, amounting to PHP697.46 billion.

This was followed by domestic tourism expenditure which grew by 72.3 percent, from PHP1.55 trillion in 2022 to PHP2.67 trillion last year.

Outbound tourism expenditure went up by 10 percent to PHP189.29 billion while internal tourism expenditure which comprises inbound and domestic tourism expenditure, grew by 75.3 percent to PHP3.36 trillion.

The PSA said the share of employment in tourism industries to the total employment in the country in 2023 was recorded at 12.9 percent.

"Employment in tourism characteristic industries was estimated at 6.21 million in 2023, higher by 6.4 percent compared with the 5.84 million employment in tourism characteristic industries in 2022," the PSA said. (PNA)

The increasing interest of private partners, particularly contractors and developers, has shifted to high gear the nationwide roll out of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said that with the participation of more private partners, more 4PH projects will be launched soon.

About 40 projects, mostly composed of high-rise condominium-type buildings, are currently in various stages of development and construction throughout the country.

“Ngayong dumadami na ang ating private partners, tiwala ako na tuluy-tuloy na ang ating mga proyekto at lalong dadami pa,” Secretary Acuzar said.

“Ito (private participation) po ang nakikita namin na susi upang ma-address natin ang housing backlog ng di umaasa sa national budget,” he added.

The DHSUD chief attributed the growing interest of private contractors and developers to the 4PH Program to the continuing releases of developmental loans by Pag-IBIG Fund.

So far as of May 24, Pag-IBIG Fund has released a total of P761 million to private contractors implementing 4PH projects in Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Ilocos Norte and Bacolod City.

Pag-IBIG Fund, headed by Chief Executive Officer Marilene Acosta, has committed P250 billion to the “Pambansang Pabahay.”

Among the latest private contractors to join 4PH was Megawide Construction Corp., whose real estate arm PH1 World Developers was tapped by the Imus City local government as partner in the implementation of its 4PH project recently launched in Barangay Malagasang 1-G.

“Patunay ito na we are on the right track. The President’s wish to help the poorest of the poor is now gaining more support from the private sector,” Secretary Acuzar said.

“Kaya kami po sa DHSUD ay tuluy-tuloy sa pagta-trabaho upang matulungan ang mas maraming kababayan na patuloy na nangangarap na magkaroon ng disente at abot-kayang tahanan,” he concluded.

The Board of Investments (BOI) registered a total of PHP640.22 billion worth of projects in the first five months of the year, attributing the figure to the investment pledges bagged by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his official foreign missions.

BOI said the investment approvals from January to May this year increased by 14 percent from PHP562.9 billion investments registered in the same period in 2023.

"This positive trend can be attributed to various factors, including the investment leads generated from the presidential visits of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. since 2022. These visits, along with the efforts of the BOI and other Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), have been instrumental in converting potential investment interests into actualized projects and foreign direct investments (FDIs)," BOI said in a statement over the weekend.

Approved investments from foreign sources amounted to PHP114.37 billion while local investors registered PHP525.85 billion worth of investments from January to May 2024 period.

Some 13,871 jobs are expected to be generated by these investments.

Biggest source of foreign investments for this period is Switzerland, with projects amounting to PHP62.89 billion, followed by the Netherlands at PHP39.33 billion, Singapore at PHP6.07 billion, China at PHP1.53 billion, Taiwan at PHP1.28 billion, and the United States at PHP953 million.

"We are indeed making it happen in the Philippines. The BOI, together with other IPAs, remains committed to generating more investments and maintaining the FDI growth momentum through ongoing economic reforms and proactive investment promotion," Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Alfredo Pascual said.

In terms of sectors, the majority of the projects are in renewable energy at PHP607.47 billion.

This is followed by agriculture, forestry, and fishing with approved investments amounting to PHP9.56 billion, real estate at PHP8.17 billion, transportation and storage at PHP4.61 billion, and manufacturing at PHP4.36 billion.

Top five destinations for these investments are Calabarzon with PHP538.52 billion, followed by the Ilocos Region at PHP28.49 billion, Central Luzon at PHP24.42 billion, Bicol Region at PHP13.28 billion, and Western Visayas at PHP8.54 billion.

"With a favorable business environment and strong investor confidence, the Philippines is well-positioned to further enhance its competitiveness and achieve sustainable economic development," Pascual said. (PNA)

China’s dangerous and reckless behavior in the West Philippine Sea shall be resisted by the AFP.

Their behavior contravenes their statements of good faith and decency.

We will exert our utmost in order to fulfill our sworn mandate to protect our territorial integrity, sovereignty, and sovereign rights.

It should now be clear to the international community that China’s actions are the true obstacles to peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.
Secretary
Department of National Defense

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Tiniyak ng Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) na mahigpit itong makikipagtulungan sa Kongreso para sa reclassification ng internet links bilang ‘public service’ na hindi na mangangailangan ng rental payments para sa broadband connection.

Ang tinutukoy ni DICT Assistant Secretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso ay ang mga bills na inihain sa House of Representatives na naglalayong amyendahan ang National Building Code of the Philippines. Ang House Bill Nos. 900 at 8534 ay inihain nina Reps. Christian Yap at Joey Salceda, ayon sa pagkakasunod..

“We make sure to participate in the discussions, especially in the Technical Working Group discussions of these bills,” sabi ni Paraiso.

“But, all in all, we are very supportive and respect the direction of our legislation when it comes to what laws need to be passed,” dagdag pa niya.

Ang pagsasabatas sa bill ay mag-aatas sa mga developer at property owner na maglaan ng espasyo para sa telcos sa lahat ng newly developed at existing projects.

May mga panawagan din na alisin ang rental fees para sa broadband connectivity dahil ang internet services ay dapat makatanggap ng pagtrato na pareho sa tubig at koryente.

Sinabi ni Paraiso na sinusuportahan ng DICT ang pag-apruba sa naturang bills, kabilang ang pag-aalis sa rental fees para sa broadband connectivity.

“The DICT, for the record, supports that, we have to work within the bounds of the law, especially with the advent and the implementation of the Public Service Act,” paliwanag ni Paraiso.

“We have to find a way and we have to convince the lawmakers that broadband connectivity should be exempted from paying these fees; however, they should not be considered as public utilities, but rather as ‘public services’,” paliwanag pa niya.

Kasunod ng kautusan ni Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na palakasin ang digital infrastructure ng bansa, “the DICT will continue with its efforts to strengthen the internet connectivity in the country, especially those in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged areas,” ani Paraiso.

Happy Fathers Day 🤗

Congratulations to our young leaders who have been recognized at the TOYM awards 2023! You are shaping the future of our Bagong Pilipinas with your brilliant minds and significant roles! 🥰🇵🇭

READ : The Department of Foreign Affairs condemns the attack on MV Tutor in the Red Sea on 12 June 2024.
Also found in this link 👉🏻 https://shorturl.at/gZQPr

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Hungary during a courtesy call with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, H.E. Péter Szijjártó today, June 13, 2024.

During the discussion, PBBM emphasized that Hungary, the Philippines' 46th trading partner in 2023, served as the 30th export market and 64th import source for the country. He also noted that the country is home to approximately 16,098 Filipinos, primarily employed in sectors like automotive, logistics, and hospitality.

TINGNAN | Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., pormal ng pinirmahan ang Republic Act (R.A.) No. 12000 na naglalayong pag-isahin ang Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental at Siquijor Island sa isang administrative region na tatawaging ‘Negros Island Region.’

SALUTE TO FILIPINO HEROES. The three-day Independence Day celebration ends on a high note on Wednesday night with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. rallying the nation, especially the youth, to always remember the sacrifices and heroism of Filipinos in the past to achieve the country’s independence.

The celebration was capped by the "Parada ng Kalayaan 2024" infront of the Quirino Grandstand, witnessed by thousands of people, including the First Family and top government officials. Various government agencies paraded their respective floats depicting history.

In his speech, the President cited the sacrifices of the Filipino heroes, like the GomBurZa, the Luna brothers, Dr. Jose Rizal and others, to gain freedom from foreign colonizers even as he called on the public to protect the country’s independence.

Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan! Sa araw na ito, ating ipagdiwang ang diwa ng kalayaan at pagkakaisa bilang isang bansa. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 🇵🇭

During a courtesy call with the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, MP, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. discussed geopolitical issues and cooperation in agriculture, trade, and investment.

PBBM also noted the elevation of the relationship between both countries via Comprehensive Partnership by 2026, aiming to increase two-way trade by 50 percent by 2030.

An additional building, worth PHP2.1 billion, to the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) in Daraga, Albay is expected to offer services not only to residents of Albay and Bicol region but also to nearby Calabarzon and Eastern Visayas.

In an interview on Tuesday, AKB Party-list Rep. and Committee on Appropriations chair Elizaldy Co said that once completed the building would spread specialized health services accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) to the people in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon in Luzon and the Samar provinces in the Visayas, among others.

The construction of the medical building is expected to be completed in 2026.

Co said the building, a legacy project of the Marcos administration, will provide quality specialty services such as cancer, cardiovascular, lung, trauma and burn care, renal and kidney transplant; and mental health care free of charge.

"We expect the Southern Luzon and the Visayas (to benefit). We will have the biggest, most high-tech, and highest quality hospital with reliable service for free," he said in his dialect.

Co said a halfway house or temporary residence would also be installed for the patients' guardians or the patients themselves from distant areas.

In a separate interview, Dr. Eric Raborar, BRHMC director, said the 10-story building is expected to be completed before the end of the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

"Naka standby na po lahat... sunod-sunod na po, pagkatayo ng building may mga kagamitan na po kasabay yan. (Everything is on standby... it's one after the other, when the building is built, equipment and facilities would be provided). The project is expected to cater to all the needs of our fellow Bicolanos," Raborar said. (PNA)

SUSTAINING POSITIVE MOMENTUM. Another housing project under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program breaks ground on Tuesday in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Undersecretary Garry De Guzman, representing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, joined Rodriguez Mayor Ronnie Evangelista and Antipolo City Mayor Casimero "Jun" Ynares III, who represented his sister Rizal Gov. Nina Ricci Ynares, during the event right inside the project site at Pahati Compound, Barangay Burgos.

Dubbed PaBahay sa Bagong Montalban (former name of Rodriguez) or PBBM, the project aims to build seven five-storey buildings to accommodate 480 families.

Joining Undersecretary De Guzman were Assistant Secretary Sharon Faith Paquiz , DHSUD Regional Office 4 Director Jann Roby Otero and other DHSUD officials.

𝐃𝐁𝐌 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓
11 June 2024

𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬' 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲

The Compensation and Benefits Study on the possible salary adjustment for government workers is ongoing, and is targeted to be finalized before the end of June 2024.

The comprehensive study thoroughly explores various aspects of the current compensation system, including salaries, benefits, and allowances, to identify areas for improvement. It involves benchmarking activities against the private sector, and seeks to establish a fair and sustainable pay structure that will enhance the welfare and productivity of government workers, considering the effects of inflation.

The results of the study will likewise serve as the basis for making necessary changes in the Total Compensation Framework of civilian government personnel to ensure fair and timely salary adjustment for government workers.

Once the study is finalized, the consultant commissioned by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) will present the accepted study results both to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the GCG.

The DBM assures its readiness to support the implementation of the salary adjustment once approved, to ensure a competitive and equitable compensation package for our civil servants. We will find a way to fund its implementation, subject to excess revenue to be collected by the national government.

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Maraming salamat, 5th Infantry Division, sa inyong pagtiyak ng kapayapaan at seguridad ng ating mga kababayan sa Northern Luzon. Dahil sa inyo, malaya ang mga tao na magtrabaho, mag-aral, at mamuhay nang mapayapa.

Sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang inyong serbisyo ang pundasyon ng ating progreso. 🇵🇭

Nearly PhP200 million in financial assistance to Region 2 farmers, fisherfolk and their families was distributed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday in Ilagan City, Isabela as part of the government’s efforts to alleviate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon on affected individuals.

President Marcos handed over PhP10 million to Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco along with the PhP50 million each to Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba; Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Jose Gambito; and Isabela Gov. Rodolfo Albano III; and PhP30.92 million to Quirino Gov. Dakila Cua.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has also distributed 315 units of pump and engine set and 1,000 bags of hybrid/inbred palay and corn seeds and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) distributed 19 sets of non-motorized boats and 18 units of fishing gear/gillnet.

Financial assistance worth PhP5.98 million for 311 Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) beneficiaries was distributed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also provided 25 toolkits for Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) beneficiaries.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has also provided PhP10,000 in financial aid to 5,000 target beneficiaries in Isabela through the “DSWD-Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program, which aims to protect minimum wage earners from the effects of inflation.

Each attendee also received five kilos of rice from Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“Sa araw naman na ito, maghahandog kami ng karagdagang tulong sa ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at sa kanilang mga pamilya na kasama natin dito ngayon,” President Marcos told thousands of farmers and fisherfolk in Isabela.

“Nilalayon naming maibsan ang hirap na inyong nararanasan dahil sa El Niño nang sa gayon ay makabangon [kayong] muli at maibalik ang kasaganahan ng inyong kabuhayan,” the chief executive added.

The President said the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization has also provided agricultural equipment such as tractors, disc plows, levee makers, transplanters, reapers, harvesters, threshers, dryers, and rice mills.

President Marcos also recognized the unwavering contributions of the farmers and fisherfolk to the country’s abundant and vibrant agriculture sector.

“Makakaasa kayo na patuloy na magtutulungan ang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan at lalong-lalo na ang local government [units] dahil po lahat po ito hindi po namin magagawa kung hindi maganda ang ugnayan sa gitna ng national government at saka sa local government units,” President Marcos said.

“Patuloy ang aming paghahatid ng nag-uumapaw na suporta [at] tulong upang madoble ang inyong ani at bumaba ang presyo ng mga bilihin. Isa na sa [mga] inisyatibong ito ay ang Philippine Rural Development Project at National Rice Program,” he added.

Before concluding his speech, President Marcos assured the residents of Cagayan Valley that the government will continue extending assistance to them to uplift their lives especially the farmers and the fisherfolk. PND

Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang pagbubukas ng 350 ektaryang Cabaruan Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation Project na pinakamalaki sa buong bansa, at mapakikinabangan ng 237 na magsasaka sa Region 2.

Sa inagurasyon, tiniyak ni PBBM na madadagdagan pa ang 82 solar-powered pump irrigation projects na natapos noong 2023 para sa mas murang produksyon ng pagkain, at higit na ani at kita para sa mga magsasaka.

Patuloy lang din ang pagsulong ng gobyerno sa mga makabagong solusyon para sa sektor ng agrikultura ayon sa Pangulo.

Inauguration of the 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒖𝒓𝒐𝒔 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓

Intramuros, Manila | 9 June 2024

Bibida ang pagkamalikhain ng Bagong Pilipino sa mga kakaibang disenyonng likha mula sa iba’t-ibang sulok ng bansa.

Masisilayan ang mga natatanging sining na hatid sa atin ng mga Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), tattoo artists, at mga komunidad sa ilalim ng Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) at Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCF) ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Tangkilin at suportahan ang sariling atin!

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. issues Executive Order (EO) 61 ordering the review of government's results-based performance management & performance-based incentive systems, cites need to “streamline” these “duplicative & redundant” evaluations.

The EO also creates a panel to “overhaul, simplify” incentive system.

Libreng konsultasyon at gamot! Libreng dental, optical at iba pang serbisyong medikal! Punta na sa Klinikalayaan 2024: Serbisyong Kalusugan para sa Bayan!

10 Hunyo 2024, mula 7:00 ng umaga hanggang 1:00 ng hapon sa Dancing Fountain Area, Rizal Park, Luneta.

Site visit & wrap up meeting for the Intramuros tourism center

Intramuros, Manila | 6 June 2024

Sa wakas, naibigay na natin ang matagal nang inaantay ng mga magsasaka sa Camarines Sur na mga titulo ng kanilang lupang sakahan.

Sama-sama tayo sa pagbangon tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas! 🇵🇭

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday distributed PhP30 million in financial assistance to thousands of farmers and fishermen affected by the El Niño phenomenon in the provinces of Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental.

The President handed over PhP10 million each to Davao del Norte Acting Governor De Carlo Uy, Davao de Oro Gov. Dorothy Gonzaga, and Davao Oriental Gov. Niño Sotero Uy Jr.

In his speech in Tagum City, President Marcos assured farmers and fisherfolk that his administration is determined to continue what it has started. He ensured that they will benefit from government programs and projects.

“Tunay nga pong malaki na ang pinagbago ng Tagum mula noong huli kong pagbisita dito noong panahon ng kampanya. Naging memorable po sa akin ang Unity Caravan na iyon sapagkat napakainit po ang binigay ninyong salubong para sa akin,” President Marcos said.

“Kasing-init at kasing-sigasig ng ating kasalukuyang administrasyon sa pagsisikap na ipagpatuloy ang nasimulan at tiyaking makikinabang ang mga mamamayan sa ating mga programa at proyekto,” he added.

Recognizing the PhP50 million loss incurred by over 1,000 El Niño affected families from 16 barangays in Davao Region, the chief executive vowed for continuous support to farmers, fisherfolk, and families in the region.

“Ayon sa pinakahuling datos na aming nakita, mahigit isang libong pamilya sa labing anim na barangay sa Davao Region ang lubhang naapektuhan ng El Niño at ang tagtuyot na dala ng El Nino. Limampung milyong pisong halaga ng pagkalugi ang naranasan ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” the President said.

“Kaya po ay hindi po namin kayo pababayaan. Kayo po ang sandigan ng ating bayan sa pag-unlad kung kaya’t hindi kami titigil sa pag-agapay sa inyong lahat,” he added.

Among the distributed assistance were the PhP10 million financial aid; machineries including units of rice combine harvesters, floating tillers, walk behind transplanters, and 4-wheel tractors; and rice from Speaker Martin Romualdez.

President Marcos visited Davao region on Thursday to lead the distribution of various assistance to El Niño affected families and to reaffirm the commitment of the national government to collaborate with the LGUs in preparation for the looming La Niña phenomenon. *PND*

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, on Thursday vowed to provide the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with the necessary resources, training, and equipment to enhance its effectiveness.

According to the Chief Executive, the AFP needs to boost its capabilities as it transitions from internal operations to external defense posture.

“Now, I am sure that all of you are aware now that the internal threat has been reduced. We now have to also think about the external threat and that again is a different strategy that we will have to employ,” President Marcos said in his remarks during the camp visit to the Army’s 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Davao de Oro.

“But we in the civilian government and together with the military commanders are doing all that we can to make sure that our men and women [in military] are completely capacitated,” he said.

The military has to transition so it can continue performing its mandate to promote the safety of the people and the security of Philippine territory against current emerging threats, he said.

The soldiers will have a partner in civilian government, President Marcos said. He said the civilian government, together with the military leadership — from the Armed Forces Chief of Staff down to the commanders in different units — will work to capacitate security forces.

“Gagawin natin ang lahat para may kakayahan kayo. You have the capability to do the job, that is this new job that you have to face. You have the capability. You have the training. You have the equipment and that we will be able to present at least a deterrent force,” the President said.

“Hindi naman tayo nakikipag-giyera kahit na kanino. Wala naman tayong gustong pasukin. Tayo ay defensive lang naman tayo at dinedepensahan lang natin ang bansa natin. Kaya’t ‘yan ang ating bagong threat na hinaharap ngunit kagaya ng sabi ko, kung nagawa ninyo ito dahil sa internal threat, ako’y malakas ang loob ko na kaya rin ninyong gawin pagka dumating sa tinatawag na external threat,” he pointed out.

The President congratulated the troops of the 10th ID for their successes through hard work, skills, and courage. He urged the soldiers to be peacekeepers by encouraging communist insurgents to return to the fold of the law.

Every concerned party has to work together to continue developing the barangay development program. The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and all the other components of the strategy to improve peace and order in the countryside have to collaborate with each other, the President said. PND