Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ramped up disaster response and flood mitigation efforts while advancing key national priorities during the week, underscoring his administration's focus on protecting communities and strengthening governance. Marcos took a hands-on approach to the government's response to flooding amid persistent rains, beginning the week with a situation briefing on the effects of the southwest monsoon at Malaca±an Palace in Manila on Monday. During the situation briefing, Marcos directed all concerned government agencies to ensure that assistance reaches all residents affected by the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay.
According to Philippines News Agency, on Tuesday, he inspected a high-vacuum self-priming drainage trailer pump in Las Pi±as City and visited an evacuation center to check on displaced residents and ensure that government assistance was reaching affected communities. The President also inspected Wednesday the ongoing clearing and waste collection operations at the Diokno Pumping Station in Pasay City and the Baclaran River in Para±aque City. The inspections highlighted the administration's efforts to keep waterways and drainage facilities clear of waste and other obstructions that could worsen flooding.
Marcos also focused on broader priorities in health, national security, fiscal management, and international relations. He moved to strengthen the leadership in the health sector, administering the oath of office to Acting Health Secretary Edwin Mercado and Acting Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and Chief Executive Officer Beverly Lorraine Ho. The appointments came as the administration continued efforts to ensure the delivery of accessible and responsive health services to Filipinos.
National security and the country's strategic partnerships also remained on the President's agenda. Marcos received United States (US) Undersecretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby and Assistant Secretary of War for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh at Malaca±an on Monday. In a separate diplomatic engagement, Marcos conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Silver Distinction, on outgoing French Ambassador Marie Fontanel, in recognition of her contributions to deepening Philippine-French ties and cooperation. He also presided over the 68th Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City on Tuesday, underscoring the administration's continuing efforts to enhance the country's defense and security capabilities.
Amid these immediate concerns, Marcos looked ahead to economic and fiscal priorities. The President received the 2027 National Expenditure Program, an important step in setting the government's spending priorities and programs for the coming year. The proposed budget is expected to support the administration's development agenda while ensuring that public resources are directed toward priority programs and services.
Marcos, likewise, maintained his engagement with the media, highlighting their crucial role in fighting fake news. He met with the Presidential Photojournalists Association (PPA) at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls in Pasay City, in recognition of the important role of photojournalists in documenting significant events in the country. The President capped the week by attending the presidential luncheon hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) at Diamond Hotel Manila. He engaged foreign correspondents on issues ranging from Philippine foreign policy and regional security to media responsibility, disinformation, public opinion, and investments.
Marcos' activities during the week reflected an administration balancing immediate needs with longer-term priorities as it works to deliver services and advance national development.
