President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. capped a two-week stretch of government activity marked by new investment commitments, infrastructure projects, social protection programs, disaster preparations and initiatives on national security and digital transformation.
From June 29 to July 10, the administration secured $2.5 billion in Canadian investment commitments, elevated Philippine-Canada relations to a Strategic Partnership, launched major infrastructure and welfare programs and mobilized government agencies ahead of Typhoon Inday.
The government also reported record dividend remittances from state-owned corporations and reiterated its commitment to defending the country’s sovereign rights and maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea through peaceful and rules-based means.
Food Security and Social Protection
Marcos opened the Walang Gutom Kitchen in Zamboanga City on June 29 as part of efforts to address hunger, food waste and malnutrition.
The administration also continued food subsidies, KADIWA stores and other programs intended to ease inflation and support vulnerable households.
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos distributed rice to 8,898 senior citizens in San Juan City and later provided similar assistance to 2,645 families in Valenzuela.
Her “Mula sa Puso, Para sa Pamilya” initiative reached more than 35,000 vulnerable families and fire victims during the period.
Other social measures included expanded PhilHealth coverage for leptospirosis patients, lower Pag-IBIG Fund interest rates for socialized housing loans and a higher maximum housing loan ceiling.
The administration also welcomed the approval of an ₱85 daily minimum wage increase for workers in Metro Manila.
Canada Visit Brings Investment Commitments
Marcos traveled to Canada on July 1 for an official visit focused on trade, investment, defense cooperation and bilateral relations.
He met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, business leaders and members of the Filipino community.
On July 3, the Philippines and Canada elevated their relations to a Strategic Partnership and secured $2.5 billion in investment commitments covering mining, clean energy, critical minerals, digital infrastructure and information technology.
The two countries also agreed to pursue a free trade agreement, deepen defense cooperation and strengthen support for a rules-based international order.
During the visit, Marcos welcomed the World Bank’s reclassification of the Philippines as an upper-middle-income economy and reiterated the administration’s anti-corruption campaign.
Infrastructure and Disaster Response
After returning to the Philippines, Marcos launched the second phase of the EDSA Rehabilitation Project on July 6 and awarded land titles to 1,000 urban poor families in Antipolo under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program.
He also ordered agencies to intensify preparations as Typhoon Inday entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Food packs, medicines, rescue equipment and emergency response teams were prepositioned in vulnerable areas.
A steel bridge in Pangasinan was also completed upon the President’s directive, while new school buildings in Quezon City ended double-shift classes at San Francisco High School.
The four-storey Dao Building, which has 36 classrooms, was completed within a year after a fire destroyed the previous structure. It was complemented by the 24-classroom Henry Sy Sr. Hall built through a partnership with SM Supermalls.
Marcos said the projects showed how efficient use of public funds could deliver infrastructure with direct benefits to communities.
Defense, Peace and Security
The President led the Philippine Air Force’s 79th anniversary on July 1 and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to military modernization.
On July 7, he presided over the Armed Forces of the Philippines Command Conference at Camp Aguinaldo to review military operations, modernization programs and national security priorities.
The government also opened the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9B headquarters in Sulu to strengthen police readiness and oversaw the turnover of 195 surrendered firearms as part of peace-building efforts in Mindanao.
The two-week period ended with Marcos marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on July 10.
He reiterated that the Philippines would continue defending its sovereign rights and maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea through peaceful means and under international law.
Education and Digital Transformation
Marcos launched a nationwide School-Based Feeding Program and Milk Feeding Activity for public school learners on July 8.
The administration also announced a proposed Amazon Web Services investment to expand the country’s digital infrastructure.
Marcos later met former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss the possible use of artificial intelligence in improving government services.
The Executive Branch also expedited the release of the fiscal year 2024 Performance-Based Bonus for qualified government employees.
Record GOCC Dividends
During GOCCs Day, Marcos recognized government-owned and controlled corporations for remitting a record ₱139.8 billion in dividends.
The Department of Finance projected total dividend collections under the administration to reach ₱501.431 billion by the end of 2026.
The government said the remittances would provide additional funding for priority programs without requiring new taxes.
Marcos also appointed Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. as Cabinet secretary to improve coordination among agencies and strengthen the implementation of administration programs.