President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shared that among the most meaningful advice he received for his 69th birthday was a letter urging him to consistently choose what is right rather than merely what is expected, amidst pressing national issues ranging from anti-corruption efforts and political friction to regional crises and natural disasters.
Reflecting on the public well-wishes during the 284th episode of his “BBM Vlog” titled “Kaarawan,” the President read a message from a citizen that stated: “Sana’y patnubayan ka ng Maykapal at palaging piliin ang tama, hindi lang ang dapat (May the Almighty guide you, and may you always choose what is right, not just what is expected).”
“Napaka-good advice naman ‘yan. Maraming salamat po sa inyong sulat,” Marcos responded.
He also highlighted another message wishing him good health and a sound mind to overcome leadership challenges, affirming his shared vision for a prosperous nation.
The President spent his birthday on September 13 on an official working trip, representing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the 18th BRICS Summit in India. Upon returning to Manila the following day, he hosted a gathering at Malacañang for senior citizens and beneficiaries of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) programs.
Coinciding with his birthday, the administration launched the nationwide “Handog ng Pangulo” caravan, which provided health services, affordable food, and financial assistance. A key highlight was the expanded zero-balance billing program implemented across at least 132 hospitals nationwide via the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
“Isa sa mahalagang isinagawa namin noong araw na ‘yun ay ‘yung zero balance billing pero mas pinalawak natin ‘yung coverage. Normally, mga ward patients lang ang kasama dito. Pero nung araw na ‘yun ay nilahat na natin. Basta nasa hospital ka, anumang kuwarto, bayad na ang bill Ninyo,” Marcos explained, noting that the initiative covered medical bills running into millions of pesos for participating patients.
The President expressed gratitude to local government units, the Department of Education, DOH, PhilHealth, and volunteers for organizing community and school-based health sites that served at least 175,565 individuals across 282 locations.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reported that the overall “Handog ng Pangulo” initiative delivered over P2.88 billion worth of government aid and services, including DWD financial support, P20-per-kilo rice distributions from the Department of Agriculture, and free healthcare assistance reaching over 47,600 target beneficiaries across schools and communities.