President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. capped the week by underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order, expanding international cooperation, and advancing programs aimed at delivering economic and social benefits to Filipinos.
The President’s activities this week reflected three major priorities of his administration: defending national interests, expanding international cooperation, and ensuring that government initiatives translate into meaningful outcomes for communities.
A diplomatic gathering hosted by Marcos on Friday commemorated the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea (SCS), a landmark decision that the Philippines continues to uphold as the foundation of its maritime position.
The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration remains a key reference point for the Philippines’ maritime claims and advocacy for peaceful resolution of disputes.
The observance reinforced the Marcos administration’s position that the Philippines will continue to protect its maritime rights while pursuing diplomacy and cooperation with partners.
In his keynote speech, Marcos emphasized the country’s broader foreign policy approach of strengthening alliances while advancing national interests.
Investing on children
On Wednesday, Marcos shifted his focus to programs aimed at providing support to communities nationwide.
He led the national kick-off of the school-based feeding program and milk feeding activity in Pulilan, Bulacan, highlighting the government’s continuing efforts to improve child nutrition and support learners through school-based interventions.
The feeding program forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to promote student welfare by ensuring that children receive adequate nutrition essential for learning and healthy development.
Strategic partnerships
Also on Wednesday, the President met with executives of Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) at Malacañan Palace to discuss the company’s proposed investment in the Philippines.
Among the proposals is the establishment of an AWS Region, which could bring up to USD15 billion in investments over the next 15 years.
An AWS Region is a cluster of data centers that would provide cloud computing services directly from the Philippines.
The meeting reflected the government’s push to accelerate digital transformation, attract technology investments, and promote innovation-driven growth.
Development agenda
Marcos also led the observance of the 2026 Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations (GOCC) Day at Malacañan, recognizing the vital role of GOCCs in delivering essential services and supporting national development programs.
Marcos urged GOCCs to uphold fiscal discipline and prudent stewardship after they remitted PHP140 billion in dividends to the national government.
He said the dividend remittances would help finance essential public services without imposing new taxes on Filipinos.
The President likewise met with former United Kingdom prime minister Tony Blair, reflecting continued engagement with international partners.
On Thursday, Marcos presided over a Cabinet meeting to discuss the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program, which was also approved following the presentation of Budget Secretary Kim Robert De Leon.
The government is eyeing a PHP7.2 trillion budget for 2027, which marks a 6 percent increase from the previous year’s budget and represents 21.7 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
New appointments
Marcos also appointed new officials to key government posts, including former interior secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., who was appointed Cabinet Secretary.
Abalos’ redesigned role involves a significant shift in the responsibilities and focus of the position.
The new role emphasizes improving the delivery of government services and strengthening public engagement to bring government programs closer to Filipinos.
Marcos likewise named former Development Bank of the Philippines chairperson Philipp Lo as Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas.
He also designated lawyer Nesauro Firme as ad interim member of the Judicial and Bar Council, representing the academe.
The appointments underscored the administration’s continuing efforts to strengthen government institutions by filling key leadership positions.
Diplomatic engagements
On Thursday, Marcos bade farewell to outgoing South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa during their meeting at Malacañan.
During the farewell call, Marcos conferred the Order of Sikatuna on Lee in recognition of his contributions to strengthening Philippines-South Korea relations.
The meeting underscored the deepening ties between the two nations, particularly in areas including trade, defense, development cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
Series of meetings
Marcos devoted Monday to private and personal appointments before resuming official duties on Tuesday with a series of high-level meetings and a major engagement with the country’s military leadership.
He presided over the 10th Economic and Development Council Meeting, which served as a venue for discussions on the country’s economic direction, priorities, and government strategies to sustain growth.
The President also attended the 1st Semester 2026 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Command Conference at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
The conference brought together military leaders to discuss operational concerns, organizational priorities, and the continuing modernization and capacity-building efforts of the AFP.
On Friday, Marcos also led the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Presidential Guards Group in San Miguel, Manila.
The new facility marks an important milestone for the security unit tasked with protecting the President and key government officials.
As the administration moves forward, it continues to face the task of turning diplomatic achievements and policy commitments into tangible benefits for the public. (PNA)
