By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stepped up the administration’s twin priorities of economic protection and governance accountability this week, rolling out coordinated measures to help Filipinos cope with global pressures while intensifying anti-corruption efforts.
The President’s weekly engagements underscored a unified strategy for economic stabilization, social protection, legal enforcement actions, and peacebuilding.
On April 21, Marcos Jr. convened the 4th Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee meeting to assess ongoing government interventions against inflationary pressures and global oil volatility.
The meeting highlighted a whole-of-government response aimed at stabilizing prices, ensuring energy supply security, and sustaining livelihood support for vulnerable sectors.
Government data showed that more than 24,000 overseas Filipino workers have so far received assistance, while thousands have been repatriated amid the crisis in the Middle East.
Energy security was also highlighted, with millions of barrels of oil secured and a buffer supply projected to last more than 50 days, ensuring stable domestic consumption.
The government reported that more than 977,000 public utility vehicles (PUV) have already benefitted from fuel subsidies and transport assistance programs.
Continued monitoring
On April 20, Marcos Jr. inspected the Department of Transportation’s Service Contracting Program (SCP) at the Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City, as part of efforts to stabilize public transport operations.
The SCP provides per-kilometer subsidies to PUVs, ensuring continuous transport operations despite rising fuel costs.
The Chief Executive emphasized that the program protects both transport workers and commuters, especially amid global oil price spikes driven by geopolitical tensions.
He ordered concerned agencies to accelerate financial assistance for transport workers while ensuring uninterrupted mobility services for the public.
The government reported ongoing efforts to stabilize energy and food prices, including renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 1,471 megawatts currently being fast-tracked.
It also maintained strict price monitoring, extended a price freeze on basic goods to shield consumers from market fluctuations, and distributed subsidized rice nationwide.
Flexible work arrangements and energy conservation measures were also expanded across government agencies to reduce operational costs and fuel consumption.
Direct social assistance
On April 23, Pres. Marcos Jr. also led the distribution of rice subsidies to small-scale vendors in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, as part of targeted social support programs.
He inspected KADIWA ng Pangulo outlets, which provide affordable agricultural goods directly from farmers to consumers.
He likewise met with village officials and vowed continued funding support for community development and education assistance projects, especially amid tensions in the Gulf region.
The President emphasized the importance of strong coordination between national and local governments to ensure the effective implementation of social programs.
Marcos also spearheaded the rollout of the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” Program in Batangas City on April 24, distributing rice assistance and financial aid to thousands of residents.
Each local government unit received funding support for infrastructure, livelihood, and educational assistance programs.
Anti-corruption and legal accountability
On April 20, Marcos Jr. directed intensified efforts to bring back former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, a key figure in the alleged multibillion-peso flood control scandal, stressing that the fugitive lawmaker must “answer to the Filipino people.”
The President instructed the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with international counterparts to expedite lawful procedures for Co’s repatriation.
A high-level coordination team was sent to Prague to facilitate an orderly repatriation process.
Co was said to be under the custody of Czech authorities after being stopped at the German border and denied entry due to lack of proper travel documents.
Strengthening national security
Meanwhile, Marcos Jr., on April 20, swore in former Armed Forces chief Eduardo Oban Jr. as National Security Adviser, replacing retired official Eduardo Año, reinforcing the country’s defense and security framework.
Oban’s appointment was framed as part of efforts to ensure continuity in defense planning and inter-agency coordination amid evolving domestic and regional security challenges.
On April 21, Marcos Jr. also appointed former Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento as Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, replacing retired general Carlito Galvez Jr.
Malacañang said the shift reflects a transition toward stronger civilian-led peacebuilding, particularly in the Bangsamoro region ahead of its parliamentary elections.
Sarmiento, who took oath a day after the announcement of his appointment, has been tasked to strengthen reintegration programs for former combatants and advance reconciliation initiatives nationwide.
Regional diplomacy
Marcos also held a phone conversation with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on April 21.
He congratulated the Prime Minister on his appointment and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to enhancing ties with Thailand by advancing cooperation in priority areas, such as energy and food security.
The two leaders underscored the importance of ASEAN unity in addressing transnational crime and economic uncertainties.
Housing inspection
Marcos also inspected the completed residential buildings and amenities at the Palayan City Township on April 23.
The 23-hectare township is a key development project under the expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
Several units in the condominium-type development were already occupied, marking the township’s transition to a developing residential community.
Once completed, the project is expected to house about 22,596 beneficiaries across 24 buildings.
Religious engagement
Marcos, on April 22, also joined thousands of devotees in Pangasinan for the centennial canonical coronation of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag.
He called for unity, compassion, and continued service to communities during the religious event.
The occasion highlighted the administration’s engagement with faith-based and civic traditions as part of national solidarity efforts.
This week’s activities form part of a unified strategy to protect Filipinos from external shocks while strengthening governance systems.
These efforts complement the Marcos administration’s continued push for a stable, responsive, and inclusive economic environment for all Filipinos.
