(Manila, 12th) Philippine President Marcos this week embarked on a series of intensive governance activities covering the fields of diplomacy, economy, education, digital transformation, and government reform, emphasizing the government’s continued safeguarding of national interests, deepening of international cooperation, and ensuring that the benefits of policies reach the people.
Upholding South China Sea Arbitration Position
On Friday, Marcos presided over the 10th anniversary commemoration of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award at Conrad Hotel in Manila, reiterating that the Philippines will continue to defend its maritime rights and interests based on international law and the arbitral award. He also insisted on resolving South China Sea disputes peacefully through diplomacy and international cooperation.
On Friday, Marcos presided over the 10th anniversary commemoration of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award at Conrad Hotel in Manila, reiterating that the Philippines will continue to defend its maritime rights and interests based on international law and the arbitral award. He also insisted on resolving South China Sea disputes peacefully through diplomacy and international cooperation.
He said the Philippines will continue to pursue a foreign policy centered on defending national interests and deepening international partnerships.
Promoting Child Nutrition Program
On Wednesday, Marcos visited Pulilan in Bulacan province to officiate at the launch ceremony of the National School Feeding and Milk Supply Program.
On Wednesday, Marcos visited Pulilan in Bulacan province to officiate at the launch ceremony of the National School Feeding and Milk Supply Program.
He stated that the government will continue to improve children’s nutrition, ensure students receive adequate nourishment, and thus promote healthy growth and better learning outcomes.
Amazon Plans $15 Billion Investment
On the same day, Marcos met with senior representatives from Amazon Web Services (AWS) at Malacañang Palace to discuss the company’s investment plan to establish an AWS Region data center in the Philippines.
On the same day, Marcos met with senior representatives from Amazon Web Services (AWS) at Malacañang Palace to discuss the company’s investment plan to establish an AWS Region data center in the Philippines.
According to the proposal, AWS could invest up to $15 billion in the Philippines over the next 15 years, helping to advance national digital transformation and innovative development.
State Enterprises Remit 140 Billion Pesos
Marcos also presided over the 2026 State-Owned Enterprises Day and praised state enterprises for remitting 140 billion pesos in dividends to the central government.
Marcos also presided over the 2026 State-Owned Enterprises Day and praised state enterprises for remitting 140 billion pesos in dividends to the central government.
He said this revenue will help the government provide public services without imposing new taxes on the people.
Additionally, he met with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair on the same day to exchange views on mutually concerned development issues.
Approval of 7.2 Trillion Budget Proposal
On Thursday, Marcos chaired a cabinet meeting and approved the proposed 2027 national fiscal budget.
On Thursday, Marcos chaired a cabinet meeting and approved the proposed 2027 national fiscal budget.
According to the plan presented by Budget Secretary Kim Robert De Leon, the Philippine government plans to allocate a 7.2 trillion peso budget, a 6% increase from 2026, accounting for about 21.7% of GDP.
Appointment of Several Senior Officials
This week, Marcos also announced a number of key personnel appointments, including naming former Interior Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos Jr. as Cabinet Secretary. He will be responsible for enhancing government service coordination and improving the efficiency of public services.
This week, Marcos also announced a number of key personnel appointments, including naming former Interior Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos Jr. as Cabinet Secretary. He will be responsible for enhancing government service coordination and improving the efficiency of public services.
At the same time, he appointed former Development Bank of the Philippines Chairman Philipp Lo as Secretary of the Presidential Assistant for Visayas Affairs Office, and lawyer Nesauro Firme as Interim Academic Member of the Judicial and Bar Council.
Deepening Philippines-Korea Relations
In diplomacy, on Thursday Marcos received outgoing South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa at the presidential palace, conferring the Order of Sikatuna to recognize his contributions to promoting bilateral relations between the Philippines and South Korea.
In diplomacy, on Thursday Marcos received outgoing South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa at the presidential palace, conferring the Order of Sikatuna to recognize his contributions to promoting bilateral relations between the Philippines and South Korea.
The two sides also exchanged views on trade, defense, development cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
Presiding Over Military Meetings
Earlier this week, Marcos chaired the 10th Economic Development Committee meeting to discuss the country’s economic development direction and future governance priorities.
He also attended the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 2026 first-half Commanders Meeting to receive updates on military modernization and defense affairs.
Earlier this week, Marcos chaired the 10th Economic Development Committee meeting to discuss the country’s economic development direction and future governance priorities.
He also attended the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 2026 first-half Commanders Meeting to receive updates on military modernization and defense affairs.
On Friday, Marcos also presided over the inauguration ceremony of the new headquarters of the Presidential Guards Group, further strengthening the security of the president and national leaders.