ECMP provides funds for 47 housing projects

THE government has approved a total of 47 projects during the first year of the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), according to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

The ECMP provides financing to organized communities, particularly low-income and informal settler families, so they can legally acquire the land they have long occupied.

Implemented by the Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC), the approved projects involved more than P870.6 million in land acquisition loan assistance for more than 8,100 families nationwide.

This translates to an average of around P107,000 per beneficiary, although the actual amount may vary depending on the cost of the property and the number of families covered by each project.

While all 47 projects have been approved, the release of financing remains underway. DHSUD said 25 communities have so far received their land acquisition assistance, benefiting more than 4,000 members of homeowners’ associations.

Based on the agency’s figures, another 22 approved projects are awaiting the release of their loan proceeds.

The latest approvals cover four homeowners’ associations in Palawan, Camarines Norte, and Isabela, extending the program’s reach to more communities outside Metro Manila. The agency, however, did not disclose their respective project costs, loan terms or number of beneficiaries.

Introduced in 2025, the ECMP is among the housing assistance modalities under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH).

Unlike housing projects involving the direct construction of residential units, the ECMP primarily addresses security of tenure through land acquisition. Beneficiaries may therefore still require separate financing to construct or improve their homes after acquiring the property.

Housing Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling said the agency and SHFC intend to expand the program to allow more organized communities to secure legal ownership of their properties.

He added that each approved project brings low-income families closer to permanent land ownership and provides communities with greater protection against displacement.

TRANSCRIPT: President Marcos’ 5th State of the Nation Address (Part 1)

Following is the transcript of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address, which he delivered on Monday, July 27, 2026:

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and honorable members of the Senate, House Speaker Faustino D. III and honorable members of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice Alexander Guismundo and honorable justices of the Supreme Court, His Excellency the Most Reverend Charles John Brown and esteemed members of the diplomatic corps, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and honorable members of the Cabinet, first lady Louise Araneta Marcos, other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

Mga kababayan ko, naririto ako muli upang tuparin ang ating katungkulan at magbigay ng ulat sa inyo tungkol sa estado ng ating bansa at sa mga ginagawa ng inyong pamahalaan.

Isang taon na ang nakalipas mula noong huli akong tumayo rito upang ilantad ang katiwalian na nadiskubre namin sa mga flood control project. Gaya ng aking ipinangako sa inyo, nagsagawa tayo ng malawakan at malalimang imbestigasyon na walang pagkikiling kahit kanino man. Masusi nating sinuri at sinundan kung saan tayo itinuro ng ebidensya. Lahat ng kailangang gawin ay ginawa natin upang matunton ang puno’t dulo.

Meron nang mga unang nakasuhan at nakulong, mga kontratista, matataas na opisyal, pati na mga mambabatas. At dumating na tayo sa punto na, ayon sa Ombudsman, ay malapit na ang paghahain ng patong-patong na kaso sa dating Speaker. Masakit man sa akin ito, ngunit kailangan nating gawin ang tama.

Hindi ako pangulo ng aking pamilya. Hindi ako pangulo ng aking kaibigan. Ako ay pangulo ng Pilipinas at ang tungkulin ko ay sa inyo, ang aking mga kapwa Pilipino.

Kaakibat ng mga naisampang kaso, tiniyak ng inyong pamahalaan na mababawi mula sa mga nagsabwatan ang nakuha nilang pera ng taong-bayan. Gayundin, pinigilan natin ang paglabas ng pera ng bayan na ipambayad dapat sa mga depektibo, peke, o guni-guning mga proyekto at mapupunta lamang sa mga bulsan ng mga tiwalaing kontraktor at opisyal. Halos 25 bilyong piso ang halaga ng nabawi, frozen, at napreserbang mga pera at ari-arian ng mga akusado.

Ang mahigit 800 milyong piso dito ay agad nating naibalik sa treasury. Lahat ng mababawi mula sa mga sangkot na tiwali ay agad ibabalik sa kaban ng bayan. Ipinapaubayan na natin ang pag-uusig sa Ombudsman at sa ating mga pinalakas na National Prosecution Service.

Nananalig din tayo sa makatarungang hatol ng hukuman. Makakaasa kayo na ang gulong ng hustisya ay tumatakbo. Sa kabila ng mga kaganapang ito, kailangan nating umusad tungo sa pagbabago.

Nakatulong ang lahat ng mga ulat at hinaing ninyo sa ‘Isumbong sa Pangulo.’ Ang inyong pagbabantay at pakikialam sa pamahalaan ay ang susi sa paglaban sa katiwalaan. Ang reporma sa DPWH ay nagsimula na.

Nagpasok tayo ng mga bagong graduate, kasama ang mga tuwid at maaasahang mga job order at contract of service. Bukod sa mga flood control project, lahat ng mga proyekto ay sinuri at tiniyak na talagang kinakailangan at maayos mula sa plano, presyo, hanggang pagpapatupad.Para walang overpricing, sinigurado natin na ang mga materyales ay ayon sa presyo sa merkado.

Bantay sarado ang bawat proyekto at ang nakalaang pondo sa transparency portal, integrity chain, at katuwang na ang mga civil society organization. Mula nung tumama sa ating bansa ang epekto ng gera sa Gitnang Silangan, nagdeklara tayo agad ng State of National Energy Emergency. Iisa ang ating misyon, uplift, ang iahon ang ating nahihirapang mga mamamayan.

Ang lahat ng mga ahensya ay inatasang magtipid at pagtuunan mabuti ang mga programa na mas mahalaga sa pagtugon sa mga epekto ng krisis. Ibinuhos natin ang pondo kung saan karapat-dapat at mas kinakailangan sa mga pangunahing serbisyong, randam at tiyak na makakatulong sa ating mga mamamayan. Ang pera ng taong-bayan na muntik mapunta sa bulsa ng mga tiwaling opisyal ay naisalba natin, at sa halip ay nagamit natin sa mabuti at para sa tunay na kapakanan ng mamamayan.

Ibinaba natin ang karagdagang halos 58 bilyong pisong pondo sa mga lokal na pamahalaan para mas mabilis at mas malawak ang paglingap sa taong-bayan. Mataas ang tiwala at kumpiyansa natin sa mga lokal na pamahalaan. Ito ay paghahanda na rin para sa mas marami at mas malawak na serbisyo para sa kanilang mga nasasakupan.

Nagsimula tayo doon sa mga direktang naapektuhan ng kaguluhan, ang pagsaklolo sa ating mga kababayang OFW na naipit sa digmaan. Mahalagang misyon ito ng pamahalaan, gayong lagpas dalawa’t kalahating milyong Pilipino ay naghahanapbuhay sa Middle East. Simula nung pumutok ang giyera, mahigit 12,000 kababayan natin ang ating naiwi sa bansa na naligtas.

Mahigit 140,000 OFW naman ang ating nabigyan ng sari-saring tulong sa gitna ng kaguluhan sa Middle East – tulad ng pagkain, tulong pinansyal, pagpapagamot at masisilungan. Pag-uwi sa Pilipinas, sila ay ating tinulungan upang makapagsimula muli sa paghahanapbuhay sa pamamagitan ng Action Fund at OWA Kabuhayan Program.

Ang iba naman ay nilapit natin sa peso o kaya’y sinama natin sa Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa Job Fair. Samantalang ang iba ay tinulungan nating makapaghanapbuhay muli sa ibang bansa. Bukod sa kanila, ang magbabalik nating mga gurong OFW ay papasok na sa mga public school natin kung saan sila ay higit na kinakailangan.

Dahil dito sa Pilipinas, sila ang ma’am at ang sir. Patuloy ang ating ugnayan sa iba’t ibang bansa at ang suporta natin sa mga OFW para sa kanilang kaligtasan. Lalo na at may mga kababayan tayong nasawi o hanggang ngayon ay nawawala sa Middle East.

Pangalawa, bunga ng ating magandang ugnayan sa iba’t ibang bansa, natiyak nating sapat ang supply ng langis para sa ating pangangailangan. Sa kabila ng pagsara ng Strait of Hormuz, ay nagawa nating makabili at makapagangkat mula sa ibang pagkukunang bansa tulad ng Japan, South Korea, Oman, India, maging sa Rusya, pati na sa China. Dahil sa mga ito, natiyak natin na sapat ang supply ng bansa na tatagal, hanggang halos dalawang buwan.

Nakipag-usap din tayo sa Iran para sa kaligtasan ng ating libo-libong mga kababayang tripulante na nasa Strait of Hormuz. Sa kooperasyon ng ating mga kumpanya ng langis, hindi naging biglaan ang pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo, kundi paunti-unti sa loob ng isang linggo. Ito ay para naman maging magaan sa ating nahihirapang mga consumer.

Nagtakda rin tayo ng sunod-sunod at malalaking mga price rollback na kailangang tuparin ng mga kumpanya ng langis. Sa tulong ng batas na naipasa ng Kongreso, agad din nating nasuspinde ng tatlong buwan ang pagpataw ng excise tax sa LPG at sa kerosene. Bukod dito, agad din nating nililimitahan ang pagtaas ng presyo na inaangkat nating bigas.

Inaresto at kinasuhan din natin ang mga nahuling nagsasamantala sa kabila ng pagdurusa ng taong-bayan habang may state of energy emergency. Lahat ng posibleng gawin para mababa ang presyo at mapabagal ang pagtaas nito, ginawa natin. Marami ang naapektuhan o kaya’y nawalan ng trabaho sa panahong ito.

Kaya tuloy-tuloy ang pagsasagawa natin ng mga job fair sa buong bansa. Nitong May 1, araw ng paggawa at kasagsagan ng mataas na presyo ng krudo, nagsagawa tayo ng halos isandaang job fair kung saan halos 300,000 trabaho ay ipinagbigay-alam natin sa publiko. Sa isang araw ng job fair na ito, lagpas 6,000 Pilipino ang hired on the spot.

Dito rin natin ipinamahagi ang mga suweldo para sa mahigit 100,000 benepisyaryo at nagtatrabaho sa ilalim ng DILP at Tupad ng DOLE. Kumilos agad tayo upang pigilan ang mabilis na pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin. Hinikayat ang mga bangko at e-wallet na magbawas ng kanilang karaniwang singil sa bawat transaksyon na online.

Kaya ngayon, maraming bangko at e-wallet ang nagbaba o nagtanggal ng kanilang sinisingil sa online transaction fee. Upang makaluwag din sa mamamayan, nagbigay ang mga bangko ng hanggang anim buwang palugit sa pagbabayad ng utang at hanggang isang taon naman kung ang utang ay ginamit para sa agrikultura. Ganito rin ang ginawa ng GSIS at SSS para sa mga utang na mga miyembro nito, pati na ang NHMFC para sa mga umutang na murang pabahay at ng Pag-ibig Fund para sa mga naapektuhan na OFW.

Kahit papaano ay nakaluwag ito sa mga consumer, lalo na sa mga naghuhulog para sa kanilang bahay at sa mga nagpupundar para sa kanilang negosyo. Sa panahon na lumiit ang kita dahil sa mataas na mga presyo, mahigit 26,000 toneladang bigas ang binigay sa mahigit 2,500,000 pamilya. At ito’y itutuloy pa natin hanggang sa umabot sa 8,000,000 na pamilya ang makikinabang.

Patuloy pa rin ang programang Benteng Bigas Mero na. Ito’y nakakapagbigay ng ginhawa sa mahigit 12,000,000 Pilipino sa buong bansa. Ang mahigit 800 nating kadiwa na nasa buong Pilipinas ay sabay pa ring nakakatulong sa mga namimili at sa mga magsasaka’t mangingisda na direktang nakakapagtinda ng kanilang mga produkto.

Nagbigay din tayo ng suporta sa halos 2,000,000 magsasaka’t mangingisda sa kasagsagan ng mataas na presyo ng langis sa ilalim ng Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families o yung tinatawag na PAF. Dahil sa mas malakas, malawak, at mura nating internet, naging mainam na alternatibo ang online classes at ating work from home. Mataas ang presyo ng ating kuryente, lalo na ngayong Hunyo, dala pa rin ng mataas na presyo ng krudo at paglakas ng dolyar.

Gayunpaman, tiniyak natin na nabigyan ang mamamayan ng kaunting proteksyon sa kanilang electric bill. Ipinag-utos natin ang agarang pag-refund ng mga kumpanya ng kuryente na may sobrang nasingil sa mga customer nito. Ipinag-utos din natin na payagan ang ilang piling consumer na makapagbayad ng kanilang bill nang hulugan sa buwan ng Mayo, Hunyo, at Hulyo.

Kaugnayan nito, pansamantanan nating pinagbawal ang mga pagputol ng linya habang hinuhulugan pa nila ang kanilang bill sa mga buwang ito. (1:13:53) Para sa ating mga micro-entrepreneur, ipinagtupad natin sa BIR ngayong taon ang one-time tax abatement. Layunin nito na makapagbigay ng kaunting ginhawa sa mga nalugi o kaya’y lumiit ang kita dala ng hirap ng panahon.

Ang sektor ng transportasyon ang pinakamatinding tinamaan ng epekto ng krisis. Tsuper, operator, pasahero, manggagawa o negosyo man. Lahat ay umaray sa matarik na pagtaas ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo.

Ngunit hindi natin kayang hayaang tumigil o maantala ito dahil ito ang nagsisilbing piston ng ating ekonomiya. Ang mga super ay natulungan ng cash relief mula sa ating programang AICS. Mayroon ding 10 piso kada litro na diesel subsidy para sa mga pampasaherong jeepney at UV Express upang may dagdag na pangkarga.

Bukod pa rito, mahigit 1,800,000 nagpapasada ang nahandogan din ng tulong ng AICS. Para naman sa mga pasahero, nagkaroon ng mga libreng sakay, kung saan sinigundahan pa ng ilang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan gamit ang kanilang mga sasakyan. Humalili rin ang DA sa paghatid ng mga kargamento ng produktong agrikultural sa mga sentro ng kalakalan sa buong bansa.

At para lalo pang makatulong nang sabay sa tsuper at pasahero, binuhay natin ang service contracting program para sa pampublikong bus at ang ating mga jeep. (1:15:42) Sa ilalim ng sistemang ito, ang kwalipikadong operator o driver ay nakakakuha ng karagdagang kita sa bawat kilometrong tinatakbo sa pagserbisyo sa mga pasahero. Sa panig naman ng pasahero, kung hindi man libre ang sakay, meron silang 20 percent na discount sa pamasahe.

At ang diskwentong ito ay dagdag pa sa karaniwang 20 percent discount para sa mga estudyante, senior at saka sa may kapansanan. Ibig sabihin, para sa ating mga priority passengers, 40 percent ang kabuuang diskwento nila sa pamasahe. Nariyan din ang Tupad tuloy-pasada kung saan nagkaroon ng dagdag na kita ang mga super na pampasada.

Sa mga programang ito pa lang, milyong-milyong Pilipino – driver man o pasahero – ang nakaramdam ng kaunting ginhawa sa kanilang mga biyahe araw-araw mula nang ito’y nailunsad. Dito sa Metro Manila, ang lahat ng mga sumasakay ng LRT-2 at MRT-3 ay patuloy na naging ginawaan ng 50% discount sa pamasahe. Bukod pa ito, sa mga espesyal na diskwento na ating ibinibigay tuwing linggo at mahalagang kapistahan.

Sa ating mga paliparan at pantalan, pansamantalan nating binaba ang sari-saring mga bayarin sa paggamit ng mga pasilidad, gaya ng terminal fee, landing and take-off fee, harbor fee, anchorage at berthing fee, pati mga storage fee. Halimbawa, sa Cebu Port, naging libre ang terminal fee. Sa mga paliparan naman, ang service charge sa mga pasahero ay binawasan din natin.

Gayundin, sa PITX, ang terminal na nag-uugnay ng Metro Manila sa Katimugan, sinuspindi natin ng tatlong buwan ang pagsingil ng terminal fees sa mga pampasaherong sasakyan. Sa mga expressways naman, sila ay may diskwento sa toll fee na umabot sa halos dalawang daang piso. At kapag ang kargamento naman, ang pagsakay ng RoRo ay produktong agrikultural at sangkap ng pagkain, binaba natin mula limang daan ang terminal fee.

Ngayon, piso na lang ang sinisingil sa kanila. Sa pagdaan naman nila sa mga expressways, libre ang toll fee ng mga truck na accredited ng Department of Agriculture. Dahil sa lahat ng mga pinatupad na ito, milyong-milyong Pilipino ang kahit papaano ay direktang nakaramdam ng tulong sa panahon ng mataas na presyo ng pretoryo.

Sila ang ating mga tsuper ng pampublikong sasakyan, mga estudyante, manggagawa, pati na rin ang mga magsasaka at marami pang pasahero sa buong Pilipinas. Mga kababayan, sa ating pagbabalik-tanaw, kaya ko kayong harapin at sabihin na ginawa natin ang lahat ng nararapat upang malunasan ang mga epekto ng krisis. Agarang kumilos ang buong pamahalaan upang tumulong sa mamamayan.

Sa katunayan, tayo pa ay hinahangaan ngayon dahil sa bilis, liksi at pagiging aktibo ng ating pagtugon. Limang buwan mula nang sumiklab ang digmaan, ramdam pa rin natin ang bigat ng mga epekto nito sa ating bansa. Hanggang kailangan, asahan ninyo, na hindi titigil ang pagsuporta ng pamahalaan.

Naglaan tayo ng mahigit 60 bilyong piso para dito hanggang sa katapusan ng taon. Ang pondong naisalba natin na balak ibulsa ng mga tiwaling opisyal ay sa taong-bayan natin ibinubuhos. Ngayon, ipipihit natin ang mga programa sa mas nangangailangan nating kapwa Pilipino para naman mas malawak at mas marami ang maaabot ng tulong.

Layunin nating matulungan ang 3,500,000 benepisyaryo ng 4Ps at walang-gutong program, ang 1,500,000 minimum wage na manggagawa na miyembro ng SSS, at ang 2,500,000 kababayan nating mahirap na hindi pa naging benepisyaryo ng programang pang-ayuda ng pamahalaan. Kung susumahin, mahigit 7,500,000 na milyon ang lubos na nangangailangan ang matutulungan natin sa mabigat na kabanatang ito.

* Ngunit, hindi natin kaliligtaan ang ating mga manggagawang Pilipino, lalo na ang mga middle class pati na ang mga maliliit na negosyo. Alam natin na sila rin ay nabibigatan sa epekto ng krisis. So, to ensure the continued progress of the middle class and mends the lingering effects of the crisis, we will pursue tax relief measures that promote growth, that generate revenue, and advance equity towards social economic sustainability. Kaya bilang natatanging proteksyon sa kanila a para mas mapakinbangan nila ang pinaghirapan nilang kita, nananawagan ako sa Kongreso upang maipasa ang batas na magbibigay ng bahagyang ginhawa para sa ating bayaring buwis.

*Una, palawakin natin ang exemption sa income tax. Dagdagan natin ang mga manggagawang malilibre sa buwis sa kanilang kita. Isasama na natin ang mga kumikita nang hindi lalagpas sa P350,000 kada taon, kasabay nito ang karampatang pagbaba ng income tax ng iba na parang manggagawa.

Pangalawa, ang mga maliliit na negosyo ay hindi na papatawan ng minimum corporate income tax.

Pangatlo, para mapanatag ang loob ng taong-bayan, ang pagbigay ng amnesty para sa mga hindi nabayarang buwis tulad ng income tax, estate at donors tax at value-added tax, kasama na rin diyan ang mga multa na kaakibat ng mga ito. Malinaw ang mga leksyon sa atin ng mga nagdaang buwan.

Una, ang kahalagahan ng seguridad at katatagan ng bansa pagdating sa enerhiya at sa pagkain, ng ating ugnayan sa ibang bansa at ng bawat mamamayan kahit saan man sila naroroon. Pangalawa, ang abilidad ng pamahalaan na kumilos agad sa angkop at mainam na paraan. At ang ikatlo, ang pagpursige at pagtitiyaga ng Pilipino sa kabila ng mga hamong dumadaan.

Dala ang mga sariwang leksyon nito, mas maayos at mabilis ang pag-responde natin sa ating mga naging biktima ng sakuna. Tulad sa nangyaring paglindol sa Visayas at Mindanao kamakailan, mahigit 600,000 pamilya ang ating nasakluluhan. Lampas sa tatlong bilyong piso ang ating binuhos para sa agarang tulong sa mga pamilyang lubos na naapektuhan.

Ito’y sa pamamagitan ng pagkain, pagpapagamot, tulong pinansyal at pabahay. Unti-unti na rin nating naaayos ang supply ng tubig at kuryente, linya ng komunikasyon at mga daan sa mga apektadong lugar. Hindi lamang minsang paghatid ng tulong ang ating ginagawa.

*Ang misyon natin ay sila’y muling makabangon at maitaguyod. We have moved on from the reactive approach, now we are not only pro active but predictive as well, aided by digital tools.

*The strategies of public-private supply chains, hubs and spokes, warehousing, automated production, and wide-scale pre-positioning of food and non-food supplies in LGUs have proven their efficacy. We have now established the network consistent of primary disaster resource centers in Luzon, in Visayas, and soon in Mindanao, 15 hubs, 76 spokes, and 919 last-mile facilities across the country, which makes up our nationwide disaster response infrastructure. Because of this robust system, delivery of emergency nourishment and relief to target areas is now made possible under 24 hours.

Sa panahon ng krisis o kalamidad, handa na ang pamahalaan sa pagpapadala ng mga mobile energy system upang makapaghatid ng emergency power sa mga lugar na nawalan ng kuryente.

Complementing these are our government emergency communications system and the private sector-led and our first-ever satellite-to-mobile service, both of which guarantee uninterrupted telecommunications nationwide in the event of crises and of disasters.

At dahil meron na tayong konsepto ng state of imminent disaster, hindi na natin hinihintay na mangyari ang sakuna, aagapan natin ang paghahanda at pag-responde.

And so, taking all these lessons to heart, our overarching mission and all our conscious efforts henceforth must not be to simply uplift, but to ensure the security and self-sufficiency of our nation and of our fellow Filipinos.

Sa nasaksihang nating pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo, maraming kababayan natin ang umasa sa pampublikong sasakyan. Kaya pinagtutuunan nating mabuti ang ating mga tren, mga busway, transport hub at integrated terminal at ang pagpapaganda at pagpapalawak ng mga paliparan at pantalan sa buong bansa.

Ito ay upang mas malawak at malayo ang naaabot, tumaas ang kapasidad, at maging moderno at mas maginhawa ang serbisyo. Halimbawa, sa susunod na taon, ang mga tren ng North-South Commuter Railway ay tatakbo na sa pagitan ng Valenzuela at Malolos. Sisikapin ng DOTR na sa pagtatapos ng administrasyong ito, tapos na rin ang railway hanggang sa Clark.

Sa susunod na taon, bubuksan na rin ang labindalawang istasyon ng MRT-7. Matapos ang halos tatlong dekada, may bago nang linya ang MRT na tutulak pa hanggang Sacred Heart sa Quezon City mula sa North Avenue. At balang araw, aabot pa ito hanggang San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

Sadyang napakalaking ginhawa nito sa halos isang milyong pasahero bawat araw. Thanks to the recently enacted, accelerated, and reformed Right-of-Way Act, right-of-way issues are now more quickly resolved, removing the biggest chokepoint in our mass transit development program. Sa kabilang banda, yung unang bahagi ng Cebu Bus Rapid Transit ay bukas na, at yung nasa Ilocos Norte naman ay ating pasisinayaan sa susunod na taon.

Ang mga nag-modernize ng mga sasakyan, lalo na ang mga lumipat sa mga hybrid at electric vehicle, ay hindi nakaramdam ng kurot ng pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo. Consistent with our clean energy drive, we have encouraged the adoption of electric vehicles. We have removed all tariffs on EVs until 2028 to bring down market prices.

And the government has also been mandated to prioritize electric vehicles in their re-fleeting plans. This clean-and-green policy is two-pronged. It shall also spur growth of our domestic local industries across the EV value chain, specifically those involved in vehicle assembly and manufacturing of batteries and related spare parts.

Mithiin natin na, sa pagdating ng 2040, kalahati ng mga sasakyan natin ay EV na. Ang ilang makabagong love bus at articulated bus na gagamitin sa Davao City, mga EV na. Ang M/B Dalaray naman na pinasayaan natin kamakailan lamang, ay isa ring EV na nabuo sa pagtutulungan ng UP at DOST.

Sa darating na panahon, ang ganitong electric ferry boat ang gagamitin sa Pasig River Ferry Service, mula sa Pinagbuhatan sa Pasig hanggang sa Escolta sa Manila. Kaya hinihiling ko ang suporta ng buong industriya upang mapaandar na natin sa lalong madaling panahon ang ating minimithing modernisasyon ng mga pampublikong sasakyan.Titiyakin natin na magiging makatao, magaan at makatarungan ang pagpapatupad nito.

Tulad ng aking nabanggit, dapat mataas ang kalidad, matibay at maghahakatid ng pangmatagalang ginhawa sa taong-bayan ang lahat ng pampublikong imprastruktura. Ngayong taon, matatapos na ang bahagi ng South Luzon Expressway TR4 mula sa Santo Tomas City, Batangas, at papuntang Tiaong sa Quezon. Halos 17,000 motorista araw-araw ang makikinabang dito.

Ang mga nasirang tulay sa San Juanico, sa Eastern Visayas, Kabagan-Santa Maria, sa Isabela, Pigatan, sa Cagayan, Calvigan at Liloan, sa Samar at Panoliran, sa Iligan ay kaagad nating naayos at ngayon ay nagagamit na muli. Bukod sa 137 evacuation centers na naitayo sa buong bansa, magsisimula na ngayong taon ang pagpapatayo ng Ligtas Pinoy Centers. Una doon sa mga lugar na madalas tamaan ng hagupit ng panahon, tulad ng Bicol, Eastern Samar, Bukidnon, Davao de Oro.

Ang mga gusaling ito ay dinisenyo upang kayanin ang mga malubhang kalamidad tulad ng super typhoon na 340 kilometers per hour ang lakas ng hangin at ang magnitude 8.4 na lindol. Ganoon din dapat ang taas ng kalidad at tibay ng lahat ng pribadong imprastruktura. Ang lahat ng gusali sa ating bansa ay dapat handa at kayang manatiling matatag at nakatindig laban sa anumang banta ng sakuna at kalamidad.

Kaya akma lamang na bigyang-halaga at pagtuunan ang pag-amyenda ng National Building Code upang maging alinsunod ito sa mga modernong pamantayan. Katambal ng paglaban sa katiwalian, kaugnay ng mga ghost at substandard na flood control project, naglunsad din tayo ng Oplan Kontrabaha sa buong bansa. Dito sa Metro Manila, masigasig ang ginagawang paglilinis ng mga estero at imburnal sa pangunguna ng MMDA.

Nakakatulong ang mga Cash for Work program sa malawakang paglilinis ng mahigit dalawang daang estero at waterway mula sa Luzon hanggang Mindanao, sa Ilocos Sur, sa Cagayan, sa Camarines Sur, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Capiz, Iloilo, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental at Bukidnon. (1:33:32) Sa kabila ng mga ginagawa nating ito, kailangan pa rin nating iwasto ang ating pamamaraan sa pagtapon ng basura. One systemic intervention is to update our 25-year-old Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, aligning it with modern waste management practices such as waste-to-energy and waste treatment technology.

As we recalibrate our solid waste management systems, we can draw inspiration from the solid waste management practices being championed by the MMDA here in Metro Manila, such as waste recovery, processing, upcycling. For example, what used to be the Carmona Sanitary Landfill of the 1990s is now the MMDA Nature Park. And more than a multi-purpose green space, it shall soon be the base of its high-level disaster preparedness training and simulation exercises.

Gayundin, ang ating sistema ng agrikultura ay pinapatatag natin upang magarantiya ang ating supply ng pagkain at maipababa ang presyo nito para sa lahat. Ang sari-saring mga programa tulad ng puhunan, farm input, kagamitan, kaalaman, pati na ang insurance ay tumutulong sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Kaya mula noong 2023, patuloy na tumataas ang produksyon ng bansa, lumalakas ang cropping intensity, dumadami ang ani tulad ng palay, mais, asukal, baboy, at manok.

Dala ito ng malakas na buhos ng suporta sa sektor, ang gumaganda at lumalawak na sakop ng imprastruktura at sistema ng irigasyon, at ng tumataas na antas ng mekanisasyon. Nagbubuklod na rin ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda at nabibigyan ng makabagong teknolohiya, binhi, at mga pasilidad at kagamitan. Ilan sa mga ito ay ang 145 rice processing systems, tatlong malalaking cold storage facilities at halos 40,000 makinarya.

Ang mga taniman naman ng niyog ay dumadami at lumalawak din, dala ng ating programang malawakang pagtatanim sa buong bansa. Nakapagtanim na tayo ng 18 milyong puno at layunin po natin na, sa pagkatapos ng administrasyong ito, makakapagtanim tayo ng 100 milyong puno ng niyog sa Pilipinas. Gagarantiyahan nito ang tatag ng ating industriya ng niyog hanggang sa susunod na dekada.ng

Ang NFA din ay ngayon may mas malakas na ang kakayahan sa pagbili ng mga ani ng magsasaka sa mas magandang presyo at sa pag-imbak ng buffer stock. Ang mga sari-saring peste at sakit na nagbabantang manira ng mga inaasahang magandang kita, halimbawa rito ang avian flu at ASF. Kaya tinitiyak ng DA na ang mga magsasaka ay natututo ng mga makabagong kaalaman at mga mainam na paraan sa pag-iwas at paglaban sa mga ito.

Gayunpaman, ang insurance ay nagsisilbing mabisang panangga laban sa pagkalugi dala ng pagkawala o pagkasira sa hindi inaasahang pangyayari. Sa nakalipas na apat na taon, natulungan ang sektor upang mabawi ang halaga ng pinsala sa hanapbuhay na umabot sa 19 bilyong pisong kabayaran. Ang crop insurance ngayon ay hindi limitado sa mga pananim.

Kasama sa saklaw nito ang mga alagang hayop, palaisdaan, mga gamit at pasilidad, pati sasakyan na pangagrikultura. Meron ding life insurance para sa mismong magsasaka at mangingisda. Papalawigin pa ng Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation at DA ang kaalaman ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda tungkol sa crop insurance.

Upang makapagbigay ng kapanatagan sa isipan ng mga benepisyaryo ng agrarian reform, wala tayong tigil sa pamamahagi ng mga titulo sa lupa na ginawad sa kanila. Kaya sa loob ng apat na taon, lagpas 400,000 titulo na ang suma total ng ating ipinamahagi sa kanila – na may kabuuang lawak na mahigit 500,000 ektarya.

Tatapusin na natin ang pamamahagi ng mga titulo sa susunod na taon. Marami sa mga benepisyaryo ang naghintay ng 30-60 taon. Ang iba mapalad na nasaksihan ang paglabas ng kanilang titulo.

Sa tagal naman ng panahon, yung iba apo na nga ang tumanggap. Ganun din kahalaga sa kanila ang seguridad na hatid ng kalayaan mula sa pagkalubog sa utang. Kaya, asahan ninyo, kukumpletuhin na natin ngayong taon ang ginagawa nating pagpapawalang-bisa sa mga utang ng ating mga benepisyaryo.

Sa kabila ng mga ito, patuloy pa rin ang suporta ng DAR sa reformang agraryo tulad irigasyon, mga daan, makinarya at mga pautang para sa mga benepisyar nito. Kaya’t sinasabi ko, Secretary Conrad, huwag mong munang isipin na puwede ka nang mag-retire. Marami ka pang trabahong gagawin sa DAR.

UNILAG makes U-turn, withdraws sexual harassment poster after public outrage

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has withdrawn its controversial sexual harassment advisory for female students following widespread public criticism, saying the publication does not represent the institution’s values and reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on sexual harassment and victim-blaming.

The university announced the withdrawal in an Information Flash signed on Monday by the Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke R. Alaga-Ibraheem, on behalf of the university management.

According to the statement, the publication, which was produced by the Student Affairs Division and circulated on social media, has been withdrawn after attracting public concern and backlash.

‘We acknowledge that the publication was originally produced by the University’s Student Affairs Division. However, it has been withdrawn, as its content does not reflect the values, position, or standards of the University of Lagos.

‘The University of Lagos wishes to state unequivocally, and for the record that we do not tolerate rape or sexual harassment in any form, nor do we validate, engage in, or support victim-blaming or shaming. Placing the responsibility on victims or suggesting that individuals are to blame for being subjected to harassment is entirely unacceptable and contrary to the core values of our institution.’

The institution stressed that sexual harassment remains a serious offence that has no place within its community and should never be trivialised, adding that anyone can become a victim regardless of gender.

‘Sexual harassment is a serious misconduct that has no place in our community and must never be trivialised. We also recognise that sexual harassment is not gender-specific and can affect anyone. We, therefore, encourage any student who has experienced or witnessed sexual harassment to utilize the University’s official, confidential reporting structures to ensure immediate investigation and support.

‘The University of Lagos remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, equitable, and inclusive environment in which all members of its community can learn, work, and thrive.’

The reversal comes hours after the university’s Student Affairs Division issued counselling tips for female students on preventing sexual harassment and rape on campus.

Displayed on a roll-up banner within the institution, the advisory encouraged female students to adopt precautionary measures, with one of its most criticised messages stating, ‘Do not shake hands anyhow with any man.’

Other messages on the banner read: ‘Do not dress to kill. Do not shake hands anyhow with any man. Do not mingle carelessly with men. Do not stay alone with a man in a hidden place. Do not seek unnecessary favour from men. Do not join to watch pornographic film/pictures. Do not accept intoxicants and be vigilant when you are served with drinks. Do not give in to pressure – be assertive.

‘Learn to say no. One-time sex can cause you pregnancy; if you don’t want it, don’t try it.’

The Student Affairs Division had said the advisory formed part of its counselling efforts to educate female students on personal safety and ways to reduce the risk of sexual harassment and rape on campus.

WATCH: Cayetano cites ‘crisis of hope’ as nation faces key challenges

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano says the Philippines is facing a ‘crisis of hope’ as he outlined the key challenges confronting both the Marcos administration and the nation.

In an ambush interview following the opening of the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress on Monday, Cayetano discussed issues he believes the government must address as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prepares to deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona).

Davido gifts Mayorkun Tesla Cybertruck

Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has gifted his former record label signee, Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel popularly known as Mayorkun, a Tesla Cybertruck.

Davido shared the news on his Instagram page, where he posted a photo of the electric vehicle along with a short message to the singer.

‘My gift to you. I love you iammayorkun,’ he wrote.

The Tesla Cybertruck is known for its stainless steel exterior and distinctive design.

Depending on the model and condition, the vehicle is estimated to cost between N195 million and N300 million.

Mayorkun was signed to Davido’s record label DMW from 2016 to 2021, his debut single ‘Eleko’ was released under the label.

Mayorkun released his debut studio album ‘The Mayor of Lagos’ in November 2018.

After his exit from DMW in 2021; he released ‘Let Me Know’ and his second studio album ‘Back in Office’ in October 2021, under the Sony Music West Africa division.

18 football coaches take part in historic AFC Pro Diploma Coaching Course

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF), with support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), has reached another milestone in the professionalization of football coaching with the launch of the country’s first-ever AFC Pro Diploma Coaching Course.

This marks a new era in the development of elite coaches for Philippine football, with 18 coaches – 13 Filipino and five foreign nationals – enrolled.

The inaugural module of the year-long program opened on July 22 and runs until July 26 at the PSC Media Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

The course is spread across multiple residential modules over nearly a year and represents the highest coaching qualification offered by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Under the mentorship of veteran instructor and former national team head coach Stewart Hall, it prepares coaches for professional clubs and national teams through advanced education in leadership, tactical analysis, high-performance management, sports science integration, and modern club management. PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez and PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio joined the participants during the third day of the opening module on July 24, underscoring the importance of the landmark program to Philippine football.

“For more than a century since the Philippine Football Federation was established in 1907, we have never hosted an AFC Pro Diploma Coaching Course,” Gutierrez said. “We have only produced two Filipino pro licensed coaches, and they both had to earn their qualifications abroad. Today, we finally change that.”

Gutierrez described the course as one of the Federation’s most significant investments in coaching education, emphasizing that raising the standard of coaches is fundamental to improving every level of Philippine football.

“In line with the PSC’s initiative to professionalize coaching across all sports, the PFF is proud to finally bring the AFC Pro Diploma to the Philippines. We hope this is only the first of many,” Gutierrez said, thanking PSC for supporting this historic program.

The AFC Pro Diploma is reserved for experienced coaches who already possess an AFC ‘A’ Diploma and are actively coaching at the professional or elite level.

Participants undergo rigorous theoretical and practical assessments, club management projects, and international exposure designed to prepare them for the demands of coaching at the highest levels of Asian football.

Gregorio reaffirmed the PSC’s commitment to supporting football’s continued growth, stressing that investment in coaching is essential to producing better players and stronger national teams.

“I believe Filipinos can excel in football,” Gregorio said. “But we have to invest. We have to become more serious and continue building partnerships with FIFA and the PFF. Once we have football fields all over the country, we also need good coaches, good referees and technical officials. Everything starts with the coach.”

Drawing from his experience in strengthening Philippine archery through world-class coaching this year, Gregorio highlighted the transformative role coaches play in athlete development.

“That is why I believe in this program,” he added. “If you teach athletes the right way, they will succeed. I fully support Philippine football because I know we can become much better with great coaches leading the way.”

The pioneering batch brings together coaches and technical leaders from professional clubs, regional football associations, universities, and the PFF’s own technical departments, reflecting a nationwide commitment to raising coaching standards.

Among the participants is University of Santo Tomas (UST) football director and PFF tutor Marjo Allado, who said the opportunity will inspire more Filipino coaches to pursue the highest coaching qualification.

“It is a great honor to represent UST and the UAAP football community, ” Allado said. ” As more Filipino coaches earn the AFC Pro Diploma, we can help improve football not only in the professional game but also in the provinces.”

Reigning Philippines Football League champion and AFC Challenge League semifinalist Manila Digger head coach Kim Versales described the program as an opportunity to modernize coaching throughout the country.

“This helps all coaches move Philippine football forward,” Versales said. “The knowledge we gain here will not stay with us – we can share it with coaches and young players throughout the grassroots football community.”

Dynamic Herb Cebu FC head coach Tomasito Glenn Ramos, who coached his team to a historic ASEAN Club Championship stint last year, called the arrival of the course a long-awaited dream for Filipino coaches.

“This is our dream,” Ramos said. “The more Pro Diploma coaches we produce, the more quality players we can develop for our clubs and national teams. Everything we learn here will eventually benefit football throughout the Philippines.”

Central Luzon Football Association Technical Director and PFF tutor Mark Anthony Francisco emphasized that the program raises the country’s coaching standards to meet international demands.

“It is both an honor and a big responsibility to be part of the first course,” Francisco said. “Football continues to evolve, and coaches must continue learning. This [course] will create more opportunities for Filipino coaches here and abroad while strengthening the professional game.”

PFF Mindanao Technical Development Officer Albert Ryan ” Abing” Lim likewise viewed the course as a significant step toward the Federation’s long-term vision.

“It has always been a dream for Filipino coaches to have the Pro Diploma here in the Philippines,” Lim said. ” As we produce more Pro Diploma coaches, we will also produce more quality players who can represent our national teams in the future.”

The inaugural AFC Pro Diploma Coaching Course consists of 18 participants representing Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and overseas football organizations. They are:

John Carmona (Negros Occidental RFA)

Albert Ryan Lim (PFF Mindanao Technical Director/Davao)

Aris Bocalan (PFF Coaching Education Coordinator/Cordillera)

Bob Salvacion (PFF Grassroots Development Head)

Randolfo Paolo Clarino (UP Fighting Maroons)

Dan Padernal (NCRFA)

David Javellana (NCRFA)

Erniest Nieras (Stallion Laguna)

Tomasito Glenn Ramos (Cebu FC/CRFA)

John Martin Ferrer (Cebu RFA)

Kim Versales (Manila Digger/Masbate)

Marjo Allado (UST Growling Tigers)

Mark Anthony Francisco (Central Luzon FA)

Moon Hong (South Korea/Maharlika FC)

Bobae Park (South Korea/Kaya FC)

Stuart Kelly (Football Australia)

Taketomo Suzuki (Japan/Tuloy FC)

Tetsuya Tsuchida (PFF Youth Development Head/Japan)

SM Prime open to bringing voco hotel brand in Philippines

SM Prime Holdings Inc., the integrated property development arm of the SM Group, is open to bringing InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)’s fast-growing premium brand voco to the Philippine market following their successful partnership in China.

‘I think because of the experience in China, we’ll try to see if we can do something in Manila,’ SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said.

‘So it depends. But if you see this (voco) hotel, it looks really good. And there is no voco yet in Manila,’ he said.

In June, SM Prime opened voco Xiamen SM City, a 325-room upscale hotel with direct access to the SM Xiamen shopping center.

The over P4-billion investment was SM Prime’s maiden hotel venture in China, strengthening its strategic presence in the country where the group’s founder, the late taipan Henry Sy Sr., was born.

Voco hotels is IHG’s fastest-growing premium brand which offers a hotel experience that is ‘consistently thoughtful and distinct,’ providing an ‘inviting and unstuffy atmosphere’ which create a space where guests can unwind and feel at ease.

As of March 2026, there were 137 open and operating voco hotels globally.

Lim said SM Prime has plenty of locations in the Philippines for potential hotel developments.

‘Like even in Mall of Asia alone, we still have areas. And with the reclamation, there will be more. We already have some plans for the reclamation, and we will have hotels in that area,’ he said.

SM Prime’s ongoing reclamation project, previously called as Pasay 360 but is now being referred to as Smart City and SM Bay City, is the company’s most transformative integrated property development that is intended to be developed into an urban estate that fuses connectivity, sustainability, livability, tourism and commerce.

The project is a 360-hectare development that the company is undertaking with the Pasay City local government unit.

It will be connected to the Mall of Asia complex and turned into a vibrant business district featuring world-class mall, offices, residences, entertainment arena, five-star hotel and convention center.

House set to pass remaining half of FM Jr’s priority bills

AS Congress opens the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress, the House of Representatives is ramping up efforts to pass the remaining half of the administration’s priority bills-measures intended to support the programs of President Marcos in the final two years of his term and ‘help our people as well.’

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos said the chamber will focus on passing the remaining 26 out of the 52 priority measures endorsed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) after approving half during the First Regular Session.

‘We have so far passed 26 measures, or half of our target, during the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress. We will work on approving the rest in the course of our second regular session,’ he said.

The legislative push comes as the House, under Speaker Faustino Dy III, aligns its priorities with the development agenda of the administration, with measures aimed at delivering structural reforms and improving public services.

Marcos stressed that the pending bills are designed not only to support the administration’s programs but also to directly benefit Filipinos.

‘We will ensure that these proposed laws will help our President and, more importantly, ease the lives of our people,’ he said.

Among the key measures still in the pipeline are amendments to the Universal Health Care Act, which seek to expand access to healthcare services, as well as reforms targeting specific sectors such as coconut farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The House is also advancing proposals aimed at strengthening transparency and governance, including amendments to the Bank Secrecy Law and the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

‘People should feel and experience the benefits provided under our laws,’ Marcos added.

Status report

A STATUS report from the House Committee on Rules shows that legislative work on the remaining priority bills is already at various stages.

Of the 26 pending measures, one-the proposed Cybersecurity Act-is already scheduled for plenary action, while another is awaiting a committee report. Nine bills are currently under review by the Committee on Appropriations, and the remaining 15 are still being tackled at the technical working group or committee level.

The bicameral conference committee report on the amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act has already been ratified.

Three measures are under conference committee deliberations: the National Center for Geriatric Health, amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act.

Twenty-one bills have been approved on third and final reading: Right to Information, Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) Amendments: Energy Regulatory Commission Strengthening, Waste-to-Energy (Waste Treatment Technology and Regulatory Framework) bill, amendments to the National Building Code, Blue Economy Act, National Reintegration Bill, amendments to the Teachers Professionalization Act, Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, extension of Estate Tax Amnesty Period, Department of Water Resources Bill, amendments to the Bank Deposits Secrecy Law, Travel Tax Abolition, Digital Payments Act, amendments to the Biofuels Act, and National Land Use Act.

Approved

THESE measures have already been approved on third reading: amendments to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act to strengthen and expand its coverage; the Anti-Political Dynasty bill; the measure strengthening the Bases Conversion and Development Authority; the proposed Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act; the Anti-Fake News and Disinformation Act; and amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act.

Of the 26 pending priority measures, one-the Cybersecurity Act- is now in the calendar of business, while another (Disqualifying Relatives of Officials [up to 4th Degree] in Government Contracts) is for the filing of a committee report.

Nine bills are for comments on or transmittal to the Committee on Appropriations: Modernizing the Bureau of Immigration, amendments to the Magna Carta for MSMEs, Classroom-Building Acceleration Program, Reprogramming of Seal of Good Local Governance, Modernizing the Civil Registration System, Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability Act, Disaster Risk Financing Insurance, Magna Carta for Barangay, and Master Plan for Infrastructure and National Development.

The remaining 15 are under technical working group or committee deliberation: Amendments to the Universal Health Care Act, Excise Tax on Single-Use Plastics, Amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law, Creating the Independent People’s Commission, Amendments to the Fisheries Code, Amendments to the Local Government Code (Special Education Fund), and Law on Online Gambling.

The following bills are also under consideration: Amendments to the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, General Tax Amnesty, Progressive Budgeting for Better and Modernized Governance Act, Fair Use of Social Media, AI, and Internet Technology in Elections, Amendments to the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Law, Requiring Civil Servants to Waive Bank Secrecy, Amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, and Party-List System Reform Act.

Momentum

THE House is set to resume sessions on Monday, with at least two measures-including cooperative reforms and the proposed National Thanksgiving Day-ready for plenary voting once proceedings reopen.

Marcos said the chamber deliberately prepared its legislative pipeline ahead of the break to ensure faster action when sessions resume.

‘President Marcos gave Congress a focused development agenda, and Speaker Faustino G. Dy III organized the House to move that agenda from committee work to plenary action with discipline and urgency. We are resuming session with measures already prepared for decision because legislative time must produce concrete results for the Filipino people,’ Marcos said.

The second regular session will open on the morning of July 27, alongside the President’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) scheduled at 4:00 p.m.

The leadership aims to accelerate the passage of the remaining Ledac priorities before the end of the year, reinforcing its commitment to translate the administration’s agenda into enacted laws.

‘President Marcos expects the legislative and executive branches to keep pace with the needs of the country. These three bills are part of a larger production line that includes Ledac priorities, urgent national reforms, and measures already moving toward bicameral deliberation or Senate action,’ Marcos said.

ICYMI: Marcos says charges vs ex-Speaker Romualdez coming soon

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. starts his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 27, 2026, with an update on the gains made in going after those behind flood control anomalies, which he exposed in his last Sona.

Marcos hinted that charges are soon to be filed against a former speaker, apparently referring to his cousin, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, who is being linked into multi-billion flood conrol poject scandal.

Sona 2026: DENR chief to ‘ensure’ Pax Silica project compliance

The acting chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday said the agency will ensure the Pax Silica project complies with environmental regulations amid opposition from several groups over fears of massive energy and water consumption and the potential displacement of local residents.

Acting DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna made the remarks Monday during the sidelines of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives.

‘We will ensure environmental compliance will be strictly observed,’ Cuna told reporters in an ambush interview.

Cuna said, ‘We look forward to a big project like this that will provide jobs and help our economy, but we will definitely not sacrifice the environment for the Pax Silica.’

However, protesters along Commonwealth Avenue, including the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, expressed their strong opposition to the United States-led project during the ‘People’s Sona’ to counter Marcos Jr.’s.

The KMP said ‘the broad public opposition against Pax Silica brewing online should translate into actual collective action to reject this US-led initiative and stop its realization.’

‘The Marcos Jr. administration’s participation in the US-led Pax Silica initiative will accelerate land grabbing, agricultural land conversion, destructive mining, and the displacement of farming and indigenous communities under the guise of digital development and artificial intelligence,’ KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos said in a statement over the weekend.

However, Cuna said that the initial area identified for the Pax Silica hub is within New Clark City and ‘has no inhabitants, and in that sense, the community will not be disturbed.’

The country has designated a 1,620-hectare site in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac as the proposed location of an AI and advanced manufacturing hub under the Pax Silica initiative.

The Pax Silica hub can bring up to P180 billion in total revenues per year and generate almost 200,000 jobs for Filipinos, according to the Bases and Conversion Development Authority.

However, the Makabayan bloc on Saturday said the planned hub would require about five gigawatts of electricity, which they claimed would put pressure on the country’s already fragile power grid.

Last week, Marcos Jr. met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and discussed several matters including opportunities related to the Pax Silica hub.