PBBM Expands Nationwide Access to Government Aid, Healthcare, and Economic Support Programs
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. continued to strengthen the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance by rolling out programs and initiatives aimed at expanding access to government assistance, healthcare services, economic protection, and community development across the country.
Throughout the week, the President led several key activities focused on ensuring that government programs directly benefit vulnerable and underserved sectors.
One of the administration’s major initiatives introduced this week was the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program, which delivers community-based assistance through rice distribution, educational support, and funding for local development projects. The program prioritizes solo parents, farmers, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and low-income families.
Under the initiative, participating barangays received financial assistance for priority community projects, while qualified students were granted educational support to help improve access to learning opportunities.
Complementing the initiative is the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program, which distributes affordable rice sourced from local farmers to strengthen food security while supporting the agriculture sector. President Marcos personally launched the program in Cagayan on Friday, benefiting more than 111,000 residents.
Expanded Healthcare Services Nationwide
As part of the administration’s healthcare modernization efforts, President Marcos visited several medical facilities this week to assess healthcare services and infrastructure development.
In Pasig City, the President inspected services at The Medical City, focusing on the implementation of expanded Philippine Health Insurance Corporation benefits, including improved maternity care and outpatient emergency services.
He also toured the newly established Pampanga Provincial Hospital–Clark in Clark, Pampanga, a Level II healthcare facility equipped with advanced diagnostic and clinical services designed to serve residents, workers, and investors in the rapidly growing economic zone.
The hospital is also being prepared for accreditation under PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, which aims to provide more comprehensive primary healthcare services to Filipinos.
Meanwhile, in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, President Marcos led the inauguration of the Brain and Spine Center at the Cagayan Valley Medical Center. The facility, established under Republic Act 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, is equipped with advanced technologies for the treatment of neurological conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, and spinal disorders.
The President likewise announced plans to establish at least 349 specialty healthcare centers nationwide by 2028 to further improve access to specialized medical services.
Stronger Economic and Social Protection Measures
Malacañang also identified the proposed Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) bill as a priority legislative measure designed to address external economic pressures, including fuel price increases and inflation challenges.
The proposed measure seeks to strengthen government coordination in implementing livelihood, food security, transport, and economic support programs for affected communities.
President Marcos also instructed concerned government agencies to accelerate projects that create jobs, improve food production, and contribute to economic stability.
Strengthened International Cooperation
The President also reinforced international partnerships during a bilateral meeting with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios at Malacañan Palace in Manila.
Both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, trade, renewable energy, and cultural exchanges. Agreements on diplomatic training and visa waiver arrangements for ordinary passport holders were likewise signed during the visit.
Paraguay also expressed its intention to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, signaling stronger regional and multilateral cooperation.
ADB Supports Philippine Economic Resilience
On Friday, representatives from the Asian Development Bank conveyed their readiness to provide up to USD1.75 billion in additional financing support to help the Philippines address external economic challenges.
The commitment was discussed during President Marcos’ meeting with ADB President Masato Kanda at Malacañan Palace and is expected to strengthen the country’s fiscal resilience, social protection programs, and food and energy security initiatives.
Investigation Ordered on Senate Incident
President Marcos also ordered an impartial investigation into the reported gunfire incident at the Senate building amid tensions surrounding the possible arrest of Senator Ronald Dela Rosa.
The President clarified that no directive had been issued to arrest the senator and that no unauthorized operation was conducted within Senate premises.
Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage and statements from Senate security personnel, National Bureau of Investigation agents, and other involved units to establish the full sequence of events and determine accountability.
Source: NPO News Team | PNA-PR
