QUEZON CITY (PIA)— President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., marks his first year in office in stride with milestones in development and international relations among others.

National Growth and Development

As early as the president’s first State of the Nation Address in July 2022, the PBBM administration has focused on the boosting economy, agriculture, agrarian reform, tourism, health, education, digitalization, infrastructure, energy, climate change, migrant workers, and foreign policy leading to the formulation of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.

PDP 2023-2028, formally launched in January 2023, is the nation’s roadmap for economic and social transformation enjoining all national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges and, government financial institutions in its full implementation.

PBBM also actively supports landmark infrastructure and development projects such as the  Metro Manila Subway Project, North-South Commuter Railway contract signing, Clark International Airport New Terminal Opening, and Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project Groundbreaking among others.

International Relations

The President also puts a premium on international relations, attracting trade deals and foreign investments, to strengthen the Philippine Economy.

Participation in the 77th United Nations General Assembly and Association of South East Asian Nations Summit among other bilateral meetings pave the way to stronger foreign relations and better trade policies.

The President also calls on foreign trade partners and the international community to engage with the country in line with the recently approved Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) last June 15, 2023.

Local issues & policies

On a local scale, PBBM pushes for the implementation of laws and policies such as ranging from the Sim Registration Act to the historic Inauguration of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority in September 2022, all of which have monumental impacts on their constituents.

The President also serves as the Department of Agriculture Secretary, implementing a hands-on approach overseeing the country’s agricultural concerns.

PBBM highly values both environmental and societal issues spending his 65th Birthday in the mountains of Rizal for the National Simultaneous Tree Planting with stakeholders and at the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s centers and residential care facilities with the underprivileged.

President Marcos Jr. also closely monitors and directs government initiatives in times of disaster. This includes visiting the recent Oriental Mindoro Oil Spill and ensuring evacuees’ welfare during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Paeng in October 2023 and during Mayon Volcano’s recent volcanic activity in June 2023, valuing human life above all.

In his June 30, 2022, Inaugural Speech, the president assured the nation of his commitment to steer the nation forward with the welfare of all Filipinos in mind and is currently in the process of delivering his promises for a better Philippines. (GG/PIA with reports from PCO/RTVM)