(Photo courtesy of PCO)
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. focused on preparations for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits while implementing major leadership changes across government agencies, strengthening national defense, and reviewing key development projects during a packed week of official engagements.
With the Philippines set to host the regional gathering from November 15 to 17, Marcos personally inspected major summit venues on Tuesday, including the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and the International Media Center (IMC) in Pasay City.
The PICC will host high-level meetings among ASEAN leaders and dialogue partners, while the IMC at the World Trade Center Metro Manila will serve as the main workspace for local and international journalists covering the summit.
In a video message, Marcos called for collective efforts to ensure the successful hosting of the international gathering, describing it as an opportunity to showcase Filipino culture, talent, and hospitality.
Major reshuffle in economic agencies
The President also ordered a leadership reshuffle involving four government agencies responsible for revenue collection, investment promotion, and economic development.
Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno was appointed head of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), replacing Joshua Bingcang, who was transferred to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza was reassigned to lead the BOC, while Finance Undersecretary Rolando Ligon Jr. was named the new BIR chief.
Marcos administered the oath of office to Nepomuceno, Mendoza, and Ligon in separate ceremonies at Malacañan Palace on Friday.
The administration said the changes were intended to improve revenue collection, streamline trade facilitation, and strengthen investment promotion.
New appointments in the judiciary
Marcos also administered the oath of office to newly appointed Chief Justice Rodil Zalameda on Monday, marking a leadership transition in the Supreme Court.
The President expressed confidence in Zalameda’s ability to lead the judiciary with integrity, impartiality, and a firm commitment to the rule of law.
Meanwhile, Malacañang announced on Friday the appointment of Commission on Audit Chairperson Gamaliel Asis Cordoba as the next Supreme Court associate justice.
Cordoba will replace Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, who is scheduled to retire on November 16.
Strengthening military leadership and maritime defense
National security also remained a priority as Marcos led the mass oath-taking of 34 newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Malacañan on Tuesday.
Among those who took their oath was AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.
During the ceremony, Marcos emphasized the military’s responsibility to defend the country’s maritime interests, maintain internal security, and support humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.
On Friday, the President also presided over the Philippine Navy’s change of command and retirement ceremony in Manila.
Vice Admiral Alan Madrid Javier formally assumed command as the Navy’s 42nd Flag Officer-in-Command, succeeding Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta.
Marcos recognized Ezpeleta’s contributions to strengthening the Navy’s external defense capabilities, expanding operations in the West Philippine Sea, and advancing its modernization program.
He also expressed confidence that Javier’s 38 years of military service and extensive logistics experience would help sustain the Navy’s operational readiness.
The President urged the new Navy chief to ensure that the country’s expanding naval fleet remains capable, properly supported, and prepared to fulfill its defense responsibilities.
Review of major infrastructure and development projects
Marcos also chaired the 12th Economy and Development Council Meeting at Malacañan on Wednesday to assess major government initiatives involving energy security, flood control, transportation, housing, and social protection.
Among the projects discussed was the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi hydropower facilities to improve electricity supply and strengthen energy security in Mindanao.
The council also reviewed the remaining pumping stations under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, which aims to reduce flooding in vulnerable communities.
Proposed adjustments to the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project were likewise discussed to improve transportation and connectivity between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal.
Another initiative reviewed was Project Balay, a joint program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Pag-IBIG Fund that seeks to provide safe and affordable dormitories at five state universities and colleges.
The meeting also tackled the Social Protection Floor Prioritization Matrix, which is intended to guide government spending on social welfare programs.
A proposed executive order establishing a unified framework for local government land-use planning, including measures to protect agricultural lands, was also discussed.
Laptops, promotions for public school teachers
Education initiatives were another focus of the President’s activities during the week.
On Monday, Marcos visited Dagupan City, Pangasinan, where he led the initial distribution of laptops under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Computerization Program.
Accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the President turned over 209 laptops to 10 public schools.
The distribution forms part of the government’s nationwide rollout of 231,725 laptops intended to help public school teachers integrate digital technology into classroom instruction.
Marcos also witnessed the oath-taking of 5,211 newly promoted teachers and school heads under DepEd’s Expanded Career Progression System.
Another 234 newly hired school counselor associates also took their oath during the event.
The initiative aims to provide greater career advancement opportunities for educators while strengthening student support services in public schools.
ASEAN hosting takes priority
As the country prepares to welcome ASEAN leaders and international partners, the administration continues to coordinate security, transportation, diplomatic, and logistical arrangements for the summit.
The November 15 to 17 gathering will bring together regional leaders and dialogue partners to discuss economic integration, regional security, and cooperation on shared challenges.
The President’s engagements throughout the week highlighted the administration’s simultaneous focus on international diplomacy, government leadership transitions, national security, infrastructure development, and education.
