President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visits Obando, Bulacan on Thursday (May 21, 2026), where thousands of families received assistance under the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program. Government initiatives this week centered on delivering faster public assistance, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring economic stability nationwide. (Photo from PBBM’s Facebook)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sustained the administration’s push for inclusive development this week, rolling out initiatives aimed at expanding social services, accelerating infrastructure upgrades, strengthening food security, and enhancing coordination between national and local governments as part of efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos nationwide.
Through a series of engagements in Metro Manila and Bulacan, alongside policy actions and Cabinet developments, the Marcos administration underscored its focus on making government services more accessible while building long-term economic and infrastructure resilience.
One of the administration’s flagship community initiatives, the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program, continued its nationwide rollout, reinforcing Malacañang’s commitment to bringing government support directly to local communities.
During activities held earlier this week, President Marcos led the distribution of rice assistance and financial aid to beneficiaries, including students and local officials. Thousands of residents received 10-kilogram rice packages under the expanded Local Government Support Fund, while scholars from various barangays received educational assistance to help support their studies.
The initiative expanded further in Obando, Bulacan, where thousands of families benefited from rice aid while additional scholars received educational support grants.
Malacañang emphasized that education remains a central pillar of the administration’s human capital development strategy, reflecting the government’s broader effort to invest in future generations.
Since its launch in February, the program has reportedly reached over 8,700 barangays nationwide, highlighting the administration’s push to bring public services closer to communities and strengthen grassroots development.
The President also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between national agencies and local government units during the oath-taking ceremony of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines at Malacañang.
Marcos called on local leaders to intensify public awareness efforts surrounding government programs, particularly healthcare initiatives such as expanded Philippine Health Insurance Corp. benefits and Zero Balance Billing programs, noting that many Filipinos remain unaware of available healthcare assistance.
Infrastructure modernization likewise remained a major administration priority.
President Marcos inspected the G. Araneta Drainage Improvement Project in Quezon City, part of the government’s broader flood mitigation strategy under Oplan Kontra Baha. The nearly P500-million project includes larger drainage systems, upgraded water outflows, and flood-control improvements aimed at reducing flooding risks in one of Metro Manila’s critical corridors.
The Department of Public Works and Highways reported that the project is already over 96 percent complete and is expected to be operational before the onset of the rainy season. Marcos stressed the need for sustained flood resilience measures, including drainage rehabilitation, dredging operations, and pumping station improvements.
On the economic front, the administration also introduced measures aimed at stabilizing food supply and protecting consumers from inflation pressures.
President Marcos signed Executive Order No. 116, raising the minimum access volume for pork imports in 2026 to address supply concerns and help maintain affordable food prices amid global economic uncertainties.
The move forms part of the administration’s broader UPLIFT agenda, which seeks a whole-of-government approach to sustaining economic resilience, protecting consumers, and supporting industries and livelihoods.
In separate remarks to Japanese media ahead of his upcoming Tokyo visit, Marcos highlighted the Philippines’ economic gains, pointing to investor confidence, infrastructure spending, and continued support for micro, small, and medium enterprises as key growth drivers.
The President also emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with Japan in areas such as renewable energy, defense modernization, and supply chain resilience—part of the administration’s broader push to deepen strategic partnerships while promoting regional stability.
The week likewise saw a generational shift in governance with the appointment of Kim Robert De Leon as Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.
At 32 years old, De Leon becomes the youngest Cabinet member under the Marcos administration, bringing experience in fiscal management, digital transformation, and government reform following previous roles at both the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Transportation.
Meanwhile, the administration also continued efforts to uphold accountability and public safety as authorities advanced investigations related to the May 13 incident at the Senate complex.
The National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police formally submitted their reports to the Department of Justice, following President Marcos’ directive for a comprehensive and impartial investigation.
Taken together, the administration’s actions this week highlighted a continuing focus on expanding social protection, strengthening infrastructure, reinforcing food security, and pursuing governance reforms aimed at sustaining growth and improving public services nationwide.