President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wrapped up a productive first week of July, unveiling key programs in Metro Manila, Cavite, and General Santos City, engaging in high-level diplomatic meetings, and providing livelihood support to thousands of fisherfolk.
Throughout the engagements, President Marcos emphasized inclusive growth and the importance of bringing government services closer to the people, ensuring that progress is felt across all sectors—from farmers and fisherfolk to investors and global partners.
Recipients of the various livelihood programs expressed their gratitude for the long-overdue support, describing the assistance as timely and transformative for their communities.
On July 1, the President launched the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA) at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) in Taguig. Now enacted as Republic Act No. 12214, the law aims to deepen the country’s capital markets, broaden participation, and attract long-term investments by removing tax disincentives on financial transactions.
President Marcos highlighted retirement incentives for private employers and advocated for a more competitive, investor-friendly business environment that aligns with ASEAN standards.
The President afterwards joined the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at Villamor Air Base to mark its 78th founding anniversary, praising the service as a “credible, agile, and essential force” in defending the nation’s territory and supporting humanitarian missions.
On July 2, President Marcos brought his administration’s food security campaign to Cavite with the opening of the 94th outlet of the Benteng Bigas Meron Na Program in Bacoor City. The initiative enables families from vulnerable sectors to purchase rice at a subsidized rate of PhP20 per kilo.
During the event, the President reaffirmed the nationwide expansion of the program, aiming to target 15 million Filipinos by 2026.
On July 3, the President held a productive phone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, reaffirming the mutual commitment to cooperation in trade, defense, and regional stability. President Marcos expressed gratitude for Canada’s swift response to assist Filipinos affected by the tragic Lapu-Lapu Day incident in Vancouver.
President Marcos welcomed Canada’s support for the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement and expressed confidence in the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, recognizing Manila’s vital role in advancing regional cooperation and economic integration.
The President also welcomed Asian business leaders participating in the 14th Asian Business Summit (ABS) held in Manila for the second time. During a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace, the President emphasized the importance of multilateral economic cooperation amid global uncertainties.
On July 4, President Marcos led the distribution of PhP22.85 million in livelihood assistance to fisherfolk and coastal communities during the Ugnayan with Fisherfolk town hall meeting in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City.
Beneficiaries from at least 22 fisherfolk associations in SOCCSKSARGEN received fiberglass boats, floating fish-aggregating devices known as “payaos,” postharvest equipment, marine engines, fish cage inputs, and support for salt production and seaweed farming.
President Marcos toured the ongoing rehabilitation of the General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC) in the country’s tuna capital. The ongoing expansion includes upgraded cold chain facilities, fish ports, and seafood testing labs to enhance product quality and competitiveness.
The President visited two major export manufacturers in General Santos City—Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures Inc. (CPAVI) and General Tuna Corporation, which contribute significantly to employment generation and export revenue.
CPAVI generates PhP10 billion in direct economic value and supports over 4,500 jobs, while General Tuna exports products to 82 countries and supplies nine out of ten Filipino households with canned goods.
The President pledged full government support for coconut processors and seafood exporters, calling them “pillars of local employment and rural economic activity.” | PND
