30:51
PCO Press Briefing with MPC 09/17/2026
RTVMalacanang
Overview
This press briefing covers several key government initiatives and responses. It begins with the President's visit to a food manufacturing company focused on combating malnutrition and supporting local industries. The briefing then addresses the Department of Education's feeding programs and health initiatives for students. A significant portion is dedicated to responding to press inquiries regarding the West Philippine Sea, the push for an anti-political dynasty law, and the impeachment trial voting threshold. The briefing also touches upon economic development projects, the Vice President's spokesperson's remarks, and the upcoming anniversary of the Philippine International Convention Center. Finally, it concludes with a statement on peaceful protests and national unity.
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Chapters
- President Marcos Jr. visited Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation (NFMC) to inspect the production of nutrient-rich foods like biscuits and cereals.
- NFMC utilizes DOST-funded technologies, including those from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, to support government feeding programs.
- These initiatives not only address malnutrition but also create employment opportunities and boost the local agricultural sector.
- This collaboration between government and private sector aims for a healthier Philippines through nutritious food and technological advancement.
This highlights the administration's focus on public health through improved nutrition and its strategy to stimulate the economy by supporting local businesses and agricultural producers.
The President's inspection of NFMC's production of nutrient-rich biscuits and cereals for feeding programs.
- The President attended the DepEd 'Yakap at Kalinga Caravan' at Santa Barbara Central School, which provides government services like PhilHealth registration.
- The caravan includes medical and dental checkups, and distribution of medicines and vitamins.
- A feeding program is integrated to combat malnutrition and stunting among students.
- The administration aims to end student hunger to improve focus on education, with 4.6 million public school students included in feeding programs for the 2026-2027 school year.
This demonstrates the government's commitment to the well-being of students, recognizing that health and nutrition are fundamental to educational success and overall development.
The 'Yakap at Kalinga Caravan' offering PhilHealth registration, medical checkups, and vitamins at Santa Barbara Central School.
- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is verifying reports of Chinese military hydrographic survey vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
- Under RA 12065, foreign vessels require Philippine permission to conduct hydrographic surveys in archipelagic waters.
- The government, through the PCG, has vessels monitoring the area.
- The Department of National Defense emphasizes upholding Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.
This addresses a critical national security issue, outlining the government's proactive stance in monitoring its maritime territory and asserting its sovereign rights in accordance with international and domestic law.
The Philippine Coast Guard's ongoing verification of reports and deployment of vessels to monitor Chinese hydrographic survey ships.
- The Palace supports the Supreme Court's directive for an anti-political dynasty law, which is a priority for the President.
- The administration acknowledges the slow progress in Congress but emphasizes the President's desire for its passage.
- Regarding fuel excise tax, the Department of Finance is evaluating recommendations, with a final proposal to be submitted to the President.
- The Supreme Court's ruling on the impeachment trial voting threshold is noted, with the Senate having the final decision-making power.
This clarifies the administration's stance on key legislative and judicial matters, highlighting its commitment to good governance, economic policy, and the rule of law.
The President's support for the passage of an anti-political dynasty law, aligning with a Supreme Court directive.
- The 11th Economy and Development Council meeting discussed several Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects.
- Key projects included the North-South Commuter Railway, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and initiatives for innovation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
- Discussions also covered the Mindanao road network development and a project to reduce food insecurity and undernutrition.
- Guidelines for suspending classes due to weather were discussed, aiming to clarify communication between DepEd, LGUs, and parents.
This showcases the government's active engagement in infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare programs through strategic partnerships and project implementation.
The discussion and timeline adjustments for the North-South Commuter Railway Operations and Maintenance PPP project, including partial operations dates.
- The Palace dismissed remarks from the Vice President's spokesperson suggesting the VP is ready to take over, calling them 'delusional'.
- The spokesperson's comment about the Palace press officer being 'hard to take seriously' was met with a response questioning the respectfulness of such an attitude.
- The administration views former President Duterte's appearance at the ICC as him accepting the ongoing hearings.
- Allegations of political motivation behind funding for Naga City were refuted, emphasizing the administration's non-partisan approach to local government support.
This addresses internal political dynamics and public perception, clarifying the administration's position on sensitive statements and reinforcing its commitment to fair governance.
The Palace's response calling the suggestion of the Vice President being ready to replace the President 'absolutely delusional'.
- The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) celebrated its 50th anniversary on September 5th.
- Commissioned in 1974, the PICC has served as a world-class venue for national and international events.
- It holds significant memories for Filipino families and represents national pride and achievement.
- A comprehensive restoration led by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos is underway to preserve the venue for future events.
This highlights the cultural and historical significance of a national landmark, celebrating its legacy and the government's commitment to preserving it for future generations.
The PICC's 50th anniversary celebration, recognizing its role as a venue for significant national and international events since 1976.
Key takeaways
- The government is actively pursuing a multi-pronged approach to combat malnutrition through improved food production and school feeding programs.
- The Philippines is asserting its sovereignty and rights in the West Philippine Sea through monitoring and adherence to international law.
- The administration prioritizes legislative reforms like the anti-political dynasty law and supports judicial directives.
- Significant infrastructure and development projects are being advanced through public-private partnerships and international cooperation.
- The government emphasizes respectful discourse and non-partisan support for local government initiatives.
- National landmarks like the PICC are recognized for their cultural and historical value, with efforts made to preserve them.
- Peaceful assembly is a right, but violence during protests is illegal and will not be tolerated.
Key terms
Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation (NFMC)DOST (Department of Science and Technology)Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI)Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP)MalnutritionStuntingWest Philippine SeaHydrographic SurveyAnti-Political Dynasty LawSupreme CourtImpeachment TrialPublic-Private Partnership (PPP)Official Development Assistance (ODA)Philippine International Convention Center (PICC)
Test your understanding
- How does the government plan to address malnutrition through initiatives like the visit to NFMC and the 'Yakap at Kalinga Caravan'?
- What actions is the Philippine government taking in response to the reported presence of Chinese hydrographic survey vessels in the West Philippine Sea?
- What is the administration's position on the Supreme Court's directive regarding an anti-political dynasty law, and what are the challenges in its passage?
- What were some of the key development projects discussed at the Economy and Development Council meeting, and what is the significance of these projects?
- How does the Palace respond to political statements made by the Vice President's spokesperson, and what does this reveal about inter-agency relations?