President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. aggressively advanced the national agenda for a stronger and more prosperous Bagong Pilipinas through a series of high-impact domestic inaugurations and strategic international engagements from July 13 to 17, 2026.
The week’s milestones spanned monumental advancements in renewable energy, critical infrastructure development, comprehensive healthcare expansion, robust social safety nets, and the acquisition of high-value foreign investments.
Anchoring the administration’s push for sustainable progress, President Marcos inaugurated Phase I of the landmark PhP 500-billion MTerra Solar Project in Nueva Ecija on July 14. Once fully completed, the facility is slated to become the world’s largest integrated solar and battery energy storage network, fundamentally altering the country’s clean energy matrix.
Simultaneously, the President pushed for vital agricultural and transport infrastructure:
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Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase II: Directed the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to fast-track this PhP 20.54-billion initiative to ensure long-term food security and irrigation.
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Benoni Port Expansion, Camiguin: Opened the PhP 86.9-million Light Craft Landing Station and inspected the PhP 171.3-million Port Operations Building to optimize regional trade and inter-island connectivity.
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National Academy of Sports (NAS): Inspected the nearly completed Phase II facilities at New Clark City, reinforcing the state’s backing of youth sports development.
In a major victory for poverty alleviation, the administration rolled out the expanded UPLIFT Assistance Program, mobilizing PhP 12.375 billion in aid to benefit 7.5 million low-income households. To further buffer vulnerable Filipinos against volatile Middle East tensions, the government expanded targeted fuel assistance and economic safeguard measures.
On the healthcare front, the President toured the Camiguin General Hospital to audit the successful implementation of the “zero-balance billing” program. Solidifying leadership in the sector, the President officially appointed Dr. Jose Pujalte Jr. as the new Secretary of Health.
During a highly successful working visit to Singapore from July 14 to 16, President Marcos participated in a high-level business roundtable to pitch the Philippines as a resilient, competitive investment hub. The mission successfully locked in substantial, fresh investment commitments:
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ABC Impact pledged capital to significantly expand AC Health’s nationwide healthcare ecosystem.
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Singtel Group committed to boosting the nation’s digital infrastructure, targeting regional data center expansions in Cavite and Quezon City.
During the visit, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended his congratulations to President Marcos on the Philippines’ official attainment of upper-middle-income status, signaling international validation of the country’s macroeconomic trajectory.
Back home, Malacañang welcomed a notable rise in public sentiment, with the President hitting a 38% satisfaction rating in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey—a reflection of growing public trust in the administration’s economic and public service models.
Other key developments throughout the week included:
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Peace Process: The appointment of Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento as the chairperson of the government’s peace implementing panel for ongoing negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
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Maritime Excellence: President Marcos addressed the graduating SALIGHIRANG Class of 2026 at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in Zambales, reaffirming the state’s commitment to upgrading maritime education and protecting Filipino seafarers worldwide.
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Celebrating Filipino Talent: The President and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos hosted a special Malacañang reception honoring tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala for her historic Wimbledon run and career-high WTA ranking of World No. 28, hailing her as a beacon of modern Filipino identity.
The executive actions taken this week underscore the Marcos administration’s unyielding commitment to operationalizing the Bagong Pilipinas vision—delivering tangible infrastructure, socio-economic relief, and strategic global partnerships for all Filipinos.
