Photo credit: PBBM

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the prioritization of the welfare of the Filipino youth under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative, recognizing them as the future builders of the nation. The president underscored the importance of safeguarding the environment as a primary focus for the youth and highlighted the need for educational reforms.

Speaking at the Bagong Pilipinas Campaign kickoff rally at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, President Marcos emphasized, “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, una ang kabataan dahil prayoridad ang kanilang kinabukasan. Pangangalaga sa kalikasan ang pangunahin nilang pagkakaabalahan." (In the New Philippines, the youth comes first because their future is a priority. Taking care of the environment is their primary concern.)

As part of the national reform campaign, learners will benefit from improved resources, including books, well-trained and well-paid teachers, and a meticulously curated online teaching curriculum. To address hunger among young learners, President Marcos pledged to implement feeding programs to ensure that children absorb the lessons being taught.

“Through Bagong Pilipinas, we will meet our greatest obligation to our youth, to mold them into critical thinkers, problem solvers, and brave visionaries for their country,” President Marcos declared.

In addition to youth-focused initiatives, the president promised support for the country’s farmers and fisherfolk. In response to the looming El Niño phenomenon, the government will extend agricultural programs to protect the livelihoods of Filipino farmers.

“Sisiguraduhin natin na hindi malulunod ang mga pinagpaguran ng ating mga kababayan sa kanayunan.” (We will ensure that the hard work of our fellow countrymen in rural areas will not go to waste),” vowed Marcos. The government plans to expand irrigable lands and increase support for farmers across all crops. Urban gardening initiatives, including converting idle lands into vegetable plots, will also be incentivized.

President Marcos expressed zero tolerance for smuggled food, emphasizing the importance of supporting domestic producers and ensuring the safety of consumers.

Furthermore, the president pledged to enhance the defense mechanisms for the people and communities against calamities through the provision of additional resources.