The newly opened two-kilometer Segment 3B completes the Cavitex C5 Link and is projected to serve around 36,000 vehicles daily, improving the flow of goods and commuters between Parañaque and Taguig while easing congestion during peak travel periods.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the opening on Monday, underscoring the project’s role in cushioning the impact of volatile fuel prices and supporting the government’s economic response under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program.

“Kagaya ng ating mga laging iniisip ngayon dahil nga sa kaguluhan sa Middle East, ay napakalaking savings ito sa gasolina, sa krudo, sa fuel. At hindi maliit na bagay ang babawasan ang biyahe mo mula sa isang oras at kalahati hanggang 15 minutes. Malaking savings ‘yan,” the President said.

“Ito ay kasama sa ating utos na nanggaling sa UPLIFT na ating ginagawa na buksan ang lahat ng mga daan upang maging mas maginhawa ang pagbiyahe ng ating mga traveling public,” the Chief Executive added.

The President also inspected the new segment alongside Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

To further support motorists during the Holy Week travel surge, toll fees for Segment 3B will be waived from March 30 to April 30, 2026.

“Para naman ay mapagbigyan ang ating kababayan na dumadaan dito, lalong-lalo na ngayon, Holy Week na ngayon, at maraming bumabiyahe. Kaya ito ay patuloy naming ginagawa at bubuksan natin,” the President said.

Beyond faster travel, the new link is expected to reduce fuel consumption, cut logistics costs, and enhance connectivity for motorists coming from Cavite into key commercial and residential hubs in Metro Manila, providing a boost to economic activity in Southern Metro Manila and nearby growth corridors.

Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Dizon said additional mobility projects are in the pipeline, including the opening of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) connecting Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City.

With the completion of Segment 3B, the Cavitex C5 Link is poised to play a critical role in improving urban mobility while helping Filipinos navigate the economic pressures of rising fuel costs.

“The challenges and opportunities from the twin digital and green transitions are felt much more in the Philippines,” said Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines.

“Our focus is to ensure that training programs are accessible, especially for youth from low- to medium-skill backgrounds, who stand to benefit the most from these new job opportunities.”

Together with its partners, ILO is ramping up initiatives to ensure Filipino youth are not left behind, but instead positioned to benefit from new, higher-quality job opportunities.

At a DigiGreen construction skills partnership forum held on March 25, 2026 in Quezon City, government agencies, industry leaders, and training institutions aligned efforts to prepare young workers for a more technology-driven and environmentally sustainable construction landscape.

The urgency is clear. Construction, one of the country’s largest sources of employment, is rapidly evolving, with demand rising for workers who can navigate both digital tools and green building practices. Without targeted training, many risk being excluded from emerging roles.

Central to the initiative are two critical skill areas: Building Information Modeling (BIM) and green construction.

BIM—a digital system that enables more efficient design, planning, and management of buildings—is fast becoming a global industry standard. It is already required in large-scale projects in countries such as Korea, Singapore, and Dubai, signaling a shift toward higher productivity, cost efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.

“BIM and green construction skills are among the most important starting points for leveraging the digital and green transitions to improve youth employment in this sector,” said Hochul Shin, Chief Technical Adviser of the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme.

For young workers, acquiring these competencies can open doors to more specialized roles, better wages, and more stable career paths — moving beyond traditionally informal and precarious construction work.

To help bridge the gap between training and employment, the forum also marked the formal handover of learning modules to key Philippine institutions, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Construction Manpower Development Foundation (CMDF), and the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA).

The initiative forms part of the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme’s Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN project, aimed at future-proofing the region’s workforce amid rapid economic and environmental shifts.

President Lee’s visit — his first since assuming office June last year — comes as the two countries mark the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations, a partnership that was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2024 and further strengthened by a recent free trade agreement (FTA).

During a bilateral meeting and joint press conference, President Marcos highlighted the progress made in expanding cooperation between Manila and Seoul.

“We agreed that we have made significant strides in advancing and deepening our bilateral cooperation toward the attainment of our mutually beneficial goals,” President Marcos said following talks with President Lee and his delegation.

The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including defense and security cooperation, maritime collaboration, economic development initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges, reflecting the broad scope of the two nations’ growing relationship.

President Marcos noted that both governments are working to expand trade and investment while maximizing the benefits of the Philippines-ROK FTA.

He also acknowledged South Korea’s role in strengthening Philippine capabilities in several strategic sectors.

The Philippine leader cited Korea’s contributions to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the strengthening of the Philippine Coast Guard, as well as investments that have helped revive the shipbuilding industry and strengthen the country’s semiconductor value chain.

President Marcos also thanked the ROK for supporting major development initiatives, including infrastructure projects such as the Panguil Bay Bridge in Northern Mindanao, as well as programs in health, agricultural mechanization, energy, and artificial intelligence.

He likewise recognized Seoul’s support for the rights and welfare of more than 70,000 Filipinos living and working in Korea.

Beyond bilateral cooperation, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues, including developments in the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of upholding a rules-based international order, particularly in maritime domains, amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Ten new agreements signed

The visit also produced 10 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) covering key sectors, ranging from defense and agriculture to digital cooperation and cultural exchange.

“And as we have just witnessed, we have concluded a number of agreements in the fields of defense materials procurement, veterans affairs, agriculture, trade, investment and economic cooperation, intellectual property, digital cooperation, digitalization and innovation, Korean language training in schools, cultural cooperation, and police cooperation, which will sustain the momentum of the Philippines-ROK Strategic Partnership for the future,” President Marcos said.

The agreements include cooperation on digital technology, innovation programs, defense procurement, veterans affairs, agricultural collaboration, trade and investment promotion, intellectual property protection, Korean language education in Philippine schools, cultural exchange, and police coordination.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by both leaders during their meeting in Malacañang.

State banquet celebrates longstanding friendship

The diplomatic engagements culminated in a state banquet hosted by President Marcos under the chandeliers of the Ceremonial Hall at Malacañan Palace in honor of President Lee and First Lady Kim Hea-kyung.

“It is my distinct honor to welcome His Excellency Lee Jae-myung, President of the Republic of Korea, to Malacañan Palace this evening. The productive relations which we elevated to a strategic partnership in 2024 span many areas of mutual interest,” President Marcos said in his toast.

The Philippine leader emphasized the long-standing friendship between Filipinos and Koreans, built through decades of cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, security, and cultural exchange.

“During our comprehensive meetings, President Lee and I covered a wide range of areas in our bilateral partnership, including defense and security, maritime cooperation, economic development and cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. We have made significant strides in advancing and deepening our bilateral cooperation towards the attainment of our mutually beneficial goals,” the President added.

President Lee, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea-kyung, earlier began his visit by laying a wreath at the monument of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at Rizal Park.

He expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Filipino people and reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the Philippines in areas such as innovation, infrastructure development, maritime and defense engagement, and people-to-people ties.

The visit will conclude Wednesday with the two leaders joining government and business leaders at the Philippines-Korea Business Forum in Pasay City, where officials hope to translate the strengthened diplomatic ties into expanded economic collaboration.

The partnership aims to help strengthen financial stability, sustainability, and resilience, according to a BSP news release dated February 12.

Under the MOA, the BSP will gain access to PhilSA’s satellite imagery and related datasets to help identify areas vulnerable to climate-related hazards and assess their potential impact on communities and economic activity. These insights can support monetary policy, financial supervision, and sustainability initiatives.

According to BSP Assistant Governor Pia Bernadette R. Tayag, “The MOA reflects how we view resilience-building in the financial system. It requires good governance, strong coordination, and better data — supported by technology that helps institutions act earlier and smarter. This innovation improves preparedness across the economy and the financial sector

Meanwhile, PhilSA Director General Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez underscored that “space science and banking may appear to operate in different domains, yet both are ultimately concerned with stability.” She said the MOA highlights BSP’s and PhilSA’s shared commitment to managing climate risks.

Beyond data sharing, BSP and PhilSA will also collaborate on developing tools, conducting research, and strengthening capacity to promote the responsible use of satellite data and geospatial analytics in support of their respective mandates.

Geospatial analytics refers to the use of location-based data to better understand conditions on the ground and support more informed decision-making.

The journey itself is part of the charm. It’s now possible to walk, jog, or cycle this route with ease, turning what was once a crowded passage into a leisurely cultural experience.

As the city continues to reclaim its historic spaces, the path leading to the world’s first Chinatown has become an attraction of its own—equal parts history, exercise, and exploration.

Founded in 1594, Binondo is widely regarded as the oldest Chinatown in the world. But its significance goes far beyond its age. It is a living district, shaped by centuries of migration, and the blending of Filipino and Chinese cultures. From herbal pharmacies and gold shops to noodle houses and bakeries, it’s a place that rewards curiosity.

And now, it is getting a new chapter.

After the transformation of the Pasig River Esplanade, the spotlight has turned to Binondo. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally launched the second phase of the Chinatown Revitalization Project on February 13 at Hotel Lucky Chinatown, signaling renewed efforts to preserve its heritage while boosting cultural tourism and supporting local businesses.

“Binondo, founded in 1594, is described as the world’s oldest Chinatown. Beyond its age, what makes this place special is its long story of commerce, faith, and culture between Filipinos and the Chinese community,” the President said.

“This initiative is all about honoring shared histories and giving the district the much-needed attention and respect that it deserves,” he added.

The project builds on the success of Phase I, which restored and illuminated the iconic Jones Bridge, now a favorite backdrop for photos, bike rides, and evening strolls. Phase II aims to further transform Binondo into a lively cultural and economic hub, enhancing the experience for both locals and visitors.

“In this phase, we will further develop Ongpin Street into a cultural and economic hub, and enhance key historical landmarks with lighting and thematic presentations along Ongpin and Escolta Streets,” President Marcos said.

These upgrades are part of a broader effort tied to the administration’s Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli Program, which seeks to restore the Pasig River and revitalize nearby communities. The initiative includes reclaiming public spaces in Plaza Mexico, expanding pedestrian corridors toward the Arroceros Forest Park, modernizing river transport, and clearing waterways.

The result is a more connected and walkable city.

People can now make their way from Intramuros to Binondo more comfortably, taking in historic landmarks along the way. The improved Pasig River Ferry system also offers another scenic route into the district, adding to its accessibility.

But the heart of Binondo remains its everyday life.

On any given day, you can wander into a small eatery to try Chinese-Filipino favorites, browse shelves in traditional groceries, stop by old pharmacies selling herbal remedies, or take a photography walk through narrow alleys bursting with color and character. It’s a district that invites slow discovery — perfect for those who prefer to explore one bite, one street, one story at a time.

The President emphasized that the project is ultimately meant for the people who live, work, and pass through Binondo daily.

“Moreover, it is for every Filipino and for anyone who wishes to gain a better understanding of our culture and our history,” the President said.

The revitalization also highlights the strong collaboration among government, private sector partners, and the Filipino-Chinese community, whose shared efforts are helping preserve the district’s identity while preparing it for the future.

“I look forward to the results of this project as we breathe new life into this place, which becomes a better foundation for a better, more united Bagong Pilipinas,” the President said.

During the launch, the President and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos toured several newly lighted landmarks, including MacArthur Bridge, La Madre Filipina, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar (Sta. Cruz Parish), Qui Shan Gate, and the Dragon Lights along Quintin Paredes Street.

These illuminated spaces hint at what Binondo is becoming: not just a historic district, but a destination to be experienced.

So slow down. Walk a little. Pedal a little. Taste something new. Look up at the old buildings. And let the world’s first Chinatown tell its story, one street at a time.

Held on February 9 at the Ambassador’s residence, the gathering marked Bautista’s receipt of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, part of the 2025 Autumn Conferment of Decorations, in recognition of his contributions to advancing cooperation between Japan and the Philippines across critical sectors.

Around 50 guests attended the reception, including Bautista’s family, senior government officials such as Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, business leaders, and representatives of Japanese firms.

In his remarks, Ambassador Endo paid tribute to Bautista’s years of service and leadership, describing him as “the gentleman in its real sense, disciplined, extremely kind and gentle, always filled with smiles,” and noting that his “many years of dedicated service and outstanding leadership make him eminently deserving of this prestigious award.”

More than a ceremonial recognition, the award highlighted Bautista’s role in strengthening Japan-Philippines cooperation in three key areas that have reshaped the country’s connectivity and security landscape: railways, maritime safety, and aviation.

Driving rail modernization

Endo credited Bautista’s leadership at the Department of Transportation from 2022 to 2025 with pushing forward major railway projects backed by Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), including the Manila Metro Rail Transit and the North–South Commuter Railway.

“As Secretary of Transportation, he provided steady and thoughtful leadership in advancing major railway initiatives,” the ambassador said. “Under his stewardship, largescale projects such as the Manila Metro Rail Transit and the North-South Commuter Railway moved forward through effective use of Japan’s Official Development Assistance.”

Endo noted that Bautista tackled one of the most persistent barriers to infrastructure development—land acquisition—by setting up an inter-agency coordination committee and streamlining procedures. These reforms, he said, accelerated project implementation and contributed significantly to national economic development.

Strengthening maritime security

Beyond rail, Bautista also helped deepen cooperation in maritime safety at a time of heightened tensions in regional waters.

“Through projects to enhance the capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard, Secretary Bautista facilitated the provision of multi-role response vessels through ODA and ensured the timely and smooth conclusion of related agreements,” Endo said.

He added that these efforts took on broader strategic importance.

“At a time of rising tensions in the South China Sea / the West Philippine Sea, his efforts underscored the importance of deepening Japan-Philippines cooperation in upholding a free and open international order based on the rule of law,” he said, noting that this work strengthened trust and confidence between the two nations.

Building bridges in the skies

Aviation, however, is where Bautista’s influence spans decades.

Even before joining government, Bautista led Philippine Airlines as president and CEO, steering the company through a major turnaround that culminated in its recognition as the “World’s Most Improved Airline” in 2018. During that period, he actively fostered partnerships with Japan’s All Nippon Airways.

“New routes between Haneda and Manila, expanded codeshare agreements, and strengthened capital alliances all contributed to deeper connectivity and closer ties between Japan and the Philippines,” Endo said.

As Transportation Secretary, Bautista continued to champion reforms in aviation, including the redevelopment and privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The initiative, realized in 2024, is expected to improve operational efficiency and significantly increase passenger capacity—an important step in supporting the growing number of Filipino travelers to Japan.

“In fact, we welcomed so many Filipino friends last Christmas and New Year holiday season,” the ambassador added, pointing to the strengthening people-to-people exchanges made possible by improved air connectivity.

A legacy across rails, seas, and skies

Taken together, Endo said Bautista’s work across transport infrastructure and security sectors has had a lasting impact on bilateral relations.

“Taken together, Secretary Bautista’s contributions to Japan-Philippines relations—across railways, maritime safety, and aviation—have profoundly advanced the friendship, development, and mutual trust between our two nations,” he said. “His work has improved the lives of our peoples while contributing to regional peace and stability, making him truly deserving of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.”

The recognition comes as Japan and the Philippines mark the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations in 2026, celebrated under the theme “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities.”

“As we reflect on seventy years of shared history, we take great pride in leaders like Secretary Bautista,” Endo said. “Moving forward, Japan and the Philippines will surely continue to add new threads to this enduring fabric and weave the future together.”

Closing his remarks, the ambassador expressed his personal appreciation: “Maraming salamat po sa iyong mahabang taon ng walang humpay na paglilingkod! Mabuhay ang pagkakaibigan ng Japan at Pilipinas!”

For Bautista, the award marks both a recognition of past achievements and a symbol of a partnership that continues to shape the Philippines’ transport landscape—one railway, one vessel, and one runway at a time.

In a news release dated January 30, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the return of the FMR program to the DA reflects a renewed commitment to accountability.

“Farm-to-market road implementation was returned to the Department of Agriculture not because we are perfect, but because we are determined to be transparent—with everyone’s help and cooperation,” he said.

He said the DA’s Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) has been designated to lead the nationwide implementation of FMR projects.

Centralizing responsibility under BAFE is intended to ensure consistent engineering standards, particularly in agricultural heartlands where road quality directly affects farm incomes, logistics efficiency, and access to markets, the DA chief added.

Complementing this move is FMR Watch, a public transparency and monitoring portal developed and managed by BAFE’s Information Systems and Digitalization Division.

The platform enables stakeholders to track projects from proposal to completion by integrating official records from the Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System with budget data, construction milestones, geotagged photos, and citizen feedback.

FMR Watch has tracked 4,810 projects undertaken between 2021 and 2025, with a combined investment of ₱76.52 billion and coverage of nearly 2,400 kilometers of roads nationwide. Of these, 3,135 projects have been completed.

DA Regional Field Offices handle day-to-day coordination and address issues raised on the platform. All public comments are automatically acknowledged and forwarded for verification and action, typically within three days, depending on complexity.

Tiu Laurel described FMR Watch as a practical tool for public oversight.

“This is a digital flashlight,” he said.

“Farmers, fisherfolk, LGUs, and citizen watchdogs can see where roads should be, how projects are progressing, and whether implementation meets standards. There are no smoke and mirrors—only maps, data, and accountability,” he added.

The initiative comes after the 2026 budget signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. allotted ₱33-billion for FMR projects this year to construct more than 2,300 kilometers of roads.

“These roads are not just asphalt and concrete,” Tiu Laurel said. “They lower production costs, raise farm incomes, reduce food prices, and support long-term rural development.”

He added that the platform also aims to restore public trust. “When public funds build real roads instead of private fortunes, everyone benefits — farmers and consumers alike.”

This is the link to the FMR Watch portal – https://fmrwatch.bafe.gov.ph/ 

The project surfaced alongside a wave of business engagements during “The Philippine Coconut: Tree of Life, Seed of Innovation,” the flagship exhibition mounted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Tokyo at the Tokyo Midtown Design Hub.

The show officially opened the year-long 70th anniversary celebration of Philippines-Japan diplomatic ties, supported by the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC), and the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP), in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Japan.

But the story unfolding in Tokyo went far beyond exhibits. It reframed the coconut much the way PH–Japan relations themselves have evolved: from traditional foundations into diverse, technology-driven, future-facing collaborations.

Coconut, reimagined

Long associated with copra, oil, and coco lumber, the coconut is now branching into sectors that mirror Japan’s own innovation priorities in healthcare, advanced materials, pet nutrition, and clean energy.

Engagements on the sidelines of the exhibit included:

• Coconut residues as agricultural fertilizers for use in Japan
• Expanded sourcing of Philippine medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, including products from Chemrez Technologies
• Possible cooperation programs between the Philippine Coconut Authority and Japanese counterparts

In healthcare, coconut-based bacterial cellulose derived from coconut water is being eyed for Japan’s growing advanced wound-care market. One example already in the Japanese market is PatchMed, whose Good Design Award-winning wound dressing is made from nata de coco and coconut water.

In pet nutrition — an unexpectedly premium and fast-growing segment in Japan — coconut-derived medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil is being explored for formulations addressing age-related cognitive decline in pets, pushing the coconut into the frontier of functional nutrition.

Meanwhile, coconut kernel shell is being positioned as a sustainable biomass feedstock, with applications ranging from renewable power generation to emerging pathways for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) — directly aligning with Japan’s decarbonization push.

Even in disaster resilience, coconut coir geotextiles already in use in Japan for flood control, erosion mitigation, and landslide prevention show how an agricultural byproduct becomes climate infrastructure.

Relations that evolved like the coconut

The breadth of coconut applications — agriculture, design, medicine, energy — closely parallels the arc of PH-Japan relations over seven decades. What began largely with trade in primary goods has matured into cooperation in technology, sustainability, infrastructure, and advanced industries.

That shift was precisely the point of the Tokyo initiative.

“What is most important is that these are no longer theoretical possibilities,” said Dita Angara-Mathay, Commercial Counselor and Head of PTIC Tokyo.

“By deliberately convening public agencies, industry partners, designers, and technical experts within a single, coordinated framework, we were able to translate policy objectives into concrete market engagement,” she said.

“The resulting level of market interest and follow-through affirms the evolution of the Philippine coconut — from a traditional natural resource into a platform for high-value innovation across health, nutrition, design, and clean energy. This approach is essential to sustainably raising farmer incomes and strengthening the Philippines’ position in global value chains,” she added.

Like the coconut, PH–Japan ties are no longer defined by a single “product,” but by a value chain of cooperation—from grassroots farmers to advanced research, from raw materials to high-end design and science.

Heritage meets high design meets farmers

The exhibition also connected innovation with heritage. A dedicated section on the Coconut Palace featured original watercolor renderings and blueprints by National Artist Francisco Mañosa, alongside a 3D model and virtual-reality tour. This is timely as the palace has been designated an official venue of the ASEAN 2026 Summit.

Award-recognized coconut-based furniture, co-created design products, food innovations, and premium spirits further demonstrated how the coconut bridges craft, culture, and contemporary industry — much like PH-Japan engagement today spans culture, commerce, and cutting-edge technology.

Behind the design hub displays are 3.5 million coconut farmers and more than 10 million Filipinos across the coconut value chain. Through participating exporters and supply-chain partners, the initiative is estimated to have reached coconut-producing areas supporting around 220,000 farm households, linking anniversary diplomacy directly to long-term income and value-chain upgrading.

In its 70th year, PH-Japan relations are being told through a familiar symbol — but in an unfamiliar way. The coconut is no longer just the “tree of life.” It is becoming a platform of innovation, just as the bilateral partnership has grown from traditional trade into a multidimensional alliance built on sustainability, science, and shared futures.

In signing the ₱6.793-trillion 2026 General Appropriations Act, the President stressed that unprogrammed appropriations must be subject to clear, specified conditions and strict safeguards to prevent misuse.

“To ensure that public funds are expended in clear service of national interests, I vetoed several items of appropriations—together with their purposes and corresponding Special Provisions—under the unprogrammed appropriations, totaling almost ₱92.5 billion,” Marcos said in a statement released by Malacañang.

While recognizing Congress’ effort to confine unprogrammed appropriations to essential needs, the President said he further reduced the amount to what he described as the minimum level—the lowest since 2019.

“Let me be clear: Unprogrammed appropriations are not blank checks. We will not allow them to be misused or treated as a backdoor for discretionary spending,” he stressed.

Marcos added that unprogrammed appropriations are governed by firm guardrails and may be used only when specific triggering conditions are met. Any release, he said, will be subject to thorough verification.

“These safeguards will be enforced without exception to ensure that public funds serve the national interest and advance the goals of national progress,” the President said.

He also committed to full transparency in the use of unprogrammed appropriations, including the disclosure of funding sources and the specific purposes for which funds are released.

“We will make all releases charged to the unprogrammed appropriations transparent, with the necessary details on their source and intended use,” Marcos added.

The President further directed all concerned government agencies and departments to exercise prudent fiscal management to ensure the delivery of continuous and quality public services.

Addressing public concerns over the budget, Marcos said: “Sa ating mga kababayan, dama po namin ang inyong agam-agam at pangamba sa nakaraang budget. Kaisa ninyo ako sa pagnanais na masigurong ang bawat pisong buwis ay mapupunta sa tamang proyekto at sa tunay na pangangailangan ng ating taumbayan (To our countrymen, we feel your misgivings and fear in the last budget. I am one with you in wanting to ensure that every tax peso will go to the right project and to the real needs of our people).”

“Naririnig namin po kayo (We hear you),” he added.

“We are counting on foreign development partners such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help finance and oversee the tunnel or bridge project to insulate it from political interference and corruption,” Libanan said in a news release.

“The project is envisioned to follow the FAP model. This will ensure discipline, transparency, and foreign donor scrutiny from day one,” he added.

Libanan said the urgency of a permanent link between Luzon and the Visayas was underscored anew by severe congestion at the Port of Matnog in Sorsogon during the Christmas and New Year travel rush, when the roll-on, roll-off ferry system was overwhelmed.

“The bottleneck at Matnog is not just an inconvenience—it is a structural weakness in our national transport network. Every holiday season, the same problem repeats itself, disrupting mobility, trade, and emergency access between Luzon and the Visayas,” he said.

The proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act—expected to be signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in early January—allocates ₱130 million for a feasibility study of the Luzon–Visayas bridge or tunnel project.

The fixed link would span roughly 28 kilometers across the San Bernardino Strait, connecting Sorsogon and Northern Samar, and is intended to ensure uninterrupted movement of people and goods, unlike ferry services that are often suspended due to weather.

“Foreign-assisted projects are designed with built-in safeguards. Donor agencies impose strict procurement rules, require independent technical and financial reviews, and release funds only after verifiable milestones are met,” Libanan explained.

“FAPs are widely regarded as among the cleanest forms of infrastructure spending. The presence of international donors creates a double layer of accountability. Every peso is tracked, every contract is scrutinized, and every delay or deviation is questioned,” he added.

As precedents, Libanan cited the Metro Manila Subway Project and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, both implemented under Japanese ODA standards.

“These projects demonstrate that when donor safeguards are in place, infrastructure can be delivered efficiently, transparently, and with public confidence,” he said.