President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed intentions of the French government to join the military exercises in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This development is indicative of the growing support from the international community to uphold the sovereign rights of the Philippines in WPS, according to President Marcos. In an interview on the sidelines of the state’s financial aid distribution in General Santos City on Friday, President Marcos said he remains thankful for the global support to the Philippines amid the challenges in the contested waters. “Kami’y nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga iba’t-ibang bansa kahit na nanggagaling sa malayo pa ngunit sila ay handang tumulong sa atin,” he said. “At kapag tayo’y nagkaproblema, very supportive sila hindi lamang sa salita kung hindi pati na sa mga tinatawag na joint cruises,” he added. “Kaya’t lahat ng tumutulong sa atin, lahat ng tumutulong sa Pilipinas, kami’y nagpapasalamat at ito ay magiging malaking bagay, malaking tulong...

In light of the looming El Niño phenomenon or the long dry spell, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies to strictly implement water conservation measures. In  Memorandum Circular No. 22 , dated 7 June 2023 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the President orders the Water Resource Management Office (WRMO) and its network of agencies to take the lead in implementing water conservation measures to avert a possible water crisis amid the dry spell in the next months. The chief executive also directed all government agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, to “identify and implement specific quantifiable and attainable water conservation measures that will result in ten percent (10%) water volume reduction of their respective first quarter (January to March 2023) water consumption.” The President also ordered the Local Water Utilities Administration, National Water Resources Board...