Sunday, November 30, 2025

𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐀 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐉𝐫. 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐥


26 November 2025—The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) stands firm in its unwavering support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his decisions during this period of political tension. Our commitment is not only rooted in our mandate under the Office of the President, but in our belief in his vision of a Bagong Pilipinas, a nation built on efficiency, accountability, and unity. 

The President has consistently entrusted ARTA with the mission of promoting government efficiency and ease of doing business, and we remain steadfast in fulfilling this responsibility.

ARTA defers to the wisdom of the President and his leadership team in navigating the current challenges. Our faith in the Chief Executive is a manifestation of our oath of allegiance, not only to him as Head of State, but to the Flag, the Constitution and the sovereign power of the Filipino people.

Let us address our grievances through lawful means, trusting that our courts, prosecution and law enforcement agencies are working. In the end, the rule of law must reign supreme.

To our government stakeholders, now is the time to elevate our services. Let us demonstrate that governance is not only business as usual, but business carried out with efficiency, accountability, and integrity. The whole-of-nation approach is not merely a principle on paper, it is a lived reality.

To our citizens, let us demand accountability and transparency responsibly. This is not the time for apathy, but for raising consciousness and strengthening our democratic institutions.

At the end of the day, it is we Filipinos who will stand for each other. Together, we will rise above adversity and build a stronger, united, and more prosperous Philippines that is business-ready, resilient, and a nation we can all be truly proud of.

𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟎 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓


25 November 2025—The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has released the list of the Top 10 Most Complained National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) for 2025, covering the period from 01 January to 31 October 2025. These complaints were filed through ARTA’s various channels, including email (complaints@arta.gov.ph), official social media pages (Facebook Messenger and Instagram), the Public Assistance and Complaints Desk (PACD), physical mail, the electronic Complaints Management System (eCMS) and the ARTA website.

ARTA clarifies that the list submitted to the Senate during ARTA’s Budget deliberation on 24 November 2025, and subsequently reported by GMA News and other networks, reflects data as of 31 August 2025. This is the same list earlier provided to the House of Representatives.

The most common violations recorded involve Section 21(e) of the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, or the failure  to render government services within the prescribed processing time on any application or request without due cause.

Thursday, November 27, 2025

IAEA

Advancing the Philippines’ leadership in addressing plastic pollution through science-driven innovation, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joins the opening ceremony of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International High-Level Forum on NUclear TEChnology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics) at Conrad Hotel Manila in Pasay City on November 25, 2025.

Running from 25–26 November 2025 under the theme 'Scaling Solutions and Partnerships for Global Impact,' the Forum is organized by the IAEA and the Government of the Philippines through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI). The event positions the Philippines as a proactive partner in advancing nuclear and radiation technologies for practical, science-based solutions — demonstrating a forward-looking commitment to innovation-driven environmental action.

Three (3) global priorities steer this year’s agenda: Circular Economy and Innovation, which applies radiation technologies to turn plastic waste into durable, high-value materials; Environmental Protection and Ocean Science, which strengthens microplastic detection to guide evidence-based coastal and marine policy; and Partnerships for Sustainable Development, which brings governments, industries and innovators into one shared ecosystem of cooperation.  Together, these priorities drive the Forum’s mission to align science, policy and enterprise toward scalable, on-the-ground solutions that confront plastic pollution head-on.

Founded in 1957 and based in Vienna, Austria, the IAEA leads global cooperation on nuclear science, safety and security under the motto 'Atoms for Peace and Development.'  The Philippines, a member since 1958 and newly elected to the IAEA Board of Governors for 2025–2027, continues to deepen its role in shaping global cooperation and championing peaceful nuclear solutions that support national progress.

Advisory on the Nuri/Korea Space Launch Vehicle-IV (KSLV-IV) Rocket Launch

(27 November 2025, Quezon City) The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirms the launch of the Nuri/Korea Space Launch Vehicle-IV (KSLV-IV) from the Republic of Korea. Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 390 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan, 394 NM away from Babuyan Island, 218 NM away from Siargao, Surigao del Norte, 228 NM away from the City of Mati, Davao Oriental, and 232 NM away from Mercedes, Samar.

The KSLV-IV was launched from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolia, at around 12:13 AM PhST on 27 November 2025.

Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.

Estimated drop zone of the KSLV-IV Launch

Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas,
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falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone. There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. Additionally, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time.

PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Philippines Presents PH Priorities for ASEAN Chairship in 2026 at Diplomatic Corps and Media Briefings

MANILA 20 November 2025 - Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, together with Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Undersecretary Adonis P. Sulit of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) briefed the Diplomatic Corps on the Philippines’ theme and priorities for its ASEAN Chairship in 2026 at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Temporary Headquarters, Pasay City.

Secretary Lazaro introduced the ASEAN 2026 logo, carrying various symbols reflective of the nation and its priorities, collectively denoting ASEAN’s shared journey toward stability, prosperity and people empowerment with the Philippines at the helm.

Secretary Lazaro also presented the theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” and the three (3) main priorities or 3Ps of our Chairship – Peace and Security AnchorsProsperity Corridors, and People Empowerment – which will guide ASEAN’s work across the Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural Pillars.

As lead for the Political-Security Community, Secretary Lazaro underscored the Philippines’ commitment to reinforcing peace and stability through norms and dialogue, fostering resilience against emerging security challenges, including climate-related risks, and promoting maritime cooperation grounded in international law and ASEAN Centrality.

For the Economic Community, DTI Secretary Roque outlined the key economic deliverables during the Chairship, aimed at strengthening trade and investment linkages, accelerating digital transformation, and integrating ASEAN’s MSME development agenda, leveraging the creative economy, and advancing sustainable and inclusive economies.

DSWD Undersecretary Sulit presented the Socio-Cultural Pillar’s priorities, which include empowering families and vulnerable groups; strengthening regional public health cooperation; promoting youth innovation and digital literacy, including the ethical use of AI; and enhancing food security and climate resilience.

Secretary Lazaro also held a briefing on the Chairship priorities for members of the press corps on the same day. 


Saturday, November 15, 2025

PPC hosts Storywriting Workshop in Pangasinan

The creative landscape of Pangasinan got a boost as the Pangasinan Polytechnic College, in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, hosted the Pangasinan Storywriting Workshop: Screenwriting for Multimedia Platforms from November 6 to 7 at the Sison Auditorium in Lingayen.

Designed as a micro-credential course within the Film and Video Production for Multimedia Platform Series, the workshop was tailored for aspiring storytellers, multimedia arts students, creative professionals, and content creators. It aims to enhance participants’ skills in crafting compelling stories.

Sharing his wealth of industry knowledge was two-time Palanca awardee and Creative Director of GMA Network, filmmaker and screenwriter Aloy Adlawan. Adlawan also armed the attendees with crucial skills in pitching their stories as part of a new initiative to nurture the region’s creative talent.

The event kicked off with a welcome message from Assoc. Prof. Christopher Gozum, PPC Bachelor of Multimedia Arts Program Chair and PPC Film Society adviser. Inspirational messages were delivered by PPC President Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos and Community Affairs Officer IV Atty. Kandace Lorraine Palagud, who spoke on behalf of Pangasinan Gov. Ramon V. Guico III.

A significant highlight was the Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony between the PPC and the FDCP, led by Dr. Rovillos and FDCP Technical Consultant for Academic Linkages Seymour Sanchez. They were joined by FDCP Project Development Officer Korina Dela Cruz, Atty. Palagud, and Gozum.

The workshop treated attendees, many of whom were PPC multimedia arts students, to a special screening of compelling films that explored themes of struggle, family, and discovery.

The coming-of-age comedy “Blooming!” by Ronnie Ramos tells the story of Nena (Annika Co), a young girl who becomes fascinated by the parts of a flower while working on a school assignment.

Louchielle Ashley Hael’s short animated film “Signal Pending” brought the participants to the amusing and frantic journey of Max the Bunny who scrambles to submit a thesis project on time.

Cedrick Valenzuela’s “When It Rained Malunggay Leaves,” winner of the Sine Kabataan Best Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing, made the audience reflect on family, grief, and reconciliation, as the drama follows a daughter, Ariel (Gabby Padilla), visiting her mother, Anita (Tanya Gomez), for Undas.

The classic film “Insiang” by the late National Artist Lino Brocka was also screened, allowing the audience to witness its raw, powerful portrait of urban struggle, betrayal, and resilience.

Filmmakers Ramos and Valenzuela participated in an engaging talkback session moderated by Sanchez.

Participants also learned about the many opportunities available in the industry. Dela Cruz presented the programs of the FDCP Academic Film Society, while FDCP Project Development Assistant Lemor Sobrevega covered the Student Film Assistance Program and Sine Kabataan.

Sanchez also shed light on different visual devices in storytelling for films.

The program was organized by Monika Labaupa, Director and Planning Officer III of the PPC Center for Lifelong Learning, with the PPC School of Creativity and Design led by Gozum, PPC Film Society co-adviser Vanessa Millamor Baldueza, and the PPC Film Society, led by president Jannah Grace T. Umali.

PBBM approves 10-year Tatak Pinoy Strategy to Boost Industries, Jobs


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the Tatak Pinoy Strategy (TPS), a 10-year national industrial roadmap that aims to strengthen key sectors, create jobs, and lift Filipino products to global standards.
Signed through Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 104 on October 24, the policy directs all government agencies to give preference to local products and services in their procurement.
Under the MC, local suppliers can be awarded contracts if their bids are within 25 percent of the lowest foreign offer. This measure ensures that the government’s purchasing power directly supports Filipino enterprises.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which leads the program, said the TPS serves as a national framework for industrial transformation anchored on five pillars: people, infrastructure, technology and innovation, investments, and sound financial management.
The initiative operationalizes the Tatak Pinoy Act (Republic Act No. 11981) and supports the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, who also chairs the Tatak Pinoy Council, said the Strategy opens new opportunities for local industries to scale and compete globally.
“The TPS empowers our MSMEs and industries to innovate with purpose, produce with pride, and compete globally with confidence. We thank the President for his swift approval of this landmark policy that will boost our economy and generate more jobs for Filipinos,” Secretary Roque said.
Plans and priorities are clearly outlined in the TPS to help domestic enterprises become more globally competitive, including nine (9) priority sectors identified for their potential to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth and industrial development.
Developed through 27 nationwide consultations, the TPS supports the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and calls for collaboration among government agencies, industries, and communities to build stronger, more competitive Filipino industries.
To access a copy of the TPS, visit the DTI website or contact the DTI-TPS Office through social media channels and/or via email at TatakPinoy@dti.gov.ph.  TPS-PMO@dti.gov.ph/TatakPinoy@dti.gov.ph