Latest news with #NewPhilippines
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos vows internet for all public schools by end of 2025
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed Monday that all public schools in the Philippines will have internet access before the end of 2025, as part of his administration's aggressive push to modernize education and bridge the country's digital divide. During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the lack of connectivity in thousands of schools remains a major challenge, but one his administration is determined to solve within the year. 'Halos labindalawang libong pampublikong paaralan pa ang walang internet. Kaya sinisiguro ng DICT at DepEd na bago matapos ang taong ito, magkakaroon na ng koneksyon sa internet ang lahat ng pampublikong paaralan,' he noted. (Nearly 12,000 public schools still have no internet. That's why the DICT and DepEd are making sure that before the year ends, every public school will be connected to the internet.) Marcos emphasized that internet access is a vital tool in building a "Bagong Pilipinas"—a more connected, inclusive, and future-ready nation. 'Napakahalaga ng internet sa ating pagtahak patungo sa Bagong Pilipinas... Hindi lang ito para sa may kaya, o para lamang sa mga bata. Ito ay para sa lahat,' he said. (The internet is crucial in our path toward a New Philippines... It is not just for the privileged or for the young. It is for everyone.) He reported that the first three phases of the National Fiber Backbone project have been completed, significantly enhancing the country's internet infrastructure. At the same time, the number of Free Wi-Fi sites nationwide has jumped from just 4,000 in June 2022 to nearly 19,000 this year. Additionally, over a million SIM cards loaded with free data have been distributed to schools, particularly in far-flung areas, to support distance learning and digital access for students and teachers. 'Ngayong taon din, nagsimula na tayong mamigay ng mahigit isang milyong SIM cards na may libreng data para sa ating mga eskuwelahan, lalo na sa mga liblib na pook,' Marcos said. (This year, we began distributing over a million SIM cards with free data to our schools, especially in remote areas.) More towers and cell sites are also being constructed in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) to ensure even the most remote schools will not be left behind. The President's statement aligns with his broader education reforms, which include free higher education, teacher support, and digital learning tools like laptops and smart TVs. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Palace congratulates INC on 111th anniversary
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday expressed his congratulations to the Iglesia ni Cristo on its 111th anniversary, recognizing the religious group for its "continued service, charity, and solidarity with others." 'Sa loob ng higit isang siglo, ipinahayag at pinatunayan ng pamunuan at mga kasapi ng Iglesia ni Cristo ang kanilang layunin na magsilbing huwarang mga mamamayan at mabubuting alagad ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng paglilingkod, pagkakakawanggawa, at pakikiisa sa kapwa. Ang kanilang magagandang gawain ay lubos na nagdulot ng malawakang pagbabago at namunga ng pagkakaintindihan, pagdadamayan at pagkakaisa,' Marcos said in a message shared on his official social media accounts. (For over a century, the leadership and members of the Iglesia ni Cristo have proclaimed and affirmed their purpose to serve as exemplary citizens and good disciples of God through service, charity, and solidarity with others. Their good works have brought about widespread change and have resulted in understanding, mutual understanding, and unity.) The President emphasized what he considers the important role of the INC as a partner of the government in promoting his vision for the country. 'Nawa'y lahat ng ating pagsisikap ay magsilbing katuparan ng isang Bagong Pilipinas na tunay na makatao, makabansa, at may takot sa Diyos,' he added. (May all our efforts serve to realize a New Philippines that is truly humane, patriotic, and God-fearing.) Marcos Jr. earlier declared July 27, 2025 as a special non-working day in the Philippines for the founding anniversary of the INC. — RF, GMA Integrated News
South China Morning Post
14-02-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Why South China Sea row is an election hot-button issue for the Philippines
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr's playing of the China card this week urging a sweeping victory for his Senate allies marks the first time a political leader in the country is using a foreign policy issue to win votes. In front of an adoring crowd during the kick-off rally of his Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) party in his hometown province of Ilocos Norte on Tuesday, Marcos Jnr said in Tagalog: 'Will we consent to return to that period when our leaders want us to become a province of China?' It was a veiled allusion to a joke made by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2018 when he told a roomful of ethnic Chinese businessmen with the Chinese envoy to Manila present: 'Would you like to just make the Philippines a province of China, like Fujian? Then we will no longer have a problem. Everything will be free.' During Tuesday's campaign speech, Marcos Jnr assured the crowd that none of his senatorial candidates 'are rooting for China and expressing delight when our coastguard is being bombarded', referring to multiple clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea. Amid cheers and applause, he urged voters to 'let us deliver a 12-0 result for the Senate' in the May midterm elections. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (centre) reacts during a rally in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, about 500km north of Manila, on Tuesday. Photo: EPA-EFE Twelve of the 24 Senate seats are up for grabs, along with 18,200 local executive positions – from provincial governor down to city and town mayors, along with all seats in local legislative councils.
