Marcos orders suspension of all SONA preps
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Office of the Executive Secretary announced that all SONA-related preparations are immediately suspended.
Marcos is set to have his fourth SONA next week, July 28.
The Department of Public Works and Highways, together with other concerned agencies, must instead focus on flood response and relief operations, according to the OES.
The OES said Marcos has directed that all efforts should be focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of the public, adding that all government agencies must act accordingly.
The Southwest Monsoon or Habagat continues to bring cloudy skies and torrential rains over most parts of the country, particularly in Luzon area.
PAGASA had said Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Occidental Mindoro will have monsoon rains with the possibility that floods or landslides will occur due to moderate to heavy with at times intense rains.
The President had instructed concerned government agencies to ensure the safety of the people amid the floods in Metro Manila and several other provinces and to deliver assistance to flood victims quickly. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
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GMA Network
3 hours ago
- GMA Network
Where is PH now in terms of learning recovery?
Pupils line up at Aurora Quezon Elementary School in San Andres, Manila, on Monday, June 16, 2025, as School Year 2025-2026 opens. DANNY PATA When President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2024, he made a clear order to address the gaps in the Philippine education system as he lamented the 'poor reality' hounding young learners. Back then, the President cited international assessments revealing that more than half of students in Grades 6, 10, and 12 failed to reach the ideal proficiency levels, faring low in information literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Marcos thus declared that the national learning recovery program must proceed 'without the slightest disruption,' especially in basic education. 'Our system of education must be strategically calibrated to make sure that our youth are not only taught to become literate. But, it must also consciously develop them into problem-solvers, and into critical thinkers—hungry for success, ready for the future,' he said in his third presidential address. This was a resounding call to address the country's persistent learning crisis, one deepened by years of lockdowns due to the pandemic, and underinvestment despite the education sector being given the highest budgetary priority as mandated by the 1987 Constitution. A year later, Marcos is set to return to Batasang Pambansa to deliver his fourth SONA which marks the middle of his term as president. Where does the country stand now in terms of implementing the learning recovery program? In its year two report released in January, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) pointed out that the Department of Education's (DepEd) own National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP) faces 'significant criticism and is in need of massive reforms' due to certain flaws in its design. To recall, the DepEd adopted the NLRP in 2023 under the leadership of then-Education Secretary, Vice President Sara Duterte, to address the learning gaps that were heightened by school closures and disruption amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The NLRP also aims to deal with the low performance of Filipino learners in international large-scale and national assessments. EDCOM 2, a congressional body tasked to make a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the performance of the Philippine education sector, recommended that the NLRP be revamped to ensure proper targeting, prompt support, and proper assessment of students that require urgent intervention—with a focus on those lacking foundational competencies. This call for reforms was welcomed by Duterte's successor as DepEd chief, Sonny Angara. ARAL Law One notable move made by the Marcos administration since the 2024 SONA was signing into law the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Act, which establishes a national learning intervention program for struggling learners to meet grade-level standards. Led by DepEd, the ARAL program is a free project that would focus on improving students' competencies in essential learning areas, including reading and mathematics for Grades 1 to 10, and science for Grades 3 to 10. As for the Kindergarten learners, the program would focus on building foundational skills to strengthen their literacy and numeracy competencies. Tutorial sessions would also be conducted either through a face-to-face, online, or a blended learning approach to help ensure the effectiveness and accessibility of learning. Angara said he believes that this new law would significantly improve Filipino students' performance in international assessments, like the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), in the long term. He, however, admitted that immediate results might not be evident in time for the 2025 PISA, which was held from March to April this year. Marcos had directed DepEd to prioritize improvements in the country's PISA scores after the 2022 results reflected Filipino learners' poor performance in mathematics, science, and reading. That time, the Philippines ranked sixth from the bottom among 81 participating countries and economies. A separate 2022 PISA report also revealed that Filipino students placed second to the last when it comes to creative thinking. These results mirrored the findings of the EDCOM 2, which noted that even after a decade of implementing the K to 12 system, Filipino students continue to fall behind regional and global peers in key academic competencies. Revised SHS curriculum Another key highlight in education since the previous SONA was the pilot implementation of the revised Senior High School (SHS) curriculum this School Year 2025-2026. Among the salient features of this new curriculum is the reduction of core subjects from the 15 being offered per semester, to just five that will be offered for a full year in Grade 11. These five new subjects are: Effective Communication (Mabisang Komunikasyon), Life Skills, General Mathematics, General Science, and Pag-aaral ng Kasaysayan at Lipunang Pilipino. This development came after Marcos, in August 2024, directed the rationalization of the SHS curriculum as he wanted to ensure that SHS graduates could acquire high-quality jobs. But calls for education reforms further escalated when it was revealed in congressional hearings earlier this year that approximately 5.58 million high school graduates, including junior high school completers aged 10 to 64, were considered "functionally illiterate" because of lack of comprehension skill. Angara said that the DepEd has been taking action to address the issue in order to prepare the children for a better future. Among the agency's interventions, he said, are intensifying remedial and literacy programs and the use of data in schools. He said teaching and assessment methods have also been improved, and the students are being honed to be critical thinkers and have 21st-century skills, instead of merely memorizing lessons. DepEd also revised its class suspension protocols, allowing schools and local government units (LGUs) to have more discretion when it comes to the declaration depending on real-time conditions. Before, classes were automatically canceled under any public storm signals. Angara thus reminded school officials and LGUs to be prudent in declaring class suspensions, emphasizing the need for learning continuity and to minimize learning loss. Also included in the agency's interventions in times of calamity is the rollout of durable and mobile modular classrooms that will replace temporary learning spaces in disaster-hit areas. Digitalization, connectivity Aside from addressing the classroom gap, Marcos in his last SONA, said that the digital gap should also be addressed with as much intensity. The President then expressed hope that all students will be equipped with computers, smart TVs, essential programs, digital books, and access to reliable power and internet connection. 'Digitalization and solar-powered electricity must now be standard features in our schools and in our classrooms. Simply put, this is educational reform through technology,' he said. To realize this vision, DepEd began implementing several digitalization initiatives. Through a public-private partnership approach, the agency has been pursuing smart classrooms, ICT equipment, and upgraded e-learning materials, while aiming to improve digital connectivity nationwide. DepEd has also deployed smart TVs, laptops, and other devices to public schools to support digital learning and reduce reliance on printed modules. These tools are expected to enhance interactive and blended learning delivery in classrooms. Teachers and students in geographically isolated and underserved public schools are likewise expected to benefit from improved internet connectivity under the government's ongoing "Free WiFi for All" initiative. The road to full recovery remains steep. While the Marcos administration has made progress in addressing learning gaps, the scale of the education crisis in the country demands faster execution, deeper investments, and stronger accountability. With millions of students needing help and an entire generation at risk of being left behind, eyes and ears are now turned for Marcos' next SONA to know his next moves to improve the quality of education in the country. — BM, GMA Integrated News


GMA Network
4 hours ago
- GMA Network
Rain in NCR on SONA Day possible as Habagat continues to affect PH
A SONA 2025 sign hangs near the entrance of the House of Representatives at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City. GMA Integrated News The Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Habagat, will continue to bring occasional rains over parts of the country on Monday—including in Metro Manila, where President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). According to state weather bureau PAGASA's Sunday forecasts, the Habagat is expected to bring occasional rains to the Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. PAGASA said the Habagat is also seen to bring cloudy skies with of isolated rains or thunderstorms to Metro Manila, the Cordillera Administrative Region, the Cagayan Valley, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, the rest of Central Luzon, and the rest of MIMAROPA. The rest of the country is projected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rains or thunderstorms. Tropical Depression Emong (international name: Co-may) exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Saturday morning, but PAGASA is now monitoring Severe Tropical Storm Krosa. Krosa was last seen 2,395 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 135 kph, moving northward at 15 kph. A number of local government units (LGUs) have already suspended classes due to inclement weather conditions. In Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office said that nearly 23,000 police personnel have been deployed for security measures during the event. These include more than 10,000 in Quezon City, according to Mav Gonzales' report on 24 Oras Weekend. The Batasang Pambansa Complex, where Marcos will deliver his SONA, is already on lockdown, with security personnel inspecting incoming vehicles, while a city-wide liquor ban will be enforced. The MMDA, meanwhile, said that it will set up counterflow measures on Commonwealth Avenue to deal with traffic. If it rains, "Naiayos na natin ang drainage inlet sa Commonwealth," MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said. "Temporarily lalagyan namin may mga mobile pumps tayo sa MMDA, tututukan muna namin para maibato, papunta sa creek ang tubig sa Commonwealth." (We have fixed the drainage inlet on Commonwealth. We have temporarily put mobile pumps that we will point so that the water from Commonwealth will go into the creek.) Marcos's SONA will be held after days of rains from the Habagat as well as Tropical Storms Crising, Dante and Emong affecting parts of the country, particularly in Luzon. In light of the widespread effects of the weather, some sectors and officials have called for doing away with some SONA traditions, including the red carpet. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA Integrated News


GMA Network
6 hours ago
- GMA Network
Boosting defense, tackling crime under Marcos admin
Newly delivered Black Hawk helicopters are seen at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Dec. 9, 2024, as part of the Additional Utility Helicopters Acquisition Project Agreement of the AFP Modernization Program. Photo: Philippine Air Force President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. is set to give his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. Marcos is expected to share the accomplishments of his administrations. But before this, GMA News Online looks back on Marcos' statements on defense and security concerns during his last SONA. Boosting defense In his last SONA in July 2024, Marcos said the country's police, military, and coast guard undergo continuous capacity-building and asset-upgrading to ensure peace and order. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) underscored the importance of recent acquisitions in support of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC). From June 2024 to present, the AFP said it has received one BRP Miguel Malvar-class corvette, two BRAHMOS missile batteries, one ATR-72-600 patrol aircraft, and ten S-70i Black Hawk helicopters. 'These assets strengthen surveillance, coastal defense, mobility, and disaster response—each playing a vital role in safeguarding our sovereignty and securing the archipelago,' the AFP told GMA News Online. The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) said the agency also acquired five units of 97-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs), 40 units Fast Patrol Craft (FPC), and 20 Units of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). 'The initial procurement of two units of 97-meter MRRVs has significantly enhanced the PCG's operational capability, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), where maritime tensions continue to escalate,' the PCG told GMA News Online 'The FPC will enhance the PCG's capability to conduct anti-drug interdiction, counter-piracy, anti-terrorism, and anti-kidnapping operations, while also supporting search and rescue, disaster response, and humanitarian relief. The drones will be vital in supporting operations like search and rescue, surveillance, anti-smuggling, and monitoring of illegal fishing activities,' it added. Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country's claim. The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis." China has refused to recognize the decision. High-profile cases Marcos also said in his last SONA that there was an overall decrease in the crime rate and an improvement in crime solution efficiency, but that law enforcers still need to earn the trust of the general public. Several suspects in high-profile cases have been arrested since last year's SONA. Arrest warrants were issued against church leader Apollo Quiboloy and others for alleged violation of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act as well as qualified human trafficking. He has also been indicted by a federal grand jury in the US District Court for the Central District of California for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling. Quiboloy, who is currently detained at Pasig City Jail after his arrest on September 8 last year, has repeatedly denied the allegations against him. Former Negros Oriental 3rd District representative Arnie Teves—the alleged mastermind in the killing of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others on March 4, 2023 in Pamplona—was also arrested in Timor-Leste where he sought asylum on May 21 this year. He is now in the detention cell of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Teves has denied the accusation. However, former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag remains at large despite an outstanding warrant for his arrest over the alleged murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid. The Department of Justice had filed murder charges against Bantag and former deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta with the Las Piñas court in relation to Lapid's killing. Lapid, whose real name is Percy Mabasa, was shot dead in Las Piñas City on October 3, 2022. The DOJ previously said a cash reward of P2 million would be given for information on the whereabouts of Bantag while P1 million would have been given for Zulueta. Bantag has denied the allegations against him, claiming they were all "fabricated." Meanwhile, a total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts have been reported missing in different parts of the country from 2021 to 2022. According to the police, the missing personalities were kidnapped allegedly due to match fixing or cheating in the cockfighting games. One of the accused and whistleblower Julie 'Dondon' Patidongan claimed that the victims were already buried in Taal Lake. Recent searches there have unearthed several human remains already. Patindongan named businessman Atong Ang as a mastermind in the case and also linked actress Gretchen Barretto to the disappearances. Both have denied the allegations. SONA 2025 preparations The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said that they have made the necessary preparations for Marcos' fourth SONA. On possible protest actions that are a staple of any SONA, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said there are rallyists or groups that have been approved by the Quezon City local government but whose permits are subject to conditions to ensure their activities do not violate any laws and will be orderly. The NCRPO said 22,987 police personnel have been deployed to conduct security for the annual event. Of the total complement, 16,060 are cops assigned to the NCRPO while support units from Region 4A of Police Regional Office 3 number 3,707 police officers while other agencies have contributed 3,220 personnel. — BM, GMA Integrated News