Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the crucial role of the Philippine Studies Program in fostering stronger global connections and elevating the country’s voice on the international stage.

Speaking at the launch of a book on the Philippine Studies Program, Legarda emphasized that diplomacy does not begin in embassies, but in libraries, classrooms, and simple acts of curiosity.

“And it taught me this: no matter how vast the world may seem, we shape one another. Our narratives intersect, and in these crossings, we discover deeper ways of speaking and listening,” Legarda said.

Legarda, known for championing culture and education, shared that it is the conviction that inspired her to promote a form of diplomacy that uses the power of storytelling: cultural diplomacy.

“In a world so fractured by uncertainty, we are reminded—now more than ever—that the strongest bridges are built through understanding.”

The Philippines takes another step, serving as the Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair this year, making it the second Southeast Asian country to be named as such.

The Philippine Studies program was established in collaboration with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London in 2017.

It has since expanded into a global initiative in 24 universities worldwide, creating scholarly work on topics such as the medicinal potential of Philippine plants, labor migration driven by climate change, and indigenous languages.

“This is soft power at its most strategic: Scholarly, reciprocal, and deeply human. The Filipino experience standing on the world stage—on our own terms—sparking curiosity about our heritage in ways that ripple across sectors: from tourism and research partnerships to stronger bilateral and multilateral ties,” said Legarda.

The Philippine Studies Program, Legarda noted, provides a model for how nations can assert their identity while contributing to global knowledge.

“What the Philippine Studies Program models is a way forward—for all of us—to see ourselves not only as inheritors of identity, but as contributors to global thought and co-authors of a shared future.”

By PCO

President Ferdinand R.Marcos Jr.’s administration is actively developing a national framework to ensure the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

The Palace also warned against the threat of disinformation in the lead-up to the President’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos has ordered the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to lead the ongoing research, international benchmarking, and creation of regular policy recommendations to guide AI deployment in the country.

“Ang inuutos po ng Pangulo ay magkaroon ng tuloy-tuloy na pag-aaral patungkol po sa AI, advantages at disadvantages, ang application nito sa bansa at mga best practices nito sa ibang bansa at magkaroon ng regular policy recommendations at research findings,” Castro said.

As the SONA approaches, Castro also warned against efforts to use AI to spread fake news and discredit the government.

She emphasized the government’s commitment to truth and accountability and called on media professionals to be allies in fighting disinformation.

“Hihingin din po namin ang inyong tulong patungkol dito dahil sa media- social media at mainstream media- malaking tulong po kapag kayo ay may nakikita nang fake news, ito at maialarma na sa taong bayan. Kaya we need your help,” Castro said.

By PCO

Prioritizing prevention and rehabilitation over violence, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday ordered law enforcement authorities to step up the peaceful war against illegal drugs, which has borne results with PhP62 billion worth of shabu interdicted since the start of his administration.

President Marcos emphasized that rather than resorting to violence, his administration’s anti-drug campaign focuses on strengthening prevention and rehabilitation efforts. The President highlighted the importance of helping individuals overcome addiction through enhanced support systems and community-based interventions.

“The new concept of the war against drugs is working. So, we will continue down that vein. And I think we are beginning to see the good effects of that new policy,” the President said in his remarks after inspecting the PhP8.87 worth of shabu and other illegal drugs stockpiled at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) headquarters in Quezon City.

“Number one, mas pinapatibay natin ang ating prevention. Tapos mas pinapatibay natin ang ating rehabilitasyon. ‘Pag nasabit na sa droga ang tao, tinutulungan natin na mabitawan niya ‘yang bisyo na ‘yan,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos referred to the policy under his administration that authorities do not resort to killing people on mere suspicion of being linked to the illegal drug trade.

“I continue to encourage all the Drug Board authorities, the PDEA authorities, and of course, the police, that we must continue with the war against drugs. But we must do it in a peaceful way,” President Marcos said.

“It has been described as a bloodless war on drugs. And this is what we are aiming for. But nonetheless, despite the fact that we do not kill people that are just suspected of having anything to do with drugs, imbis na ganoon ang ginagawa natin, we are handling the drug problem in a different way,” President Marcos added.

The President ordered drug enforcement authorities to put equal emphasis on the prevention of illegal drug use and the rehabilitation of users.

The President also instructed the Philippine National Police and PDEA to continue the drug war against large drug syndicates, while at the same time going after small-time drug traffickers.

“Kaya tinitiyak ng ating kapulisan na marami tayong pulis na nakikita, very high presence ng pulis at kung mayroon mang ganoon, mayroong mga ganoong kaso ay mahuli na kaagad natin,” the President said.

“So, that is what we are continuing to do. We are hitting the drug trade at the highest level and at the lowest level. And we are beginning to see some measure of success. Kaya ipapagpatuloy natin ito,” stressed President Marcos.

The seized PhP8.87 billion worth of shabu and other drugs are scheduled to be destroyed on Wednesday in Capas, Tarlac.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) is closely monitoring the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting of former radio anchor Ali Macalintal on Monday, June 23, 2025, in General Santos City. Macalintal, a former broadcaster for RPN-DXDX General Santos, sustained three gunshot wounds and was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. In coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 12, PTFOMS is investigating the motive behind the attack, including the possibility that it may be connected to the victim’s previous work in media.

PTFOMS is coordinating with local law enforcement units and monitoring developments through its network of Media Security Vanguards—PNP Public Information Officers trained to respond to threats and violence against journalists.

The Task Force assures the public and the media community that justice will be pursued with urgency and transparency.

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office IV-A actively participated in the Second Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Office of Civil Defense. The drill, held on June 19, 2025, aimed to reinforce disaster preparedness and instill a culture of safety and responsiveness among everyone.

Before the execution of the drill, Marco Paolo Aclan, Administrative Officer III, provided an orientation highlighting the rationale behind the NSED. He discussed essential aspects of earthquake preparedness, including the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” safety procedure, the office’s earthquake response plan, and some specific instructions to be followed during the drill. This ensures that all personnel understood their roles and the importance of a swift and orderly response during an actual earthquake.

An Evacuation Assembly Area was pre-identified to guide personnel during the evacuation. At the sound of the alarm, employees promptly performed the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” technique and proceeded in an organized manner to the assembly point.

The drill was participated in by a total of 42 PSA RSSO IV-A personnel, consisting of 10 males and 32 females. Their cooperation and active involvement reflected the office’s commitment to safety and preparedness.

Following the drill, a short debriefing was conducted, Juliedin B. Nohay, Registration Officer IV, identified a few areas for improvement which were supported by Chief Administrative Officer Wilma A. Villafuerte, who commended all employees for their participation. In her message, she emphasized the value of regular drills in preparing staff for emergency situations and thanked everyone for their active involvement.

The PSA RSSO IV-A remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting safety and preparedness in the workplace and will continue to support initiatives that enhance disaster resilience and employee readiness.

The newly elected officials of Cavite, led by Governor-elect Francisco Gabriel “Abeng” Remulla, Vice Governor-elect Ramon Vicente “Ram” Revilla Bautista, and 7th District Congressman Crispin Diego “Ping” Remulla, formally took their oaths of office in a grand ceremony at the historic Diocesan Shrine of San Agustin (Holy Cross Parish) in Tanza, Cavite on June 25, 2025.

Also sworn in were the Board Members from Cavite’s eight districts, Tanza Mayor-elect Archangelo “SM” Matro, and the newly elected Municipal Councilors. The oaths were administered by distinguished officials: DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla for Tanza’s local officials, Prosecutor Vivian Monzon-Rojo for the Board Members, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. for Vice Governor-elect Revilla, and DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla for Congressman Ping Remulla and Governor-elect Abeng Remulla.

Prior to the formal ceremony, a Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Virgilio Mendoza, parish priest of San Agustin Church, offering prayers of guidance, thanksgiving, and hope as the new leaders prepared to begin their term of service.

Adding both solemnity and resonance to the event, the renowned Imusicapella delivered stirring performances. Their heartfelt renditions of inspirational songs enriched the atmosphere and underscored the gravity of the officials’ pledge to serve with honor and dedication.

Set against the backdrop of San Agustin Church – a revered landmark that has witnessed Cavite’s rich history – the ceremony embodied a blend of solemn duty, civic pride, and shared hope for the province’s future.

In their messages, Governor Abeng Remulla and Vice Governor Ram Revilla called for servant leadership, inclusive governance, and sustained progress. Governor Remulla, representing a new generation, pledged to lead an open and proactive government that listens to all sectors and leaves no community behind.

Vice Governor Revilla affirmed that public office is a sacred responsibility – to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and act with conviction. United in vision, both leaders vowed to work with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to build a just, inclusive, and resilient Cavite for all.—E. Reyes (CPIO)