Looking back at the legacy of PBBM’s presidency
Few political figures in the Philippines are as widely recognized or as deeply rooted in the nation’s history as Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., affectionately known to many as “Bongbong” or “BBM.”
From a young man stepping into the political arena to the 17th President of the Philippines, his story is one of a return to power, shaped by a compelling vision of national unity and a steadfast focus on the country’s economic and social renewal.
Born on September 13, 1957, in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Marcos Jr. grew up in a household where public service was not just a duty but a way of life, with his father, the late Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., serving as the nation’s 10th President and his mother, Imelda Romualdez Marcos, as a formidable First Lady.
Eventually, his educational path took him from the halls of La Salle Greenhills in the Philippines to the prestigious Worth School in England, and a Special Diploma in Social Studies from Oxford University. He later pursued a Master of Business Administration at the Wharton School of Business, though his studies were cut short by the call to public service.
At just 23, he began his long career as Vice Governor of Ilocos Norte, eventually serving as governor of the province from 1983 to 1986 and again from 1998 to 2007. He also served as a congressman for the second district of Ilocos Norte and a senator, where he focused on legislative work that supported overseas Filipino workers and promoted renewable energy, long before it became a global priority. This extensive experience in local and national government provided him with a deep understanding of the country’s diverse needs, from the grassroots level up to the national policy-making table.
His ascent to the presidency culminated in a landslide victory in the 2022 elections. Marcos Jr.’s campaign was built on the powerful and resonant message of “unity,” a call that struck a chord with millions of Filipinos seeking to move past divisions and forge a collective path forward. He secured a historic majority, becoming the first president since the Fifth Republic to win by such a margin. His inauguration at the National Museum of Fine Arts, a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage, underscored his administration’s commitment to reviving national pride and strengthening the Filipino spirit.
Establishing his goals as a national leader
Since he assumed office, President Marcos Jr. has laid out an ambitious eight-point socioeconomic agenda aimed at steering the country toward a more inclusive and sustainable future. At the heart of his economic policy is a focus on fiscal discipline and a vigorous push for digitalization to improve tax collection efficiency and streamline government processes. This has been complemented by a strategic emphasis on public-private partnerships to attract investments and accelerate the country’s infrastructure development under the “Build, Better, More” program, an evolution of the previous administration’s initiative. Notable projects include the expansion of roads, bridges, and railways that aim to decongest traffic, reduce travel time, and connect communities, thereby boosting economic activity and enabling people to spend more time with their families. The administration has also been proactive in its efforts to make the Philippines more attractive to foreign investors through various foreign trips and bilateral agreements, all to create more quality jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Meanwhile, a central tenet of the Marcos Jr. administration has been the push for greater accountability and transparency in government. Recognizing that corruption at both local and national levels hinders progress, the President has emphasized digitalization as a key tool in this fight. By modernizing government services through initiatives like the eGov Super App and enhancing the electronic procurement system, the administration aims to minimize human discretion and reduce opportunities for graft. He has also highlighted the importance of public participation, championing reforms such as the Government Procurement Act of 2024, which mandates the disclosure of data throughout the procurement process to allow for civic oversight. This focus on digital transformation and open governance is seen as a way to build a more efficient, trustworthy, and responsive bureaucracy that can better serve the needs of the Filipino people.
Boosting food security and the economy
In the realm of food security, the President has prioritized agriculture, even taking on the role of concurrent Secretary of the Department of Agriculture for a period to personally oversee the sector’s revitalization. His administration has poured significant resources into agricultural programs, aiming to boost local production and provide farmers with the necessary support, equipment, and irrigation systems. The goal is not just to address food inflation but to achieve a degree of food sovereignty, making the country less dependent on imports. The administration has also been focused on modernizing the sector through technology and providing financial assistance to farmers, recognizing that the strength of the nation is tied to the productivity and well-being of its farmers and fisherfolk.
His foreign policy, meanwhile, has been marked by a complex and strategic balancing act. While strengthening the Philippines’ traditional alliances, particularly with the United States, Marcos Jr. has also worked to maintain and expand ties with other nations, including China, acknowledging its essential role as a trade partner. This “independent foreign policy” approach aims to secure the country’s national interest and promote peace and stability in the region. The administration has also put a strong emphasis on protecting the rights and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), who are considered modern-day heroes for their invaluable contributions to the national economy.
Beyond economic and foreign policy, the President has focused on improving social services. His administration has worked to provide more accessible healthcare by building and upgrading health facilities and expanding social health protection programs. In education, there has been a push to address the classroom backlog, provide teachers with the necessary tools, and reform the curriculum to better prepare students for the demands of a modern, globalized world.
As President Marcos Jr. celebrates his birthday, his tenure continues to be a period of significant change and adaptation for the Philippines. He has demonstrated a clear and unwavering commitment to his vision of national unity, laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and resilient nation.
The challenges ahead are considerable, from global economic uncertainties to domestic issues that require sustained attention and innovative solutions. However, his administration’s focus on economic revitalization, agricultural self-sufficiency, and strategic diplomacy paints a picture of a leader dedicated to steering the country towards a brighter and more secure future. This birthday is not just a personal milestone but a reminder of the journey he has taken and the path he continues to chart for the Filipino people.
