President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has challenged 10 senior government appointees to deliver measurable results, address persistent public-sector problems and translate government programs into tangible improvements in the lives of Filipinos.
During the oath-taking of the officials at Malacañan Palace, Marcos stressed that their appointments carried an obligation to build on existing gains while ensuring that government priorities produce concrete benefits for Filipino families and workers.
The officials who took their oaths were Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto; Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida; Public Works and Highways Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez; Labor and Employment Secretary Francis N. Tolentino; Health Secretary Edwin M. Mercado; Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna; Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita A. Mathay; Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon; Budget and Management Secretary Kim Robert C. De Leon; and Philippine Space Agency Director General Gay Jane P. Perez.
Marcos reaffirmed his confidence in the appointees and recognized their contributions to their respective agencies, but underscored the need to sustain implementation and overcome longstanding challenges.
He pointed to concerns that directly affect household welfare and economic activity, including keeping basic commodities affordable, improving transportation safety and convenience, and protecting workers through stricter enforcement of labor standards.
The President specifically highlighted the need to ensure that Filipinos traveling home enjoy safe and convenient transport services, while workers receive the benefits guaranteed under labor laws, including holiday pay and other entitlements.
The emphasis on affordability, mobility and labor protection places greater pressure on the agencies to demonstrate how their policies and programs are improving everyday conditions, beyond administrative accomplishments and policy announcements.
For the appointees, the challenge extends across critical areas of government, from infrastructure delivery and public health to environmental protection, tourism development, fiscal management and the administration of justice.
Marcos said public service must go beyond occupying positions of authority, requiring officials to turn their mandates into effective action and results that ordinary Filipinos can see and experience.
