PBBM tells gov't agencies: Step up efforts vs poverty; promote peace, security
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has urged government agencies to assist him in delivering on his promises to uplift the people's economic condition, advance peace, and strengthen national security.

Marcos said this during the oath-taking ceremony in Malacañang of the officials of the National Amnesty Commission (NAM), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Marawi Compensation Board (MCB), and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), on Monday, Feb. 20.
In his speech, the President said that while most of the public is not familiar with these agencies, what is important is the significance of their work.
"We know how important your work is. That is why it is very, very important that you understand that we must work together because we are here willing, and we are here to support all the advocacies that your agencies represent. And that is our end of this bargain," Marcos said.
"We are very confident in the performance that you will show. I look forward to hearing from you as you get to settle into your jobs," he added.
President Marcos encouraged the newly sworn-in officials to thoroughly study their organizations and figure out what needed to be done so that the government could carry out interventions for the benefit of the people.
“Palagi kong sinasabi na marami tayong pinaplano na maganda para sa ekonomiya ng Pilipinas (I always say that we have plenty of good plans for the Philippine economy,” Marcos said.
“Sabihin na natin gumanda nang husto ang ekonomiya ng Pilipinas, hindi naman bumababa at hindi naman nararamdaman ng taong-bayan eh sayang lang ang ating naging trabaho. Iilan lang ang yumayaman (Let's say that our economy gets better but the people at the bottom don't feel it and only a few benefit, then it's a waste of our time)," he added.
President Marcos highlighted NAPC's mandate to help distribute wealth equitably, while OPAPRU, on the other hand, can do its part in the peace process.
In the case of Marawi City, Marcos said there had been many discussions about how to get the rehabilitation started and finally bring the people back to their homes.
“It is not a very quick process, hindi naman puwedeng imadali. Ngunit kailangan talaga nating simulan at maraming nag-aantay na hindi pa nakakauwi (we cannot rush it. But we need to start now and many are longing to come home),” Marcos said.
“Panahon na siguro, na pagkakataon na gawin natin ang lahat may makita man lang na pagbabago, may progress, para naman ay may maaasahan ang mga residents ng Marawi (Maybe it's time to show at least some progress so the Marawi residents have something to expect)," he added.