PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. claimed that he has successfully assembled a “functional” government composed of “the best and BRIGHTEST” OFfiCIALS DURING HIS fiRST 100 DAYS IN OFfiCE.

In a press conference during the President’s Night organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club in Pasay City on Wednesday, Marcos said he was very grateful to his Cabinet members, particularly his economic managers, for their efforts to put in place plans to “transform” the postpandemic economy.

“I think what we have managed to do in the first 100 days is put together a government which is functional and which has a very, very good idea of what we are targeting in terms of strict economic targets, for example, in terms of the numbers of growth, the numbers of the different measures, the different metrics that we are using for the economy,” he said.

Marcos will mark his 100 days in office on October 8.

“But beyond that, I think that we still continue to enjoy the unifying force that the elections became. Generally speaking, elections are polarizing. And, of course, even in this case it was polarizing, but at least a very strong majority made itself felt. And I think that is something that we continue to use as our foundation,” he added.

As President, he admitted that he was concerned about being regarded as only doing the bare minimum.

But, instead, he said he managed to “galvanize” the government by reminding them of the urgency of working for the betterment of the nation and the country.

“I think all of those, at least in the higher positions in government and even slowly it’s filtering down to the rank and file are beginning to feel that now there is a point to government, there is something that we need to be doing,” Marcos said.

“This is the direction we are being led in. These are the things that we are going to do. We are going to come — go from here to there. This is why we are doing it, and this is how we are going to get it done. And this is the part that you will have to play if we are going to succeed,” he added.

Marcos said his first 50 to 100 days in government focused on “putting out fires,” citing various problems in the agriculture sector such as sugar and fertilizer supply woes.

He said the Department of Agriculture (DA), which he chairs, has also continuously provided production inputs to farmers and fisherfolk, such as high-quality seeds and fertilizers, as well as post-harvest machinery and facilities, including trucks, dryers and mills, which can raise productivity.

“We were just trying to make things work because suddenly the problem — you’re all aware, the problem with sugar supply, the problem with fertilizer came. We had to look for nontraditional sources,” he said.

The President also touted how his recent state visits to Singapore and Indonesia boosted trade and encouraged investment in vital industries.

He said that he was also able to give the world an idea of how the Philippines had been coping with current problems when he attended the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month.

“The nice thing is the Philippines has many friends around the world, and these contracts and friendships we have been able to renew,” Marcos said.

“We have been able to show that the Philippines is standing on its feet, the Philippines continues to have its aspirations and its dreams, and we are willing to do our part in making those dreams come true. Partnerships once again are going to be important, and we invite you to join us,” he added.

The Chief Executive described his recent engagements abroad as a “coming out party” for the Philippines.

“This is the coming out party for the Philippines, and we are able to explain what the Philippines is now, this is what the Philippines looks after two and a half years of crisis, this is what the Philippines is doing, and this is how we can help each other because not any one country is going to manage this transformation by themselves, and we would need each other’s help,” he said.

Marcos also reiterated the importance of strengthening partnerships and forging alliances across the world, saying that “unity” remains one of the primary driving forces in pursuing economic recovery.

“Because in the uncertain world that we are facing, these partnerships will stabilize our transformation into the post-pandemic new global economy. And it is an uncertain world that we are facing, it is an uncertain future, and that makes those partnerships all the more important. And again the concept of unity applies,” he said.

“We want our people to dream, to develop their talents, to explore the beauty of the country and of the world, and most especially, lead meaningful lives, and have in their heart a hope for the future,” Marcos added.

Thumbs up

Sen. Robinhood “Robin” Padilla said the President’s first 100 days were a good start.

During his first 100 days, Padilla said the President — aside from assembling a powerhouse team of economic managers — has personally taken the role of “traveling salesman” in attracting investments from other countries.

He added that the President is also personally addressing the nation’s concerns on food and agriculture as concurrent secretary of the DA.

“The first 100 days [are] a good start that I hope will be sustained in the President’s next 2,092 days in his term — from Oct. 8, 2022, to June 30, 2028,” he said.