EDUCATION and infrastructure development are among the top priorities of the Marcos administration, aiming to build a resilient workforce and public facilities that can make communities more progressive.

The government focuses on improving the quality and relevance of the education system to better prepare Filipinos for the demands of the modern workforce.

When it comes to innovation, the introduction of the electronic local government unit (eLGU) and eReport applications are notable initiatives that benefit various sectors, including education and infrastructure.

The eLGU allows citizens to access a wide range of local government services online, including business permit and licensing, local tax processing and real property tax assessments. Meanwhile, the eReport system enhances the capabilities of the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection to better respond to emergency needs.

One of the key initiatives is the enhancement of the senior high school curriculum through the integration of technical and vocational education and training. This aims to improve job matching and employability by equipping students with practical skills aligned with industry needs. By bridging the gap between education and the job market, the administration seeks to empower the youth with the necessary competencies to thrive in their chosen careers.

Alongside curriculum reforms, the administration also prioritizes efforts to improve teacher competence and address issues such as bullying in schools. These measures are part of the broader goal to enhance the country's performance in international assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment and ensure that Filipino students receive a well-rounded and high-quality education.

To address the shortage of health care professionals, the administration has launched innovative programs such as the clinical care associates (CCA) Upskilling program and the Enhanced Master's Nursing program. The CCA Upskilling program targets underboard nursing graduates, enabling them to work as CCAs while preparing for the nursing licensure exams.

On the other hand, the Enhanced Master's Nursing Program shortens the 3-year master's program to just 1 year with the aim of producing more qualified nursing instructors to address the shortage of nursing faculty.

The administration's commitment to supporting educators is further demonstrated through the enactment of the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which ensures that teachers receive an annual allowance to support their professional development and classroom needs. This initiative underscores the administration's dedication to improving welfare and empowering the nation's educators.

Recognizing the importance of digital skills in the modern economy, the Marcos administration has also partnered with technology giant Google to expand digital skills training for Filipinos. This collaboration aims to implement cybersecurity programs and create a safer digital space, preparing the workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

The administration also focuses on expanding access to higher education, particularly in the health care field. Within the first year, the Commission on Higher Education has opened six new medical programs in public universities, contributing to the goal of increasing the number of medical professionals in the country.

To foster international collaboration in health care education, the Marcos administration also forges partnerships with countries such as Austria. These agreements provide scholarships and faculty support for Filipino nursing students as well as the adoption of school and hospital schemes to facilitate global knowledge-sharing and best practices.

Build, Better, More to support infrastructure development

The administration's Build, Better, More program has seen substantial investments in various infrastructure projects across the country. These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the country's infrastructure needs, focusing on transport, digital connectivity, housing and sustainability.

One of the most notable transport infrastructure projects is the Davao City Bypass Construction Project. This 45-kilometer bypass aims to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance logistics, contributing to the economic development of the region. The project is a significant component of the administration's broader goal to modernize the country's transportation system.

Additionally, the South Commuter Railway Project under the North-South Commuter Railway system is expected to generate around 3,000 job opportunities at its inception and serve approximately 800,000 commuters daily. This project is poised to transform the commuting experience for many Filipinos, addressing traffic congestion in urban centers and providing a more efficient mass transit option.

In Pampanga, the administration has initiated the construction of the Airport to New Clark City Access Road, which is designed to reduce travel time to 20 minutes. This toll-free highway is part of a broader effort to improve connectivity between key urban and economic zones, further boosting the region's economic potential.

The administration has also completed the long-awaited Samar Pacific Coastal Road project, which aims to end the economic dislocation of residents in Northern Samar by providing a reliable and efficient transport route. This project highlights the administration's commitment to addressing infrastructure gaps in less developed regions

Moreover, the administration focuses on enhancing maritime and aviation infrastructure. The expansion and modernization of the Batangas Port underscore its strategic importance to the country's economic development. The government also approves revisions to the Laguindingan International Airport and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport with plans for significant upgrades to improve their capacity and services.

In housing, the administration focuses on addressing the needs of families living in danger zones and informal settlements.

The turnover of the National Housing Authority-Balanga low-rise housing project to families in Balanga City, Bataan, exemplifies the government's commitment to providing safe and affordable housing. The administration aims to complete the distribution of land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries before the end of President Marcos' term in 2028.

Similarly, the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Ciudad Kaunlaran project phase 2 in Bacoor, Cavite and other similar initiatives highlight the administration's efforts to expand housing opportunities and improve living conditions for many Filipinos.

The administration is also committed to sustainable development. The inauguration of the hydropower plant in Agusan del Norte and the call for private sector partnerships to provide affordable, reliable and clean energy are part of efforts to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. These initiatives are expected to contribute to a more stable and affordable power supply in the country.

In line with environmental sustainability, the administration focuses on climate change mitigation strategies such as the construction of an impounding system in Candaba, Pampanga to address flooding problems in the province.

This project is part of a broader effort to integrate programs that address the effects of climate change on the country's agriculture, infrastructure and communities.