(UPDATE) FIRST lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Saturday greeted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on his 68th birthday, tagging him as her “partner in everything.”
In a message accompanied by a collage of photos posted across her social media accounts, the first lady expressed how proud she was of her husband.
“Happy birthday to my partner in everything,” the first lady said.
“So grateful for every laugh, every adventure, and every moment we share. Love you to the moon and back!!” she added.
Her greeting came a day after Marcos celebrated his birthday in Malacañang, where the Palace opened its Kalayaan grounds to the public for a “Salo-salo sa Palasyo.”
Supporters from Metro Manila and as far as Ilocos traveled to the capital to personally extend their greetings.
The President has made it a tradition to mark his birthday with the public since assuming the presidency in 2022.
Friday’s celebration featured festive performances, food booths and messages of support from allies, officials and ordinary citizens.
Well-wishers
The President received well-wishes from both his cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez, the National Unity Party, and his sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, on Saturday.
In a statement, Romualdez said that his leadership has inspired “unity and resolve at a time when our nation faces both challenges and opportunities.”
“In every step of the New Philippines, Filipinos feel the direction and care that you established,” Romualdez added.
The National Unity Party, led by Deputy Speaker and Party Chairman Ronaldo Puno, also extended their greetings to Marcos.
“As you celebrate this special day, we take the opportunity to reaffirm our loyalty, trust, and unwavering support to your leadership and the administration’s programs for the Filipino people,” Puno said.
The NUP supported Marcos alongside now Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2025 elections.
Meanwhile, her eldest sister only greeted him “Happy Birthday” in Ilocano through her Facebook page.
“Naragsak a panagkasangay, Bonget!,” Sen. Marcos said, referring to the president in his nickname.
Free medical services
The Department of Health (DOH) launched a nationwide medical mission, offering free health services across the country in celebration of the President’s birthday on Saturday.
Outpatient departments in all 83 DOH hospitals, which are usually closed on Saturdays, were opened to provide free consultations, laboratory tests, and a range of other medical services in what was described as the President’s “gift to the Filipino people.”
“If you are visiting the outpatient services of DOH hospitals, this will be provided to you for free. Particularly today, September 13th. And this is nationwide,” said DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo.
The nationwide medical missions in multiple regions will offer a range of services, including general and specialist consultations; laboratory and imaging tests (including chest X-rays and ultrasounds); cancer, TB, and HIV screening; family planning; immunization and deworming; dental services; mental health assessments and wellness services (acupuncture, massage, pedicure, haircut); and distribution of wheelchairs, canes, crutches, and walkers.
In Ilocos, Regional Director Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco said, “Now, DOH Ilocos will be providing free consultations to various specialists. We have minor OR procedures, flu and pneumonia vaccines, and free oral health services. We also have free screening for HIV, TB, cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and hearing tests. Free laboratory tests, chest X-ray and ultrasound. Aside from these, we also have free mental health assessments. Wellness services like acupuncture, massage, pedicure and haircut. We will also provide wheelchairs, canes, crutches and walkers.”
In Cagayan Valley, more than 500 patients have been admitted to the Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development (CVCHD) for free health services. Free chest X-rays were done using the CVCHD mobile X-ray van and the portable X-ray of the Philippine Tuberculosis Society Inc.
The services provided by the local health authorities include the visual inspection with acetic acid, or VIA, and Pap smear screening for cervical cancer and HIV screening for early diagnosis of the disease. Free and confidential counseling is also included.
In Region 3, the priority was to provide free operation, OB-GYN, and ophthalmology consultation, where 10,000 people are expected to be admitted.
Domingo noted that this initiative has been held annually since Marcos assumed office.
“If you don’t have anything to do right now, our services are free, so you can come. If you don’t have anything to do, you can get a check-up,” said Domingo, imploring people to avail of the department’s free services.
Born in Batac
Marcos, commonly referred to as Bongbong and by the initials BBM, was born on Sept. 13, 1957, in the town of Batac, Ilocos Norte.
He is the son and namesake of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and the third child of a former president of the Philippines to also become chief executive.
Marcos and the first lady tied the knot on April 17, 1993, at the San Francesco Convent in Fiesole, Italy.
They have three sons: Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, Joseph Simon Marcos, and William Vincent Marcos.
