Marcos marks 67th birthday with support to farmers, paying hospital bills, capped by party/concert with friends

Metro Manila, Philippines—Malacañang said on Saturday President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended a party organized by his friends at a hotel in Pasay City for his 67th birthday on Friday, Sept. 13.

Yesterday, blogger “Sass Rogando Sasot” claimed that there was a private concert held for Marcos led by English pop band Duran Duran.

In a statement, Malacañang said the band was present at the birthday party.

“To his (Marcos) surprise and appreciation, music was provided by Duran Duran,” it said.

Malacañang said the occasion happened after the chief executive attended his official engagements on Friday.

How Marcos spent the day

He began the day with a visit to farmers with a wish for a stronger and more organized agricultural sector coupled with advancements under his administration.

Marcos was concurrent Secretary of Agriculture until 2023 before handing it over to businessman Francis Tiu Laurel.

"Madali ‘yung birthday wish, maparami ito. Talagang lahat ng bawat magsasaka sa buong Pilipinas, mararamdaman ang programang ito, at lahat ng programa na ginagawa natin sa Department of Agriculture, lahat ng ginagawa nating pagtulong ng DBP, lahat ng mga financing institutions, lahat po,” Marcos told reporters, underscoring his desire for a more cohesive system that would benefit farmers nationwide.

[Translation: My birthday wish is simple: for this to grow. I hope that every farmer across the Philippines will feel the impact of this program, and all the initiatives we are implementing in the Department of Agriculture, with the help of DBP and all the financing institutions, everyone]

He further said, "Iyong buong sistema ng agrikultura, ay, ang birthday wish ko, mabuo na natin, para maganda ang takbo ng sektor ng agrikultura para gumanda ang buhay ng bawat magsasaka, ng kanilang pamilya, at ng bawat Pilipino."

[Translation: My birthday wish is for us to fully develop the entire agricultural system, so that the sector runs smoothly, improving the lives of every farmer, their families, and every Filipino]

Marcos led the launch of the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program, which aims to support farmers through intervention monitoring cards.

The cards will enable farmers to buy seeds, fertilizers, and farm equipment from accredited merchants.

Marcos proceeded to Palayan City, where he distributed 6,000 certificates that condoned loans on lands awarded under the New Agrarian Emancipation Act.

Shouldering hospital bills

The president also announced that his office released P328 million for 22 tertiary hospitals nationwide to cover the medical expenses of patients confined and undergoing treatment.

“Kaya po sa araw na ito, sasagutin po natin ang lahat ng bayarin ng mga pasyente sa lahat ng pampublikong Level 3 hospital sa bansa," Marcos said, referring to specialized care in hospitals.

[Translation: On this day, we will shoulder all bills of patients in all level 3 public hospitals in the country.]

Birthday wishes

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos described her husband as the "sweetest and kindest soul" she has ever known, expressing pride in his achievements.

"I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and through it all, you’ve remained the same tender-hearted, compassionate person who first captured my heart. I love you to the moon and back, and I always will," she shared.

Senator Imee Marcos extended a happy birthday greeting in Ilocano: “Naragsak a panagkasangay, ading ko, President Bongbong Marcos."

Netizens took to social media to share their messages, with one user writing, "Praying for good health, energy, wisdom, good judgment and long life to our beloved Pres. BBM. GOD bless him."

Another commenter, expressing a more measured tone, said, "Though I don't like politics, I wish him the best, but I still order him NEVER to misbehave, not under the watch of someone living by the Miriam Defensor Santiago standards. I shall continue to evaluate him."

A third user added, "I wish him well but to remember that being on the pedestal you are now, you should humble yourself and do your duties."