While much attention focuses on the visible aspects of governance, First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Cacho Araneta Marcos has carved out her own distinct role in the current administration. A lawyer by training and educator by choice, she continues to balance her official duties with her advocacy work across education, culture, and social welfare.
Balancing roles
Known to be a close adviser to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady brings her legal background to discussions on policy and governance. Her continued involvement in teaching criminal law part-time demonstrates her commitment to education beyond official initiatives.
She has often spoken about the importance of education, noting that “excellence has no limits”—a principle reflected in her various programs supporting students and educational institutions.
Educational initiatives
The First Lady has overseen the distribution of over 40,000 books to educational institutions as part of efforts to strengthen library resources nationwide. Her scholarship programs provide direct assistance to students, while she maintains her own classroom responsibilities teaching law.
Cultural and heritage
Through the Likha program, the First Lady supports traditional Filipino crafts including textiles and weaving. She has also overseen renovation projects at several historic buildings around Malacañang Palace, including the conversion of the Goldenberg Mansion into a cultural center and the Laperal Mansion into accommodations for visiting dignitaries.
As a trustee of the Asian Cultural Council, she works to promote Filipino artists and cultural programs internationally.
Social welfare
The LAB for ALL program has brought health services and government assistance to over 30 locations across the country. The initiative provides various forms of support including jobs assistance, financial aid, scholarships, and livelihood programs.
Her visit to the Bahay Kalinga shelter in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked the first time a Philippine First Lady had visited such a facility for distressed overseas Filipino workers. During the trip, she facilitated the repatriation of 43 distressed OFWs and their dependents, providing them with financial assistance and essential supplies.
Environment
The First Lady has made the Pasig River rehabilitation a priority project, with plans to develop the Pasig River Esplanade featuring parks, open spaces, and bike lanes. The project aims to transform the historic waterway into a commercial, tourism, and cultural area.
Advocacy for women
The First Lady has been vocal about women’s empowerment, particularly during National Women’s Month events where she has recognized the contributions of women in government. She participated in the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security in the Philippines, focusing on women’s roles in conflict prevention and resolution.
On to the next
As the administration continues its work on various fronts, First Lady Marcos maintains her focus on education, culture, and social welfare. Her approach combines her professional background in law with practical programs designed to address specific needs across Filipino communities.
Her various initiatives reflect an understanding that sustainable change often happens through sustained, focused efforts rather than dramatic gestures. As she celebrates another year, her work continues across multiple sectors, balancing official responsibilities with personal advocacy for causes she has long supported.
