“I know that the state of the nation is sound, and is improving. Dumating na po ang Bagong Pilipinas.” (The dawn of a new Philippines has come.)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ second State of the Nation Address (SONA) ended on this note of confidence on the country’s present and future well-being.
He gave a comprehensive assessment of his administration’s performance in 15 focal areas, namely: economy and food security; infrastructure; Maharlika Investment Fund; energy; uniformed personnel; education; health; foreign policy; investments; digitalization and internet; migrant workers; housing; Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM); refocused drug war; insurgency; and priority bills.
He noted that the economy is “revived and rejuvenated;” inflation is down to 5.4 percent and employment has risen to 95.7 percent compared to a low of 82.4 percent at the height of the pandemic. He gave a robust account on food sufficiency and agriculture, a portfolio he has chosen to lead personally since he took office. Agriculture production has been boosted through “consolidation, modernization, mechanization, and improvement of value chains.”
Then he drew applause by warning hoarders, smugglers, and price manipulators that their days are numbered.
The ₱8.3-trillion Build Better More program involves 194 priority projects in roads, bridges, seaports, airports, and mass transport infrastructure. Citing that the digital economy contributed ₱2 trillion or 9.4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), the President also said that both fixed broadband and mobile internet speed in the country have improved and that digital payments accounted for 42 percent of total retail transactions — a definite gain from the constraints in physical mobility arising from the pandemic.
Emphasizing that “education is where it all begins,” he lauded the MATATAG agenda for basic education that addresses the welfare of both learners and teachers; the technical-vocational-education and training (TVET) that has enabled graduates to get employed in competitive technical jobs; and the enhanced competitiveness of higher educational institutions, 52 of which have been included in the World Universities Rankings, compared to only 15 last year.
Stressing that “healthier communities and lifestyles are our advocacy,” he reported the completion of more than 3,400 projects to increase and improve public health facilities. Hunger and nutrition programs are also being expanded to address stunting and wasting among children. Multi-specialty regional facilities are also being built to provide access outside of those that are concentrated in Metro Manila.
As chief architect of foreign policy, the President reiterated that he will not preside over any process that will abandon even one square inch of the territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power. He vowed that the country shall “continue to be a friend to all, an enemy to none.”
Most importantly, President Marcos acknowledged that Filipinos are stepping up to secure their country’s future: “Handa silang maghandog ng tulong, dahil mahal nila ang kanilang kapwa-Pilipino, at mahal na mahal nila ang Pilipinas. (They are ready to help because they love their fellowmen and they love the Philippines).”