President Marcos is hands-on in preparing for his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), treating it as a vital opportunity to communicate his administration’s accomplishments and plans to the public, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said.

In an interview on the sidelines of Marcos’ departure for his trip to Washington, D.C., the Palace official said the President gives his SONA report the “highest importance.”

“The President has been involved very personally in the preparation of the SONA because that is the report to the people,” he told reporters in Pasay City on Sunday morning, July 20.

“He always gives that the highest importance, and I think he has already collected the material for his SONA,” he added.

Bersamin noted that Marcos is eager to present to the public what the government has been working on.

“Alam niyo si Presidente masyadong malakas ang focus niyan sa mga ganitong bagay (You know, the President is extremely focused on these things) because he really loves to communicate to the people the work that he has been doing, that the Cabinet has been doing, that the entire government has been doing,” he added.

Bersamin said President Marcos is still reviewing additional points to ensure the speech covers the government’s work comprehensively.

“Although we are still hoping or expecting that the President will consider more material,” he said.

The President might also include in his report the fruits of his trip to Washington if he wants to.

“If there is anything worth reporting, we can expect it,” he said.

Marcos will deliver his fourth SONA on July 28.