President Marcos said the Philippines is now held in “high regard” by the international community, citing the country’s calm and principled diplomacy, stronger global partnerships, and the contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“Ngayon, masasabi natin na mataas ang tingin ng buong mundo sa Pilipinas (Now, we can say that the whole world holds the Philippines in high esteem),” Marcos said in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28.

In his 70-minute speech, the President credited this global perception to the country’s foreign policy stance and adherence to international commitments.

“Maayos, patas, at mahinahon tayong nakikitungo sa iba't ibang mga bansa (We deal with various countries properly, fairly, and calmly),” he said.

“Tumutupad din tayo sa ating mga kasunduan, at sa mga batas at panuntunan ng pandaigdigang komunidad (We also honor our agreements and abide by the laws and norms of the international community),” he added.

Marcos said this posture of peaceful engagement remains even as the country faces growing threats to its peace and sovereignty.

“Sa harap ng mga bagong banta sa ating kapayapaan at soberanya, mas maigting ngayon ang ating paghahanda, pagmamatyag, at pagtatanggol sa ating sarili (In the face of new threats to our peace and sovereignty, our preparedness, vigilance, and defense of our nation are now more intense),” he said.

“Gayumpaman, tayo pa rin ay nagtitimpi at nananatiling mapagpasensya, lalo na sa pagtanod sa ating buong kapuluan at sa pangangalaga sa ating interes (Still, we continue to exercise restraint and patience, especially in guarding our archipelago and protecting our national interests),” he added.

The President said the country now faces these challenges with more confidence because of stronger alliances.

“Mas mataas pa ang ating kumpiyansa dahil mas marami tayong mga kasangga, na magiging kabalikat natin sa oras ng matinding pangangailangan (Our confidence is greater now because we have more allies who will stand with us in times of great need),” he said.

Reiterating his administration’s diplomatic approach, Marcos said the country’s foreign policy remains the same: the Philippines is a friend to all and an enemy to none.

He added that this principle would remain central to the country’s engagement with the international community, especially as it prepares to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026.

The President also paid tribute to OFWs, calling them living ambassadors of Filipino talent, character, and compassion.

“Dahil sa kanila, naipamamalas ang angking galing, kabutihan, at puso ng Pilipino sa lahat ng sulok ng daigdig (Because of them, the world sees the talent, goodness, and heart of the Filipino),” he said.

Marcos cited the government’s efforts to protect Filipinos abroad, especially those in danger or conflict areas.

“Kasing-sidhi ang paglingap natin sa ating mga kababayang nasa ibang bansa, lalo na ang nasa panganib at nagdaraan sa matinding pagsubok (Our care for our fellow Filipinos abroad is just as strong, especially those in danger or going through severe trials),” he said.

The President recalled the successful release of Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels after 400 days, achieved through diplomatic coordination with Oman. He also highlighted the granting of clemency to hundreds of Filipinos convicted abroad, achieved through diplomatic efforts with Middle Eastern governments.

“Sa loob ng tatlong taon, nagawaran ng kapatawaran ang mahigit 600 kababayan nating nahatulan, dahil sa sari-saring paglabag sa batas sa ibang bansa, lalo na sa UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, at iba pa (In the past three years, over 600 of our countrymen who had been convicted for various offenses abroad have been granted clemency, especially in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and others),” he said.

Marcos offered the country’s official thanks to those who intervened on behalf of distressed Filipinos abroad.

“For their crucial and most beneficent sovereign interventions, I personally convey our entire nation's sincerest gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and to all the leaders of various countries that have granted clemency and shown kindness to our beleaguered compatriots,” he said.