MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22, 2024 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
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| President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) | Screengrab: RTVM |
Marcos discussed his key policies and priorities as the country’s 17th Chief Executive. This includes updates on the administration’s efforts to uplift the lives of Filipinos, improve the economy, and address criminality and other social problems in the country.
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Be guided with our summary and review of President Marcos' SONA 2024. Students may use this as reference in making a reaction paper:
Marcos began his speech at 4:06 p.m. to address high prices of basic commodities, says good statistics mean nothing to Filipinos affected by high prices. "Alam kong damang-dama niyo ito. Di namin winawalang bahala ang inyong mga hinaing at hirap na dinaranas," he said. He also talked about government interventions designed to support agriculture.
Marcos mentioned the distribution of land titles to 130,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries.
The government is also fighting smuggling. "Through modernized customs procedures and heightened enforcement efforts, more than P2.7 billion worth of smuggled agri-fisheries products have been seized."
Marcos said the government will put up more irrigation projects, flood control projects and clean-up drives across the country.
Almost 100 evacuation centers have been built to prepare for disasters.
Marcos said 10 million unique user devices benefiting from free internet program of the government. The phase 1 of the national backbone program is already completed.
The government is also ensuring energy security by implementing more power projects. He said power-sharing made possible by Mindanao-Visayas interconnection. EPIRA is being reviewed to determine if it needs to be amended.
Marcos also reported updates on infrastructure projects such as Metro Manila subway, LRT-1 extension and rehabilitation of the Manila International Airport. He added that NAIA will transform from a stressful airport to a "world class international airport we can be proud of."
More generic drugs included in outpatient benefits list. Philhealth breast cancer benefit increased by 1000%. The government also allocated more funds to medical assistance programs.
Marcos said the government is prioritizing the vaccination of children. He also vowed to continue to enhance the feeding program in schools and daycare centers.
Marcos said 28 Filipino athletes now competing in the Paris Olympics.
Marcos also talked about education and vowed for reform through technology. He said that national learning recovery program "should proceed without the slightest distraction" especially in basic education.
87 of our higher educational institutions have made it to various world rankings.
Marcos said 4Ps has proven it efficacy over the years. More than 420,000 families have graduated.
The employment of in the Philippines has reached 95.5%.
Government services now more efficient as part of ease of doing business.
Infrastructures and digital reforms calculated to boost productivity of the tourism sector. Tourism challenges require multi-faceted strategies, 'experiential tourism' on the forefront.
Marcos also thanked OFWs for the increased remittances sent to the country. "Ramdam na ramdam hanggang dito sa ating bansa ang inyong sakripisyo."
The United Nations (UN) adopted resolution to ensure protection of human rights of seafarers.
The president also reported decreased crime rate in the Philippines.
Investments continue to our in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARRM).
Bloodless war vs. drugs to continue, the extermination never one of government policies.
Marcos also made a stand on West Philippine Sea, which received loudest cheer on the crowd. "Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi isang kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas."
Marcos said the poverty rate has significantly dropped to 15.5%.
The president ended his speech with the total ban of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) operations. It received cheers and standing ovation. Members of the audience chanted 'BBM! BBM!' after he directed the PAGCOR to end the operations of the gaming entities.
The speech lasted for one hour and 22 minutes.
— The Summit Express
