28/07/2025
𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗔 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀' 𝗺𝗶𝗱-𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝟲-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺
President Ferdinand Marcos delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28 at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, marking the midpoint of his six-year term. The address focused on highlighting the administration’s accomplishments and outlining its plans for the remaining three years.
Marcos placed strong emphasis on social welfare and protection programs, particularly targeting the country’s vulnerable sectors. He emphasized initiatives in housing, livelihood, healthcare, and education support.
“Walang dapat mapag-iwanan,” he asserted, reaffirming that inclusive development remains at the core of his administration's vision.
Reiterating his historic campaign commitments, Marcos addressed the controversial “₱20 per kilo rice” promise, assuring the public that efforts to achieve this do not disadvantage farmers. He pledged expanded support for agricultural workers, with investments in coconut revitalization, farm mechanization, and agri-tech innovation.
The President also highlighted major infrastructure investments in public utilities and essential services. These include expanding access to energy, clean water, and reliable internet connectivity. He noted the progress of the e-Gov app and the national fiber backbone initiative as key steps toward digital transformation.
On public health, Marcos cited improvements in PhilHealth services, the creation of regional specialty centers, and the strengthening of mental health support systems.
In the education sector, he mentioned the continued implementation of the ARAL program, the integration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and the construction of thousands of classrooms across the country.
Marcos also turned attention to nation-building efforts, including youth sports development and reintegration programs for former insurgents, framing these as part of peace and security agenda.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating pagkalinga sa mga nagbalik-loob,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to peacebuilding.
Despite reported improvements in inflation and employment, many Filipinos remain dissatisfied. In the June 2025 Pulse Asia survey on “Most Urgent National Concerns,” 62% of Filipinos identified inflation control should be the government’s top priority.
Marcos delivered his one-hour and 11- minute address amid severe tropical storms, with over 120,000 people taking shelter in evacuation centers.
Notably, Vice President Sara Duterte was absent from the event, following tensions surrounding the Supreme Court’s recent decision that her impeachment proceedings in the House were unconstitutional. Senator Imee Marcos, Senator B**g Go, Senator Robin Padilla, and Senator Bato Dela Rosa also skipped to attend the event.
As President Marcos crosses the halfway point of his term, the coming years will test the government’s capacity to transform promises into tangible progress, especially for the Filipinos who continue to wait.
Via | Nicole Depiño
Layout | Reymark Jake Amar
