(PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino on Monday underscored the importance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. prioritizing Filipinos’ fundamental needs during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Lambino particularly cited the mention of food and water security, healthcare, education and job security.
“The growth of any economy, both in the national and local levels, is heavily dependent on how a government addresses these needs,” Lambino told the Philippine News Agency.
Lambino said the SONA plays a critical role on how local governments would address the basic needs of the people.
“On behalf of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan, we support these initiatives mentioned by our President,” he said.
Among the topics discussed by Marcos in his SONA are the increase of minimum wage; investment pledges which have already generated 202,000 jobs; increase in employment rate; additional medical health centers and medical services; and aid to farmers and fisherfolk to ensure food security, among others.
Fidel De Guzman of Dagupan City said he was glad to hear concrete plans to address the concerns of ordinary Filipinos because it means they are understood by the government.
“Mabuti at alam ng gobyerno (ang) mga problema naming mga ordinaryong Pilipino gaya ng pagkain sa araw-araw, mataas na presyo ng kuryente, at mga bilihin. (Maganda rin) at may mga plano kung paano kami matutulungan (It is good that the government knows our problems as ordinary Filipinos like on the issues on daily sustenance, high prices of electricity, and other necessities. It’s nice that it has plans on how to help us),” he said.
He added that the use of the Filipino language in most part of the President’s speech was likewise an effective way to express the sincerity of the government.
Government employees said they were thrilled with Marcos’ announcement about medical assistance and salary increase.
“Maganda ito para mabawasan ang nangingibang bansa at dito na sila manilbihan sa Pilipinas. At para ma-compensate din ang pagod ng mga manggagawa ng pamahalaan (This is a good development to lessen the instances of those who prefer to work overseas and instead serve the country. And this will compensate their efforts),” Verna Beltran, a staff of a state broadcasting network, said.
Kenneth Carl Llamas, a teacher in Dagupan City, said he was happy hearing the impending salary increase and other additional benefits for educators.
“Now that all prices have gone up and the meager salary cannot support all the needs of a teacher -- from materials to room repair, and student’s needs -- this is going to be a big help to us,” he said.
Romeo Cordero Jr., a fresh college graduate from Dagupan City, was glad that the President mentioned in his SONA the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.
“As a youth, I am glad our country is making a stand for our future,” he said.
Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil, in a statement, was relieved to hear that the President emphasized the need to lower the poverty rate.
"It manifests concrete efforts in showing our care to our people and ensuring a stronger community,” he said. “I uphold the same ideology as our President’s in providing our people with good governance.” (PNA)
