THUMBS UP. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday (July 22, 2024). Bicolanos gave the speech a thumbs up as they agreed that government programs and projects have changed their lives for the better. (Screenshot from RTVM)
LEGAZPI CITY – The third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Monday received positive reactions from Bicol residents, particularly those whose lives have been improved by programs and projects implemented by the government.
The President, in his speech, highlighted his administration's accomplishments over the past year, and many Bicolanos agreed that significant progress had been made in the lives of Filipinos, especially those in the marginalized sector.
Architect Kristine Lagman of Bacacay, Albay commended the pronouncements in the SONA about the agriculture sector.
“The prioritization of the agri-sector and the use of modern technology they have incorporated into agriculture is commendable. Like solar irrigation, it really should be included because food security is national security,” Lagman said.
She added that the inclusion of disaster risk reduction and management in government priorities is very timely in this era of climate change.
Vinia Flores, of Daraga, Albay, thanked the President for his programs and projects implemented for farmers and fishers.
"Thank you, Mr. President, for always thinking about the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk. During the volcanic eruption, I received livelihood assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Thanks for the support, we now have a stable income and employment, which has become the primary source for my children's education," she said.
Aireen Colagong-Tigue, of Polangui, also in Albay, the daughter of a free land title beneficiary, thanked the Marcos administration for the certificate awarded to her father.
"Kasabay ang pamilya ko sa accomplishment ni PBBM (Our family was part of the accomplishments of President Bongbong Marcos). The land that was awarded to my father has been instrumental in supporting my education, as well as that of my siblings. We never imagined that this land would become ours one day, and our hard work to cultivate the land into a rice farm has paid off. Thank you very much, Mr. President," she said.
Tigue hoped the Marcos administration would sustain its initiatives to benefit more agrarian reform beneficiaries.
Ma. Cleofe Baraera, a government employee from Camarines Sur, said this year’s SONA highlighted NIA’s commitment to improving not just the irrigation facilities, which is the agency mandate, but also the government’s efforts in uplifting and modernizing the agricultural sector towards the attainment of rice self-sufficiency and the betterment of the Filipino farmers’ lives.
She also gave the President a perfect "10" rating in his stand against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Merly Tuazon-Barba, a teacher from Catanduanes, is delighted with the “good news” of giving teachers better benefits and allowances.
“Thank you, Mr. President; something to look forward to,” she said.
Erica Cimanes of Donsol, Sorsogon, was delighted to hear about the government projects for Bicol region.
“Nakakatuwa kasi ung kumanta pala ng Lupang Hinirang, Bicolana, tapos nabanggit niya yung Bicol International Airpot saka yung train. Parang nakakataba ng puso na kasama lagi ang Bicol sa plano niya at mga program (I'm happy that the one who sang the Lupang Hinirang is Bicolana, then he mentioned the Bicol International Airport and the train. It's heartwarming that Bicol is always included in his (Marcos') plans and programs),” she said.
Lei Tabuena, a barangay secretary in Catanduanes town, believed in the sincerity of the President in serving the people.
“Since the beginning of his term, I really appreciated all the hard work of various government agencies; all of them are working together to provide a better life for every Filipino,” she added.
Lorenzita Quitazol, a retired government employee, is optimistic about the promises of President Marcos for the succeeding years of his administration.
“How impactful are the promises of PBBM...The concern of the West Philippine Sea, also in education, giving teachers additional allowances, PhilHealth's increase in medical services, and banning POGO activities at the end of this year. He deserves the standing ovation..I wish him success in everything," she said.
Quitazol also lauded the President for not saying anything against his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
"PBBM showed professionalism, not mentioning negative comments about former President Duterte," she added. (PNA)
