SONA. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday (July 22, 2024). Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya said the Chief Executive set the direction for the remaining years of his administration for the various sectors, particularly health, agriculture, and infrastructure. (Screenshot from RTVM Facebook Live video)
BACOLOD CITY – Two lawmakers from Negros Occidental welcomed the commitment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to implement vital initiatives as he expressed strong political will to protect the interests of the Filipino people during his third State of the Nation Address Monday afternoon.
Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya said the Chief Executive set the direction for the remaining years of his administration for the various sectors, particularly health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
“He used the word ‘shall,’ showing that these are mandatory that he will do it. He was very, very decisive,” Gasataya said in a radio interview.
The lawmaker from Bacolod said the President highlighted the delivery of social services, particularly in the improvement of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as a national poverty reduction strategy and the establishment of specialty hospitals.
He acknowledged the President’s mention of including technical and vocational education and training in the senior high school curriculum.
Gasataya also noted that Marcos “displayed political will” in the two national issues involving the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
The Chief Executive said that the Philippines will assert its rights and interests over the WPS “in the same fair and pacific way that we have always done” and declared a ban on POGOs to stop the grave abuse and disrespect of the nation’s system.
Meanwhile, Third District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez expressed support anew for legislation pushed by the administration “that will aid in creating a truly better and more prosperous Bagong Pilipinas.”
“We affirm our commitment in Congress to work closely with the Executive Branch to diligently study, carefully deliberate, and thoughtfully craft these legislations,” he said, in a statement.
Benitez said his district applauds Marcos “for his steadfast defense of our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea" and also thanks the President for "his commitment to signing the Maritime Zones Bill.”
“This will strengthen our position in international waters, safeguard our marine resources, and uphold our national sovereignty,” he added.
The Negrense lawmaker lauded the “remarkable progress” of the Marcos administration under the Build Better More initiative, noting that 50.8 percent of projects are currently underway.
“Here in Negros, we look forward to the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge and coastal roads set to enhance our local economy,” he added.
Benitez also pledged his collaboration with the administration and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara to ensure every Filipino child receives the quality education they deserve. (PNA)
