Content Editor
July 25, 2023

In the grand setting of Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. marked the second year of his term with a compelling State of the Nation Address (SONA). During this pivotal speech, he outlined the paramount measures that would shape the nation's future while offering an insightful overview of his administration's accomplishments in the past year.

 

Delve into the highlights of this address as we take you through the key moments of President Marcos Jr.'s visionary 2nd SONA in 2023.

 

Key Takeaways from Marcos' SONA 2023

 

 

Exploring the Frontiers of Economy and Business

 

In his address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the remarkable growth of the economy, reaching a 7.6% growth rate in 2022, the highest in 46 years. He emphasized the government's efforts to exert control over economic matters within their purview. Plans for the road network were outlined, with ambitious projects aiming to connect major islands and areas of economic development, reducing travel times and facilitating better transportation across the nation. Marcos introduced the Maharlika Fund, intended for high-impact and profitable investments, managed by internationally recognized economic managers, ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making.

 

Renewable energy was emphasized as a priority, with aggressive promotion aiming for a 35% share in the power mix by 2030 and a goal of 50% by 2040. The President acknowledged the establishment of a Unified National Grid, interconnecting Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids to enable efficient electricity transfers and competitive pricing. However, concerns were raised regarding delayed grid connections, leading to a performance review of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

 

In the tourism sector, the Philippines experienced a strong influx of international visitors, and Marcos stressed the potential for job creation through such initiatives. The President aimed to solidify the country's reputation as an attractive and reliable investment destination by ensuring an enabling business environment, peace, order, and the rule of law.

 

Addressing connectivity, efforts were made to improve internet speeds, with fixed broadband and mobile internet ranking higher compared to the previous year. Housing programs were set to expand, providing affordable housing for millions of Filipinos in need. Finally, Marcos urged Congress to pass a new procurement law, addressing concerns about questionable contracts awarded to favored suppliers under the current outdated law.

 

A Focus on Environment and Agriculture

 

PBBM also focused on enhancing the local agricultural production through various measures, such as consolidation, modernization, mechanization, and improving value chains. He emphasized the need for timely and calibrated importation to support local agriculture effectively.

 

Addressing smugglers and hoarders, the President condemned their actions as detrimental to both farmers and consumers. He pledged to put an end to such practices and ensure that those involved face consequences, signaling an end to the days of these illegal activities.

 

President Marcos also celebrated the passing of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which relieved over six thousand beneficiaries of a burdensome 57 billion pesos debt. He expressed gratitude to the lawmakers on behalf of the farmers and their families for this significant achievement.

 

Water resource management was highlighted as a critical concern. The President stressed the importance of ensuring sufficient and clean water for all citizens and future generations, indicating efforts to pass a law for the establishment of a Department of Water Resource Management.

 

Finally, climate change was recognized as an essential consideration. The government learned from past disasters and is continually improving its response to crises, reorganizing response teams to be more agile, effective, and unified in their command when facing calamities.

 

Shedding Light on Social Issues

 

President Marcos emphasized the importance of learning recovery as a top priority in the education agenda. Efforts are being made to provide quality education to the 28.4 million learners who returned to school this year. Addressing the shortage of classrooms and facilities, the government is not only constructing new ones but also retrofitting existing ones to be future-ready, including climate and disaster-proofing them.

 

The K to 10 curriculum is being recalibrated to ensure its relevance, responsiveness, and alignment with international standards. The education agenda aims to remove financial barriers for students by activating social safety nets, providing skills development training, and youth employment programs. Talented and deserving students without the financial capacity to attend school will not be left behind.

 

In matters of health and nutrition, the government has introduced convergent programs to address hunger and nutrition-related issues, particularly among children. The pilot Food Stamp Program seeks to supply the nutritional needs of the most food-poor Filipinos. The health care sector is also receiving attention, with expanded PhilHealth packages, free dialysis sessions for most Filipinos, and additional benefits for health workers.

 

Regarding overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), President Marcos is working towards providing them with safer working environments, better social welfare mechanisms, repatriation assistance, and smoother reintegration into the Philippine economy. The deployment issue in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been resolved, and 70,000 OFWs have already been deployed there for employment.

 

Building a Foundation for Justice, Peace and Order

 

The president expressed pride in the progress made by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). He highlighted the transformation of former adversaries into partners in peace and the development of defined functions and basic laws for the region. The BARMM represents a crucial step towards achieving sustainable progress and lasting peace in Southern Philippines. President Marcos affirmed the government's ongoing commitment to support the BARMM's advancement in alignment with their vision for the welfare of all Filipinos.

 

Regarding the campaign against illegal drugs, President Marcos acknowledged the shift in approach. The focus now lies on community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration to combat drug dependence among affected citizens. The government remains determined in its fight against drug syndicates, taking actions to dismantle their operations and halt illegal activities. Notably, unscrupulous law enforcers and individuals involved in the illicit drug trade have been exposed, leading to the President's acceptance of their resignations.

 

Addressing conflict in the countryside, President Marcos emphasized the success of community development and livelihood programs like the Barangay Development and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Programs. These initiatives have proven effective in addressing the root causes of conflict. To further foster the reintegration process, the President pledged to issue a Proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees. He called upon Congress to lend its support to this endeavor, aimed at promoting peace and unity in the country.

 

Insights on Foreign Affairs and Security

 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also emphasized the importance of military and uniformed personnel's pension, viewing it as crucial, urgent, and humanitarian, akin to the concerns of civilian Filipino employees. Measures are being taken to ensure its functionality and financial sustainability. Collaborating with Congress, the government aims to facilitate a smooth transition from the old system to the new one, guaranteeing that those in the uniformed services will not experience any adverse effects during the process.

 

President Marcos highlighted the success of the country's independent foreign policy, which prioritizes friendly relations with all nations and aims to avoid becoming an enemy to any. He cited the positive outcomes of foreign trips undertaken to promote the nation's interests, foster peace-building efforts, and create mutually beneficial relationships. These economic missions have resulted in a substantial estimated total investment value of 3.9 trillion pesos or 71 billion US dollars, with the potential to generate 175,000 jobs, contributing significantly to the country's economic growth and development.

 

Towards a Rising Nation

 

Overall, the SONA provided insights into the President's vision for the nation and the efforts made to address various challenges and achieve progress across different sectors.

 

President Marcos also mentioned in his address that he knew that state of the nation is sound. He further expresses: 

 

“Every Filipino have unanimously risen to the challenge that we have made to them to be part of the nation’s future. Handa silang maghandog ng tulong, dahil mahal nila ang kanilang kapwa-Pilipino, at mahal na mahal nila ang Pilipinas. With this in my heart, I know that the state of the nation is sound, and is improving…. Dumating na po ang Bagong Pilipinas.”