By AJ Alarcon

On Monday, July 28, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the session hall of the Batasang Pambansa Complex, highlighting education, public healthcare, and disaster response. 

This year’s address began at 4:07 PM, with the president congratulating the newly elected and reelected 12 senators and 314 district and party-list representatives.

He acknowledged the results of the 2025 midterm elections and the public’s sentiments toward governance.

“Bigo at dismayado ang mga tao sa pamahalaan, lalo na sa mga pangunahing serbisyo,” Marcos said.

“Kailangan pa natin mas lalong galingan. Kailangan pa natin mas lalong bilisan,” he added.

Economic Status

The president reported that agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Tourism (DOT) are working to open more job opportunities for Filipinos.

He also announced that microenterprises will receive initial funding with low interest and no collateral, along with protection for capital and intellectual property.

“The Philippines is ready. Invest in the Filipino,” he urged the international business community.

Agriculture

Marcos cited that rice was sold at ₱20 per kilo in areas such as San Juan, Pangasinan, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, Cebu, Bacolod, Guimaras, Siquijor, and Davao del Sur.

He allocated ₱113 billion to the Department of Agriculture (DA) for programs like KADIWA stores and centers.

Marcos also issued a warning to traders involved in price manipulation.

“Hahabulin namin kayo, dahil ang trato namin sa inyong ginagawa ay tinuturing naming economic sabotage,” he stated.

He added that local meat production is being strengthened through biosecure facilities and vaccines against African Swine Fever (ASF). 

Science and innovation were also credited for advancements in coconut and other agricultural sectors.

Land ownership among farmers is being ensured through certificates granted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Energy

Marcos reported that around 3 million homes still lack electricity access.

“Sa loob ng tatlong taon, dalawa at kalahating milyong kabahayan ang ating nakabitan na, na may kuryente na sila,” he stated.

He added that over one million more homes will receive solar-powered systems.

Food and Water Security

Marcos emphasized the importance of access to basic necessities such as food and water to daily life.

“Tulad ng pagkain, nakasalalay ang buhay natin sa tubig,” Marcos said, citing the lack of clean water for six million Filipinos.

He assured the public that the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is working to provide accessible and affordable water.

Education

Marcos raised concerns over declining literacy in mathematics, science, and reading. 

The Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program was launched to address this, alongside Early Childhood Care and Development initiatives.

He proposed hiring more school counselors to support student mental health and prioritizing isolated areas for daycare center construction.

More classrooms will be built before the end of his term to reduce shortened class periods.

“Maglalaan tayo ng sapat na pondo para rito. Alang-alang sa ating mga mag-aaral, hihilingin ko ang buong suporta ng ating Kongreso,” he stated.

Additionally, he praised the success of summer tutoring and remedial programs, thanking the teachers and volunteers who participated.

He also announced that laptops will be distributed to all public school teachers. 

Moreover, documents will be digitalized to ease teachers’ workload.

Technical Vocational education (Tech-Voc) was also praised for its effectiveness, with more senior high school students choosing these career tracks.

“Napakataas ngayon ng bilang ng kabataan nating pumasok sa kolehiyo o sa TESDA,” he added, noting the Philippines is now second in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for college and vocational enrollment.

Social Services

Marcos announced that over 4 million families benefited from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), with 1.5 million graduating from it.

Feeding programs such as “Walang Gutom,” and initiatives from the DSWD and Department of Education (DepEd) continue to provide nutritious food to children nationwide.

“Dahil alam naman natin, basta’t may laman ang tiyan, may laman ang isipan,” he expressed.

Sports Development

However, the president expressed concern over adults being overweight and encouraged Local Government Units (LGU) to support activities such as fun runs, aerobics, and local sports competitions.

The Philippine Sports Commission will also open its facilities to the public.

In addition, Marcos recognized the need for sports development in the country to support young athletes.

“Sumusunod sila sa yapak ng ating mga kampeon at world-class na athlete,” he said.

Public Healthcare

Citing the high cost of healthcare, especially in remote areas, Marcos stated that every city now has at least one doctor.

“Mayroon ng tagapag-alaga ng kalusugan ng mamamayan sa inyong lugar,” he shared.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will now cover treatment for heart attacks, surgeries, dialysis, kidney transplants, dengue, cataracts, and even therapy and rehab equipment for persons with disabilities (PWDs). 

Cancer patients will receive assistance through a dedicated Cancer Assistance Fund.

He also stated that the Medical Assistance Program will also help cover hospital expenses.

“Itinuloy na po natin ang zero balance billing,” he said, ensuring that patients in basic hospital accommodations under the Department of Health (DOH) won’t pay out-of-pocket.

Infrastructure

“We are not building only for today, we are building also for tomorrow,” Marcos said.

He reported improvements in Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) services, with increased discounts for students, PWDs, and seniors, and a “1+3 Pamilya Pass” available on Sundays.

The Love Buses, which were used during the 1970s, will also return with free rides.

The Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge will cut travel time from five hours to 45 minutes. 

Damaged bridges such as those in the PNR Bicol Line and Binahan were rebuilt and reinforced.

The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) extension, to open in 2026, will reduce travel from four hours to one for motorcyclists. 

Other bridge projects like the Nalil-Sikkiat and Malassa-Lupa Pula are either completed or near completion.

The president also introduced the Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project and rehabilitation of the Guadalupe Bridge.

“At sa kabila ng mga higanteng tulay na ito, huwag nating kaliligtaan ang mga hanging bridge,” he said, urging the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and HIghways (DPWH), and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) to inspect the condition of these bridges. 

“Sa Build Better More, higit ang kapakanan at kaligtasan ng mamamayan ang [pinakamahalaga],” he emphasized.

Technology

“Napakahalaga ng internet sa ating pagtahak patungo sa Bagong Pilipinas,” said Marcos, reporting the completion of Phases 1–3 of the National Fiber Backbone and free Wi-Fi across the country.

Despite Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards with data being distributed, around 12,000 schools still lack internet access. Marcos directed the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and DepEd to address the issue.

The eGov app, now widely used, centralizes government processes such as license renewals and immigration declarations.

Peace and Order

“Ang kapayapaan ay mahalagang pundasyon ng Bagong Pilipinas,” Marcos declared, noting that police and military forces are being improved.

He said officers are now expected to respond to emergencies within five minutes and affirmed action against criminal activity, including cases involving officials.

“Kahit malakas, mabigat, o mayaman, hindi sila mangingibabaw sa batas,” he said.

He reported that over 677 arrested in drug operations were government personnel, including over 100 officials and 50 police officers.

International Relations

Marcos reiterated the country’s commitment to international cooperation.

“The Philippines is a friend to all. The Philippines is an enemy to none,” he asserted.

In addition, praised Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for representing Filipino excellence abroad and thanked foreign leaders for extending clemency to distressed Filipinos overseas.

Disaster Response

With four typhoons already hitting the Philippines this July and 12 more expected, and four active volcanoes under close watch, Marcos called for “continuous improvement.”

He highlighted new evacuation centers, early warning systems, and Mobile Command Vehicles from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). 

He also urged Filipinos to remain disciplined, stay informed, and uphold “bayanihan.”

Marcos condemned corruption behind failed flood control projects.

He expressed, “Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapuwa Pilipino!” 

He ordered the DPWH to submit a list of all regional flood control projects from the past three years. 

The list will be published for public review, with failed projects marked by the Regional Project Monitoring Committee.

He vowed to veto budget allocations that do not align with the National Expenditure Program.

“I am willing to do this even if we end up with a reenacted budget,” he asserted.

Call to Filipinos

Marcos ended his address with a call to the Filipinos.

“Huwag tayong matakot. Huwag tayong titiklop. Huwag tayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Dahil ang Pilipino ay likas na matapang, magaling, masipag, matibay, at mabuti,” he said

“Mga kababayan, tayo ito. Tayo ang Bagong Pilipino,” he concluded

His fourth SONA lasted one hour and ten minutes.