“It is a testament to our strong macroeconomic fundamentals,” Marcos said in his speech, a sentiment echoed by lawmakers and cabinet secretaries who praised the President’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Economic transformation is underway in the Philippines, and the promising numbers presented by Marcos during his SONA are “welcome data,” according to Quezon Rep. Reynante Arrogancia. Arrogancia, who has a background in business, praised the President’s comprehensive address and expressed his support for Marcos’ plan to implement more social assistance programs.
Arrogancia wasn’t the only one impressed by Marcos’ emphasis on agriculture and his vow to stabilize prices of critical commodities. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian commended the President’s “very detailed” explanation on expanding the agriculture sector, saying that this would help to combat inflation.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan also praised the SONA, asserting that the objectives set out by Marcos are all “doable” and well-aligned with the Philippine Development Plan.
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On the tourism front, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco heralded the growth in arrivals, viewing it as a preview of bright prospects for the industry under Marcos’ administration. She expressed gratitude for the President’s commitment to linking economic development sites and promoting the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia.
Likewise, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers gave the 2nd SONA a perfect score of 10 out of 10, appreciating the recognition of overseas Filipino workers’ contributions to the economy and the prioritization of peace and order, while Sen. JV Ejercito welcomed the focus on infrastructure development as a means to catch up with other ASEAN neighbors.
Showing solidarity with the President’s vision, Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Alfred delos Santos commended Marcos for his “unwavering commitment” to the welfare of Filipinos and backed the establishment of more Kadiwa stores.
Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera echoed these sentiments, looking forward to the collaboration between Congress and the administration to translate priorities into actionable policies that will improve the nation and the lives of its citizens.
Speaker Martin Romualdez, Deputy Speaker and Batangas 6th District Rep. Ralph G. Recto, Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo City Rep. Julienne L. Baronda, ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Jocelyn P. Tulfo, and Cavite 4th District Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. all gave words of praise for the President’s SONA, expressing their commitment to supporting the President’s legislative agenda and his call for unity, and commending his candid portrayal of the state of the nation and his progress in improving the economy.
In conclusion, lawmakers and cabinet secretaries lauded the second SONA of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for its evidence of the country’s meaningful economic transformation. There is a consensus that with a shared commitment to supporting the President’s agenda, further economic growth and improvements in the lives of Filipinos are within reach.
