MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA) underscored the administration's commitment to food security, education, the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), healthcare, and good governance, earning high praise from several Cabinet officials who described the speech as a clear roadmap for the country's remaining two years under the current administration.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac described the President's address as one of the strongest SONA speeches delivered during the Marcos administration, emphasizing that it directly responded to the concerns of Filipino families, particularly those of overseas workers.

"It's one of the best SONAs—if not the best SONA—I've heard, and certainly one of the President's finest," Cacdac said after the speech.

He noted that the President focused on easing the burdens currently faced by Filipinos, especially OFW families, through stronger programs on education, healthcare, social protection, and intensified efforts against corruption.

The President's address outlined a comprehensive governance agenda centered on poverty reduction, accessible healthcare, quality education, agricultural development, anti-corruption initiatives, economic growth, and continued protection of Filipinos working abroad.

Agriculture Remains a National Priority

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed the President's renewed commitment to strengthening Philippine agriculture, saying the SONA reaffirmed that food security remains among the administration's highest priorities.

He stressed that government programs continue to prioritize the welfare of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk through sustained investments in agricultural modernization and rural development.

With less than two years remaining in the administration, Tiu Laurel said the Department of Agriculture will intensify efforts to accelerate the recovery of the local swine industry while pursuing measures to further reduce pork prices in the market.

The department also plans to establish three additional mega hatcheries across the country to increase seafood production and expand marine aquaculture, ultimately improving the availability of affordable food for Filipino consumers.

According to Tiu Laurel, the government's long-term objective is to build more food hubs and strengthen national food security by increasing local agricultural and fisheries production.

Education Reforms Continue

Education Secretary Sonny Angara likewise expressed strong support for the President's address, giving the SONA a rating of nine out of ten for presenting both the achievements of the administration and its priorities for the remaining years of the term.

Angara said the President acknowledged the challenges confronting the education sector while providing clear plans to address them, giving Filipinos confidence that reforms will continue.

Among the Department of Education's key targets is reducing the country's classroom shortage from approximately 140,000 classrooms to around 100,000 or even lower, subject to congressional budget support. Construction of approximately 30,000 classrooms is expected to begin this year.

Expanded Support for Learners

During the SONA, President Marcos also emphasized learning recovery initiatives and student welfare, announcing the expansion of the School-Based Feeding Program that aims to benefit more than 4.5 million kindergarten, Grade 1, and nutritionally at-risk learners nationwide.

The initiative forms part of the administration's broader strategy to improve educational outcomes while addressing childhood nutrition and ensuring better learning opportunities for Filipino students.

As the Marcos administration enters the final stretch of its term, the President reaffirmed his commitment to completing key reforms and accelerating programs that promote inclusive economic growth, food security, quality education, effective governance, and improved public services for all Filipinos.

NPO News Team I PNA-PR