“I know this in my mind, in my heart, in my very soul: The state of the nation is sound,” uttered the current President of the Philippines Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr.—though does it merit the same response from his people?
Monday, July 24, 2023, saw the 17th President of the Philippines’ second State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. President Marcos’s one-hour address provided an overview of the Philippines’ advancements during his initial year of tenure, projecting the intended direction of his administration for the remainder of his term in office.
Youtube: News5Everywhere
Emphasizing the importance of the variables bounded and beyond the county’s control, the President noted the Philippines’ difficult current state yet aims to continue the efforts centered on opportune areas through projects instituted and carried over by the Duterte administration.
Marcos Jr. plans to channel the country’s direction toward economic development, mentioning a 7.6% economic growth in 2022, its highest in 46 years. Furthermore, the President looks to mitigate the surging prices of commodities through implicating agricultural smugglers, hoarders, and price fixers, mentioning the importance of agricultural development.
Throughout his current term in office, he also noted advancing the nation’s adaptation to more renewable energy sources, “enjoining lawmakers to pass measures he deems as priorities,” mentions CNN Philippines.
Although before the mid-afternoon broadcast, the morning of the SONA saw the vast Commonwealth avenue brimming with activists—organizing protests and scrutinizing President Marcos’ year-long reign.
IN PHOTOS: Multisectoral groups marched along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City to deliver the People’s SONA prior to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's second State of the Nation Address. Protesters urged the Marcos government to increase minimum wage, improve labor conditions,… pic.twitter.com/bqE7rgjMjE
— The GUIDON (@TheGUIDON) July 24, 2023
Twitter: @TheGUIDON
[OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCE STUDENT COUNCIL ON SONA 2023]
Today—July 24, 2023, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his second State of the Nation Address. pic.twitter.com/g9uJqu4Mr0
— UP CAFS Student Council (@OfficialCAFSSC) July 24, 2023
Twitter: @OfficialCAFSSC
WATCH: Sectoral groups gathered in Philcoa, Quezon City, for the United People’s SONA protest, set a bootlicker effigy on fire ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's second State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 24. #sona2023 https://t.co/MOt9ZmAqkW pic.twitter.com/IFTF6oWERz
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) July 24, 2023
Twitter: @rapplerdotcom
THE FACT CHECK, THE SHADE!!! #SONA2023 pic.twitter.com/mFNUA3zFaI
— Glen’s Version (@glenptr) July 24, 2023
Twitter: @glenptr
so in conclusion #SONA2023 pic.twitter.com/4qSmwYsxfj
— juan. (@juanarchist) July 24, 2023
Twitter: @juanarchist
BBM: “National ID system will fundamentally change lives” #SONA2023
National ID sa bondpaper: pic.twitter.com/WCun5Xaytf
— Jus (@justinebalaneee) July 24, 2023
Twitter: @justinebalaneee
“Tribute to the Cordillera Region”
Really? You're wearing a tattoo and a cultural attire of the region despite knowing the fact that your family has a history of oppressing and exploiting the people of the region. Hindi ba disrespectful sa mga tao dito sa Cordi yan?#SONA2023 pic.twitter.com/KxTNmZGxAV
— featherless biped (@sexyphus_) July 24, 2023
Twitter: @sexyphus_
“we cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in the government”
coming from you, sir! #SONA2023
— sab ⭐ (@rxniersabido) July 24, 2023
Twitter: @rxniersabido
“we remain one of the fastest-growing economy in the asean region”
uhm?????????? #SONA2023
— c (@chrrln_) July 24, 2023
Twitter: @chrrln_
Activists were not satisfied with the second State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., shouting “boos” after his speech. #SONA2023 | via @josiahvantonio pic.twitter.com/1hSZzzts8K
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) July 24, 2023
Twitter: @ABSCBNNews
