Analysis of SONA 2025 as Perceived by Regions
In the 2022 State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 28, several critical concerns were left unaddressed from the perspectives of various sectors in Visayas and Mindanao.
Labor
While the SONA mentioned some programs supporting farmers and workers, such as the agrarian reform moratorium on amortization and interest payments, concerns persist about uneven implementation across sectors and regions. Accountability and comprehensive support for laborers outside agrarian reform remain a concern.
Human Rights
The SONA did not highlight explicit discussion on human rights issues. This omission is a significant concern, especially in contexts where enforcement of rights and protection of vulnerable communities remain critical.
Fisherfolk
The speech notably lacked a clear emphasis on fisherfolk’s issues, especially in Visayas and Mindanao, major fishing regions. Specific measures addressing fisherfolk welfare, sustainability, or livelihood support were not highlighted.
Education
The SONA included promises of technology-driven education improvements. However, critiques note overstatements and a lack of disaggregated data regarding classroom construction, mental health support, and program reach, which suggest implementation challenges in rural areas.
Additional Concerns
Commercial fishing vessels continue to encroach within 15 kilometers of municipal waters, according to those from Cebu. Urban barangays in Cebu City are currently militarized, raising concerns about people's dignity.
The administration's policy direction for protecting fisherfolk is not clear, and the President's speech shows a disregard for people's dignity, according to human rights sector representatives. Wide-ranging collaboration with the education sector is necessary to address the low student performance and other issues.
John Ruiz of Bayan Muna stated that Marcos' SONA sounded good but it was hard to see what his clear program or direction was, especially in relieving the people of the high cost of goods and lack of income and salaries. The promise of decent work and wages has not been fulfilled, according to the labor sector.
These issues in the regions reflect the true state of the nation, highlighting critical areas needing more attention and transparency in government policy and programs following Marcos Jr.'s 2022 SONA.
The President's speech general-news remarkably overlooked the protection of fisherfolk, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao, major fishing regions.
Concerns about accountability and comprehensive support for laborers outside agrarian reform remain unaddressed in the administration's politics, as stated by the labor sector.
