In the short video 鈥淯P for Discussion: SONA 2024鈥� produced by the UP Media and Public Relations Office, Political Science Professor Maria Ela Atienza of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, UP Diliman, shared her views on four key issues covered in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Ferdinand 鈥淏ongbong鈥� Marcos Jr. (PBBM) in July 2024.
The Philippine president is mandated to deliver the SONA annually every July to summarize the administration鈥檚 accomplishments and highlight pressing issues. It is important to examine the SONA for the citizens, academics, and lawmakers to test the truthfulness of the report, Atienza explained.
Atienza noted that Filipinos hoped for recovery after the pandemic, which peaked during the previous administration under the Rodrigo Duterte presidency. Thus, expectations from PBBM were high, amped up [Ed: or 鈥渉yped鈥漖by his 2022 election campaign slogan, “Bangon Bayan Muli”-BBM (Philippines Rise Again).聽
PBBM鈥檚 foreign policy marked a return to pre-Duterte days, Atienza said. 鈥淗e strengthened ties with traditional allies like the U.S. and Japan,鈥� while becoming more critical of China, especially regarding the West Philippine Sea dilemma and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) controversies.
A mixed performance
Atienza said Marcos Jr.鈥檚 third SONA addressed key sectors like agriculture, health, and education, areas that badly need improvement. She noted that PBBM also said that statistics mean little unless the public feels the benefits. However, the overall record of his administration remains mixed, she countered.
On agriculture
Marcos Jr. promised to address agriculture issues, such as the chronic problem of food security, low farmer income, and rising prices due to middlemen. Atienza proposed streamlining processes, and empowering farmers through research and government support, as crucial interventions the administration could take.
On the West Philippine Sea dilemma
Marcos Jr.’s stance on the West Philippine Sea is not just a foreign policy issue, Atienza explained, because it directly affects fisherfolk, the coast guard, and the armed forces. While PBBM praised the bravery of these sectors, concrete support for them is needed, such as providing boats and livelihood assistance.
On POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators)
Marcos Jr. announced a ban on POGOs, but PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) was given until the year鈥檚 end to cease POGO operations by not renewing contracts and licenses. While POGOs were approved by Congress supposedly to create jobs for Filipinos, it appears that POGOs do not benefit Filipinos, Atienza explained. She proposed further that the UP community can help by monitoring government officials, and by ensuring that cases are filed against those who commit crimes.
On Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM)
Atienza said the country has already committed to various DRRM and climate change initiatives. She reminded the need for monitoring the implementation of these initiatives in both national and local government levels.聽
鈥淕enuine resilience is about preventing recurrence and learning from past disasters, not merely enduring them,鈥� explained Atienza. Accountability and transparency in disaster preparedness efforts should also be demanded of the government. 鈥淲e should be able to introduce better disaster responses and preparedness for disasters and climate change,鈥� she said.聽
Challenges ahead
Despite high expectations at the start of his term, PBBM’s trust and approval ratings are declining, noted Atienza. This decline should serve as a wake-up call, she said. Citizens must focus on fact-checking and holding officials accountable, an area where institutions like UP can help, she further explained. 鈥淭he popularization and localization of our research are also important so that people can better understand their situation,鈥� she said.聽
Atienza explained that citizens must demand accountability from politicians and ensure that government actions align with public aspirations. She concluded by pointing out that the people and academic institutions must continue to push for accountability, relevance, and transparency in governance, ensuring that officials truly serve the public good.
