BY IME SORNITO and GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Ilonggo officials lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) for what they described as its straightforward and focused approach.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., who attended the SONA at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, expressed satisfaction with the speech’s directness and emphasis on concrete accomplishments over the past two years. He was particularly pleased with the updates on agricultural programs and projects, which align with his administration’s goals of achieving food security for Ilonggos and contributing to the country’s overall needs.
“The opening remarks about agriculture, followed by the President concluding with developments in the rice sector, coincide perfectly with our goals,” said Defensor.
Defensor also highlighted the nearly P 20-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage II (JRMP-II) in Calinog, which comprises three dams and spans over 80 kilometers of line canals. This project is anticipated to enhance agricultural development and the local economy by benefiting more than 25,000 farmers with a consistent irrigation supply.
At the inauguration ceremony on July 16, President Marcos led the unveiling of the high dam marker and ceremonially activated the opening of the three dams, reinforcing the project’s significance.
In education, Defensor appreciated the President’s acknowledgment of issues like reading proficiency among learners.
“The focus on enhancing reading proficiency and critical thinking is something we are also committed to in our province,” he added.
Although some expected infrastructure projects like the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridges and the development of Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan were not mentioned, Defensor remains confident that these initiatives will proceed as planned.
Furthermore, Defensor supported the President’s firm stance against the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), citing national security concerns and agreeing with the decision to ban POGO operations in the province.
Second District’s Cong. Michael Gorriceta gave the SONA an almost perfect score, describing it as the best he had heard, filled with hope and strong messages, particularly regarding the West Philippine Sea and the POGO ban.
Third District’s Cong. Lorenz Defensor and Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang also voiced their support for the President’s plans and declarations. Ang praised the President for addressing the Cebu-Negros-Panay backbone project, which aims to resolve power issues in Iloilo and Region 6.
First District’s Cong. Janette Garin rated the SONA highly, noting its clear direction and emotional depth.
“It was a speech from a leader with a Filipino heart, which our country needs during these challenging times,” said Garin.
She particularly endorsed the focus on agriculture and education reforms linked with technological innovations.
For her part, Iloilo City’s Cong. Julienne Baronda said Marcos demonstrated love when he said that “lagi po nating mahalin ang Pilipinas, lagi po nating mahalin ang Pilipino.”
She said government policies for the revitalization of the agriculture sector – like imposing ceiling on the prices of rice and other commodities, the rolling out of more Kadiwa Centers, the distribution of agrarian reform lands, the seizing of billions-worth of smuggled rice, the feeding program for the so-called “food poor” programs – are aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
Baronda added: “The increased PhilHealth coverage for stroke, pneumonia, and some types of cancer, and the fact that around 2.5 million Filipinos were stricken off the poverty list, prove that the government programs under PBBM’s administration impact the marginalized sectors.”
Baronda said she was looking forward to the realization of policies favorable for overseas Filipino workers (who remitted $37 billion last year); the further eradication of crimes (including the further increase in the current 79% conviction rate of drug cases); and the creation of 200,000 jobs due to foreign investments.
“The rockstar reception afforded to PBBM by functionaries and dignitaries assembled at the Batasang Pambansa and the applause and standing ovations spread throughout his hour-and-a-half speech are an imprimatur that he has exceeded our expectations as our chief executive,” Baronda summed up.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas congratulated President Marcos for delivering a comprehensive SONA.
“As evident by the highlighted achievements of his administration, our President has indeed been doing very well over the past two years, showcasing his effective leadership and his ongoing commitment to excellence,” said Treñas.
He noted that the present administration is “clearly on the right path, particularly in prioritizing crucial projects and programs in sectors such as agriculture, education, health, and agrarian reform.
“As the city mayor, I assure the continued support of the Iloilo City Government to President Marcos Jr.’s leadership. Our vision for the city and its people aligns with his, and we are dedicated to working together for the overall welfare and advancement of the country,” said Treñas./PN
