ILOILO – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22, lacked concrete plans to address pressing issues such as high commodity prices, job scarcity, low wages, and the education crisis, said Kabataan party-list’s Cong. Raoul Manuel of Iloilo City.
Manuel also criticized President Marcos’ plan to incorporate technical-vocational education and training (TVET) into the K-12 program, arguing that it would exacerbate existing issues within K-12 education.
During the SONA, President Marcos highlighted the significant rise in enrollment rates in higher education and technical-vocational programs, emphasizing the potential of TVET in maintaining high employment rates.
“Statistics do not lie. Eight out of 10 TVET graduates find decent jobs,” Marcos said, promising that TVET would play a key role in empowering Filipinos.
The President also announced that the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Labor and Employment, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will work together to integrate TVET into the Senior High School curriculum.
He mentioned upcoming advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things at TVET Innovation Centers, including specialized courses in cybersecurity and creative industries.
However, Manuel was unimpressed with the President’s mention of his foreign trips without detailing the investment returns from these trips.
He also pointed out the lack of new developments regarding the West Philippine Sea, noting that the administration’s strategy still heavily relies on the United States to assert Philippine sovereign rights.
In his SONA, President Marcos reassured that the Philippines would continue to assert its territorial rights through peaceful and diplomatic means, especially as the country prepares to host the ASEAN Summit in 2026.
He emphasized the importance of enhancing national aerial and maritime awareness and strengthening defense through self-reliance and international partnerships.
Towards the end of his address, Marcos announced the directive to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to cease the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by year’s end.
Manuel, however, remains cautious, urging for the ban to be legislated to prevent potential circumventions.
He highlighted the ongoing efforts to pass House Bill 10525, proposed by the Makabayan coalition, which seeks to formally ban POGOs due to their connection with various illegal activities.
“Saving grace ng SONA niya ang POGO ban. Pero di pwedeng hanggang salita lang yan, gaya ng verbal reclamation ban na naikutan din ng ilang malalakas na kumpanya. Dapat nakasulat para hindi makalusot ang alin mang POGO sa bansa. Kaya nais natin na maipasa kaagad ang House Bill 10525,” Manuel told Panay News./PN
