ILOILO CITY (PIA) – Comprehensive, truthful, moving – these have been how some Ilonggo leaders described the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on July 22.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, in a statement, said that the administration “is clearly on the right path, particularly in prioritizing crucial projects and programs in sectors such as agriculture, education, health, and agrarian reform.”
“I extend my warm congratulations to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for delivering a comprehensive State of the Nation Address. As evidenced 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,” Treñas stressed.
The mayor also acknowledged the completion of the Cebu-Negros-Panay backbone project that serves as a solution for the longstanding blackouts in Panay; and the President’s strong stance on the West Philippine Sea and against the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“These actions reflect his dedication to safeguarding our national interests and protecting our citizens. As the city mayor, I assure the continued support of the Iloilo City Government towards the President’s leadership,” Treñas added.
Meanwhile, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., who attended the SONA at Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, was also satisfied with the speech of the President as it truthfully laid down the administration’s accomplishments of the past years.
Defensor stressed that the administration’s programs on agriculture and addressing issues on education are aligned to the provincial government’s goals.
He also thanked the President for mentioning the recently inaugurated mega dams of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in Calinog, Iloilo that would benefit thousands of Ilonggo farmers; and though the Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) bridge was not mentioned, Defensor was firm that it would still push through.
Third district Representative Lorenz Defensor, 5th district Rep. Raul “Boboy” Tupas, and Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang also lauded the SONA of the President and voiced their support for the administration’s plans and policies.
“He was very articulate in delivering his SONA, in telling his accomplishments and other plans that his administration wants to do for the country. It is very commendable because as a President, he listens, observes and feels his people, the nation,” Tupas said in a radio interview.
“We are happy that he stood up for the West Philippine Sea and it strengthens our sense of nationalism. Also, on the total banning of POGO, we praised him for that because we support it. We want progress but it should be done correctly,” Ang also said.
Iloilo City lone district Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda, on the other hand, said that the love and care of the President for the nation was deeply felt by the people through his SONA, noting that the President “enumerated the social transformations his leadership has achieved, which are all meant to help rescue the people from misery and poverty.”
“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 the ordinary citizens,” Baronda said, adding that she also acknowledged how the President prioritized program on healthcare services, education, and tourism. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)
