NEGROS Occidental officials were satisfied with the fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, who attended the Sona, said they are inspired to know that the City's efforts are aligned with the direction of the current administration.
"We have already began several key initiatives in Bacolod City mentioned by the President, particularly in the aspects of public spaces, healthcare, sports, digitization, peace and order, and disaster preparedness," he said.
He added that they will continue implementing these programs with unwavering resolve, knowing that they are part of a bigger vision.
"We heard the President’s call for unity, compassion, and shared responsibility and we answer it with open hearts, because in Bacolod -- we are stronger together," Gasataya said.
Vice Mayor Claudio Puentevella said that President Marcos is doing his part for the country.
"We are hoping that the President will implement all his plans and programs for the Filipino people," he said.
He added that he is satisfied with the Sona of the President.
Councilors Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Caesar Distrito and Celia Flor said the President's Sona is coming from the heart and it answered the clamors of the ordinary people.
"The Sona of the President is very comprehensive and we are satisfied with his Sona because it directly hit the people want such as projects, education, agriculture, corruption, among others," they said in a statement.
They added that the President talked about the needs of the children, as well as the marginalized sectors, which is also very important to mention.
Third District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez also shared that he is satisfied with the Sona of Marcos.
Benitez said the President talked lots of programs and projects, especially about the digitalization program.
He said the President failed to mention about the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, including the status of the evacuation center in some areas in Negros Occidental that were affected by Mount Kanlaon eruptions, and FIFA world cup to be held in Victorias City.
On his Sona, Marcos vowed that the government will do better and act faster in the next three years of his administration.
Marcos said as his administration enters its final three years, he will work to pour in greater effort to improve the lives of the Filipino people.
Marcos also mentioned about more jobs, anti-drug campaign, foreign policy, disaster preparedness, infrastructure and transportation, education, poverty, assistance for farmers, and fisherfolk, among others. (MAP)