WHILE President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025 drew cheers from allies in Congress, the mood on the ground in Davao Region was far less enthusiastic.
Several Dabawenyos voiced disappointment, describing the President’s speech as lacking sincerity, concrete solutions, and connection to the struggles they face daily, especially with the rising cost of living and unfulfilled promises on peace and development in Mindanao.
“It felt like he was reading a report card from his PR team, not the reality we’re living,” said a 31-year-old public school teacher from Davao Oriental, who refused to be named for fear of professional retribution. “Walay klaro sa iyang tubag sa presyo sa palaliton. Ang mga tawo diri naglisod og tinuod. We needed direction, not decoration (There was no clear answer about the rising prices of goods. People here are struggling. We needed direction, not decoration).”
A tricycle driver from Crossing Bayabas in Toril echoed similar frustrations: “Puro lang man yawyaw. Pagka-presyo sa gasolina? Walay klaro. Ang trabaho? Wa gihisgutan ang mga kasundalohan ug peace talks nga tinud-anay. Murag show lang gud (Nothing but talk. The price of gasoline? No clear answer. Jobs? Not mentioned. The military and genuine peace talks? Ignored. It all just felt like a show).”
Others, like a 24-year-old government worker, who also requested anonymity, said they felt disconnected from the speech’s messaging: “Nindot paminawon sa telebisyon, pero sa tinuod, walay lami. Wala man ko kabati og paglaom. Angay unta i-prioritize ang tinuod nga sitwasyon sa mga kabatan-onan og edukasyon. Puro ra statistics (It sounds good on television, but in reality, it lacks substance. The real situation of the youth and education should have been prioritized. It was all just statistics).”
Most of those interviewed declined to be identified publicly, citing fear of backlash, but emphasized their sentiments came from lived realities that have yet to be addressed by the administration.
Hopeful
Despite the criticisms, some government officials and business leaders lauded the President’s speech for its tone and direction.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno called the Sona “a resounding call for reform, vigilance, and action.”
He praised the administration’s achievements, particularly in agriculture, citing support for 8.5 million farmers and fisherfolk, the construction of over 2,000 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, and the reduction of palay production costs through mechanization.
Magno also welcomed the expansion of Zero Balance Billing in Mindanao hospitals and the cancellation of over P12.6 billion in land debts, benefiting more than 229,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries.
“These reforms are not just policy points; they are matters of justice and necessity,” he said.
Tony Peralta, chair of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines–Southern Mindanao Business Council, acknowledged the President’s strong call to attract global investors. But he also urged caution.
"Continuous wage increases may not be sustainable for businesses trying to stay competitive," he said, emphasizing the need to address longstanding issues like poor farm logistics, limited electricity access, and climate resilience.
Peralta also echoed support for the President’s stance on corruption, particularly in infrastructure. He urged the government to publish a full list of public projects with corresponding costs and progress updates.
“Calls to stamp out corruption must be backed by systems of accountability,” he added.
Missing the mark
Environmental groups, progressives, and civil society actors criticized the Sona for failing to address several pressing issues.
Mark Peñalver, executive director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis), said he wasn’t surprised by the absence of strong environmental commitments.
“What do we expect from leaders who continue to plunder our environment in the name of progress?” he asked.
IDIS had hoped to hear about Nature-based Solutions (NbS), watershed management, and climate-resilient development. None of these were mentioned.
Akbayan Party welcomed the President’s anti-corruption rhetoric but called out the glaring omissions: “Kaso lang, kinapos sa mga isyu ng dagdag sweldo, pagbalik natin sa ICC, pagpapanagot sa mga Duterte, pagdepense sa West Philippine Sea, at pagkontrol sa krisis ng e-sugal (There was no mention of salary hikes, our return to the ICC, accountability for the Dutertes, defending the West Philippine Sea, or addressing the e-gambling crisis)."
Akbayan added that after three years, the Marcos administration has no major accomplishments.
They added that they would closely monitor the budget process to ensure Marcos’ promises don’t end up as empty talk, especially on the issue of “ghost projects” in flood control.
Bayan–Southern Mindanao echoed the same concerns. Secretariat member Rauf Sissay said the President failed to propose tangible solutions to problems in employment, education, and agriculture.
“Gisulti pud niya nga ginatingala na daw ang Pilipinas sa international community ug nagasunod na kuno ang Pilipinas sa global standards. Apan, sukwahi kini nga mga pamahayag sa kun unsa ang gakahitabo sa mga kabus nga komunidad ug uban pang batakang sektor (He said the Philippines is admired by the international community—but that’s far from the truth experienced by poor communities and basic sectors)," Sissay said.
He also criticized Marcos for not addressing the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, which he called the "elephant in the room."
Voices of protest and apathy
On Sona day, progressive groups gathered at Freedom Park in Davao City to call for a substantial wage hike, repeal of the Anti-Terrorism Law, and an end to what they described as “subservience to the U.S.” They placed ribbons on a Marcos effigy, labeling him with mock awards like “Most Paasaha sa Katawhan” (Most Promising Without Delivery) and “Most Tuta Award.”
Some Dabawenyos chose to disengage entirely.
Earlier, progressive groups gave President Marcos a failing mark for his performance over the past three years. In a symbolic act, they stamped the word “FAIL” on his report card.
Some Dabawenyos chose to disengage entirely.
Jessere Sardido, a college instructor, said she didn’t bother watching the Sona.
“Kanang murag wala gani koy hope na naay bago naay i look forward saiyang remaining years (It's like I don't have any hope that there will be something new, something to look forward to in his remaining years),” she told SunStar Davao.
Charlene Joy Pacete, a graduating student, said she deliberately skipped the broadcast. “I’ve grown weary of repeated promises that don’t lead to change,” she said.
While she remains committed to civic responsibility and political awareness, she believes it's fair to take a step back when things start to feel more like a cycle of disappointment than a catalyst for real change. “Until I see genuine transparency and delivery, my skepticism remains, and that’s my way of holding them accountable,” Pacete added. RGP AND DEF