PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reiterated his call for unity in government despite differences in political affiliation.
Marcos opened his 2025 State of the Nation Address (Sona) by congratulating the newly elected and re-elected 12 senators, along with 314 district and party-list representatives.
He said the message of the 2025 national and local elections was clear: the people are frustrated and disappointed with the government, especially in its delivery of basic services.
“Sa ating lahat dito, isantabi na natin ang ating pagkakaiba, at magkasundo sa tatlong bagay na nagbibigkis sa atin: ang ating pagiging Pilipino, ang ating pagiging makabansa, at ang ating sinumpaang tungkulin sa taumbayan,” said Marcos.
(Let us all, here and now, set aside our differences and unite on the three things that bind us: our being Filipino, our sense of patriotism, and our sworn duty to the people.)
“Ang leksyon ay simple: kailangan pa natin mas lalong galingan. Kailangan pa natin mas lalong bilisan,” he added.
(The lesson is simple: we need to do even better. We need to move even faster.)
Marcos said that while the country’s economy continues to thrive, as reflected by the declining inflation rate, growing investor confidence, and the creation of more jobs, it would all mean nothing if ordinary Filipinos do not feel its impact.
“Kaya sa huling tatlong taon ng Administrasyon, ibubuhos pa natin ang lahat-lahat. Hindi lamang upang mapantayan, kundi mahigitan pa ang pagbibigay-ginhawa sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.
(That’s why, in the final three years of this administration, we will give our all — not just to match, but to surpass the efforts to bring comfort and relief to our people.)
“Maayos na hanapbuhay talaga ang mabisang pantiyak laban sa kahirapan at laban sa gutom,” he added.
(Decent and stable jobs are truly the most effective safeguard against poverty and hunger.)
The President directed the Departments of Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry, Social Welfare and Development, and Tourism to continue efforts to create more opportunities for the Filipino workforce.
He said the government will also continue to offer low-interest, collateral-free loans to entrepreneurs, especially small businesses.
“At para sa mga tinataguyod natin mula sa kahirapan, patuloy tayong magbibigay ng libreng training at puhunan para makapagtayo sila ng sariling negosyo,” said Marcos.
(And for those we are helping rise out of poverty, we will continue to provide free training and capital so they can start their own businesses.)
“Hindi tayo titigil hanggang halos dalawa't kalahating milyong maralitang pamilya ang natulungan nating magkaroon ng kanilang sariling maliit na negosyo,” he added.
(We will not stop until nearly 2.5 million poor families have been helped to start their own small businesses.)
Marcos assured the international business community that the “Philippines is ready. Invest in the Filipino.”
“Our cavalcade of dependable and hardworking Filipinos, innately skilled, adaptable, and possessed with a heart for service, are here, ready to work and to succeed with you,” the President said. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)