Food security, national debt also among awaited SONA topics
GOVERNMENT’S response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its plans for economic recovery and transition to normalcy are among subjects several senators want to hear President Marcos Jr. discuss in his first State of the Nation Address on Monday.
They also want to hear how Marcos will address the P12.68-trillion national debt, unemployment, the territorial dispute with China, among others, and how he will ensure food security and improve digital connectivity and e-governance.
“The SONA has always been the preamble of every new administration. I am looking forward to hearing President Marcos’ specific plans on the country’s pandemic recovery and transition to a ‘better normal.’ I hope that it is one that is aligned and attuned to the climate path,” said Sen. Loren Legarda.
Sen. Christopher Go said he expects the President to outline his legislative agenda “with special focus on pandemic response and full and inclusive recovery.”
Go also said he expects Marcos to continue to strengthen the country’s healthcare system, assure enough supply of affordable food, safer communities during times of disasters or calamities, and continue infrastructure programs.
Legarda said she also wants to hear the President’s plans for health and education, food security, agriculture and sustainability programs, economic and fiscal policies, human rights and social justice, unemployment and underemployment, legislative agenda, and the critical role of the local government.
She said the President must also outline his plans to strengthen the country’s education system considering that the World Bank, in its 2021 report, said that 80 percent of Filipino students fall below the minimum proficiency levels.
“The number suggests that we have a crisis in education,” she added.
Legarda also said Marcos should also make clear his “response to the staggering national debt” which now stands at P12.68 trillion, his foreign policy including on the West Philippine Sea dispute, and his plans on addressing or limiting the adverse effects of inflation amid the continued oil price hike.
Sen. Grace Poe said she wants to hear the President’s plan on food security especially now that he is also secretary of the Department of Agriculture.
“With no less than the President at the helm of Department of Agriculture, we expect that focus and funding will be poured into the sector to scale up the country’s agricultural production. Support to our local farmers, fishers and producers is crucial as they bring food on the table and provide the backbone towards food security,” Poe said.
She said Marcos should also reveal his plans for the unemployed and present updates on the country’s mass transportation projects.
“We also look forward to the President’s earlier marching orders to improve digital connectivity and e-governance in the country to reach residents of far-flung communities.
We must break free from connectivity that is unstable, slow and expensive to one that is reliable, fast and affordable,” she added.
Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara said he expects to hear details of the President’s plans on the economy and assistance to be given to sectors that need help.
Angara said he is also interested in knowing the specifics of the plan of the President to work with the private sector as partners.
