WAITING ASHORE A fisherman sits along the shore in Subic, Zambales, as fishing boats remain anchored offshore. Ahead of President Marcos Jr.’s Sona, fisherfolk seek sustained fuel aid and protection. —Joanna Rose Aglibot
MANILA, Philippines — As President Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) today, Filipinos from across the country are urging his administration to move beyond promises and deliver concrete solutions to the problems they say continue to burden their daily lives.
From fisherfolk grappling with rising fuel costs and tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to farmers fighting to keep their land and indigenous peoples seeking to protect their ancestral domains, many hope this year’s Sona will focus on concrete action rather than accomplishments.
In Zambales, fishermen said protecting their livelihoods begins with a stronger government presence in the WPS and sustained assistance amid soaring fuel prices.
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