MANILA, Philippines – Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, highlighted government achievements and plans, but several sectors across the country said his address lacked concrete actions to respond to their long-standing issues.
Promises vs reality
During his SONA, Marcos highlighted government programs for farmers and fisherfolk, including the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program, KADIWA Centers, and the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families.
Marcos said these initiatives provided support to millions of Filipinos affected by high food and fuel prices. However, farmers and fisherfolk groups said they have yet to feel the benefits of these programs.
“The farmers we’ve talked to are also tired of the promises from the government, and even more so amid millions of pesos lost to corruption while they struggle with poverty, low farmgate prices, insecure livelihoods, and displacement from their land and fishing grounds,” Audrey de Jesus from IBON Foundation said in the Rappler app.
