SONA 2026: PBBM vows revamps, solutions in his last two years

Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), vowing improvements and solutions to persisting problems in the country.

During his speech on July 27, Marcos laid out the future plans of his administration as he approaches his last two years as the chief executive.

“Sa nalalabing dalawang taon ng administrasyon, tatapusin natin ang mga nasimulan at tutuparin ang ating pangako sa sambayanan,” Marcos said. “My beloved countrymen, let us continue the work that we have started, to make the Philippines the country that Filipinos deserve,” he added.

In the next two years, all eyes are on Marcos’ promises to the Filipino people, as the administration faces pressure to turn commitments into concrete results.

Flood control probe

One year after the flood control scandal exposed substandard government projects across the country, Marcos began his speech by highlighting the administration’s efforts to hold officials accountable.

“Gaya ng aking pinangako sa inyo, nagsagawa tayo ng malawakan at malalimang imbestigasyon na walang pagkikiling kahit kanino man,” he said. “May mga unang nakasuhan at nakulong. Mga kontratista, mga matataas na opisyal, pati na mga mambabatas.”

Marcos also mentioned his cousin, ex-House Speaker Martin Romualdez, for the latter’s involvement in the flood control mess, demonstrating his “impartiality” in the said case.

“Hindi ako pangulo ng aking pamilya, hindi ako pangulo ng aking kaibigan, ako ay pangulo ng Pilipinas at ang tungkulin ko ay sa inyo ang aking mga kapwa Pilipino,” he added.

With this, he promised to continue fighting against corruption, citing the P800 million that was returned to the government after their investigation which has also been allocated to different services.

Social programs

Another thing that Marcos has emphasized in his speech is the expansion of government social programs to help more Filipinos who are in need.

“Ngayon, ipipihit natin ang mga programa sa mga mas nangangailangan nating kapwa Pilipino. Para naman mas malawak at mas marami ang maabot ng tulong,” he said.

Marcos aims to further assist the 3.5 million beneficiaries of 4Ps and Walang Gutom Program; the 1.5 million minimum-wage earners that are members of the Social Security System; and the 2.5 million within the poverty line who are not beneficiaries of any amelioration programs.

The president also called on the Filipino people to maximize the opportunity to use SSS and PAG-IBIG Fund for their life insurances.

“Kaya nananawagan ako sa buong sambayanan, huwag nating ipagwalang-bahala ang seguridad na handog ng SSS, pati na ang PAG-IBIG Fund. Tiyakin po natin ang wasto at buwanang paghulog para sa ikabubuti ng ating kinabukasan,” he said.

Education

As schools continue to face resource shortages, Marcos also brought to the table the promises he has for the betterment of the education sector.

According to his data, 30,000 additional positions have been opened to strengthen the teaching workforce.

In line with this, he added that the government will continue to provide more teaching aids, such as smart TVs, laptops, tablets, free mobile data, lapel microphones, for a more effective instruction.

Marcos revealed that they are working to address the classroom shortage in the country, tapping different agencies in the country to expedite its finish.

Moreover, for the benefit of senior high school graduates, Marcos said that they are now allowed to apply for vacant first-level positions in the government.

He said that the administration aims to further prepare students by enhancing work immersion and the SHS curriculum in general.

Public transportation

Marcos also eyes to boost vehicle modernization in the country even further, hoping for industries to cooperate with the shift.

He aims to add more electric vehicles in public transportation, citing different government projects like Davao e-buses and the incoming Pasig River electric ferry boat.

Marcos also highlighted the government’s focus on improving transport hubs and terminals, aiming to serve and ease travel in the country.

“Pinagtutuunan natin ng mabuti ang ating mga tren, mga busway, transport hub, at integrated terminal. At ang pagpapaganda at pagpapalawak ng mga paliparan at pantalan sa buong bansa. Ito ay upang mas malawak at malayo ang naaabot, tumaas ang kapasidad at maging moderno at mas maginhawa ang serbisyo,” he said.

Disaster management

The recent earthquakes in Mindanao also prompted the government to become more proactive, as said by Marcos.

As many homes were destroyed and people were affected, the president aims to uplift the communities and make the country more resilient.

“Ang misyon natin ay sila’y muling makabangon at makataguyod. We have moved-on from the reactive approach, now, we are not only proactive but predictive as well, aided by digital tools,” he said.

“And so, taking all these lessons to heart, our overarching mission and all our conscious efforts henceforth must not be to simply uplift, but to ensure security and self-sufficiency of our nation and of our fellow Filipinos,” Marcos added.

Agriculture

Since 2023, Marcos highlighted the continuous improvement of the sector in agricultural production, with increased output in key commodities such as rice, corn, sugar, pork, and poultry. 

“Nagbubuklod na rin ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda, at nabibigyan ng makabagong teknolohiya, binhi, at mga pasilidad at kagamitan. Ilan sa mga ito ay 145 rice processing system. 3 cold storage facility, at halos 40,000 makinarya,” Marcos highlighted increased support for farmers and fisherfolk will also be continued to be sought in efforts to strengthen food security.  

The administration is also looking into expanding the coconut industry after already planting 18 million coconut trees with aims to reach 100 million coconut trees by the end of his term.    

Youth

After the series of school violence occurring nationwide, Pres. Marcos announces the deployment of an estimated 10,000 school counselor associates in public schools. He aims to provide mental health support and assistance to students facing challenges.

“To the parents of Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separa, and Ayessa Nicole Dazo: we are all so very proud of the unflinching bravery and heroic virtue that you have instilled in your children. They are an inspiration to us all,” Marcos offered his condolences to the lives lost during the Tacloban shooting incident in June. 

Public health

More additional benefits under the PhilHealth coverage namely HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis were also announced to make medical services more accessible to Filipinos. Patients under the said expansion are expected to benefit from the continued implementation of the zero-balance billing program in government hospitals. 

Additional hospitals under the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) have also been covered to “reduce seeking financial help from politicians for healthcare expenses,” according to the President.  

New programs

Marcos has also introduced new programs and initiatives on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, energy security, and scientific innovation.

One of which is the Pax Silica Industrial Hub, an advanced manufacturing and logistics center in the global AI and technology value chain, that has caused mixed reactions among the general public for the past weeks. 

A mix of nuclear power plant development in places such as Marinduque, Masbate, Zamboanga, Sibugay, and Basilan and renewable energy initiatives such as the proposed Sariling Kuryente Act, still under Congress, which aims to make solar panels and battery storage systems more accessible.

The country also prepares for its first rocket launch test in Cagayan as the country opens its first spaceport in partnership with a South Korean Aerospace Company

“We do not have to look or sail very far to find dependable allies. ASEAN is our safe harbor within which we share not only mutual proximity but affinity,” Marcos said. 

The government also announced the establishment of the country’s first Virology and Vaccine Institute in hopes to strengthen vaccine research and development in the country.