LEGAZPI CITY -- Many Bicolanos gave President Rodrigo Duterte a high rating for his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered late Monday afternoon.
The audience comprising students, professionals and ordinary folks listened in earnest to the Chief Executive and reacted with positivity and renewed hope for a better life.
On a scale of 1 to 5 -- with 5 being the highest -- Sarah Borigas from Camarines Sur gave the President's SONA a score 5.
In a text message to the Philippine News Agency, she said: "kasi lahat na gusto niyang mangyari ay na-point niya talaga...walang mura, saka hindi niya na binanggit mga nagawa niya. Kung ang ibang presidenteng pa-pogi babanggitin lahat ng nagawa ubos oras dun, siya hindi lahat (Everything he wants to be done was pointed out, no bad words used during the speech, and he never mentioned his accomplishments in a way that previous presidents did, thus taking a lot of time)".
Rhondon Ricafort, provincial youth development officer of Albay said “the latest SONA of PRRD is clear on his policy direction on continued fight against illegal drugs, environmental degradation, federalism and autonomy of Bangsamoro community. And no cuss word is really good".
"Four is my rate," Ricafort added.
"The SONA shows the clear strategic views of the President in terms of development and global competitiveness. As Filipino citizen, I will help him by paying the right amount of tax," Sher San Agutin said.
Manuel Rangasa, executive director and resident trainer of Local Climate Change Adaptation For Development (LCCAD), reacted by saying that the SONA was inspiring as it pointed out the need for the enactment of some laws, not just through papers but more importantly through actions.
"I'm so satisfied with his SONA. He focused on what his achievements and targets for the Filipino people are. He even announced endorsement for immediate approval and creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience. My grade for him is 4.5," Rangasa added.
Engr. Joseph Kabigting, project manager of CE Construction, in an interview, said: "I like the way he discussed the issues, he never went to the hot issues and questions frequently asked by the people were answered: war on drugs, West Philippine Sea, federalism, mining and even environmental issues. He didn’t blame the previous administration and gave emphasis on issues, plans and projects for sustainability of the country".
Kabigting even gave the President a perfect grade of 5.
Engr. Reymond Vega from Catanduanes said the SONA is direct to the point on current important issues and topics. He likewise gave the President's SONA a 5 rating.
Joenel Faustino of Masbate graded the president with 3, "without bad words" the SONA even appeared to be pleasing and convincing even to students who listened.
Robert Laus from Tiwi, Albay, said, "Nice job, Mr. President… letter man, speaking man and action man. I salute you". He gave the SONA a “4” rating and even added that if he would be given another son, he would name him "Rodrigo" after President Duterte.
Meanwhile, Orpha Barba, a village councilor in Marinawa, Bato in Catanduanes, said: "The SONA is a positive view on my part. I just hope and pray that what the President promised in terms of transparency, removal of red tape, job opportunities and pursuit of corrupt officials will translate into concrete action and realistic programs." (PNA)
