RENEWED HOPE. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his 5th State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Monday (July 27, 2020). Many residents of Central Luzon said the President's pronouncements brought renewed hope for development amid this challenging time when the country is battling the coronavirus disease 2019. (Presidential photo)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – President Rodrigo Duterte delivered on Monday his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA), bringing renewed hope to residents of Central Luzon amid the challenges brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
As the President enumerated his plans and programs for the betterment of the nation and the Filipino people, majority of the residents remained optimistic that the Duterte administration could overcome the ongoing health crisis and steer the country toward socio-economic recovery.
Luis San Pascual, a retired government employee, said the President’s SONA is significant and meaningful as the Chief Executive underscored the issues on Covid-19 containment and economic recovery.
“The message of the President is very timely especially in this time we are confronting one of the most challenging health issues. His administration’s plans to spur economic activity while preventing the spread of Covid-19 give us hope that we can withstand the devastating impact of the pandemic,” San Pascual said.
Joyce Ann Pineda, a former overseas Filipino worker from Macau, was convinced that the President’s SONA manifests his strong commitment to address the issues that directly affect the people, particularly the Covid-19 situation in the country.
“I am happy to hear from the President the government’s concrete solutions that could ease the effect of the health pandemic to the economy and to the Filipinos, especially to the labor sector,” Pineda said.
She also said the plans of the government to exhaust all means to help OFWs regain new job opportunities they lost abroad due to Covid-19 showed the President’s deep concern for workers.
Charito Ferrer, a housewife with three children, said she is happy with the President’s continuing efforts to fight illegal drugs which helped his son change for the better.
“I am happy to hear that the President remained determined in his fight against illegal drugs. His renewed call for the revival of the death penalty through lethal injection for drug-related offense showed that his administration is still firm on its stance against illegal drugs,” Ferrer said.
Erwin delos Reyes, who is engaged in meat processing business, said the Chief Executive’s directive to provide responsive government assistance and services to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is a big boost to small businesses which were adversely affected by the Covid-19.
“His order directing concerned government units and agencies to intensify efforts in helping MSMEs will give most of us opportunities to recover our losses due to the pandemic,” he said.
Lawyer Gener Edona, former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)–Pampanga, described the SONA as comprehensive and substantial as it tackled all aspects that need to be addressed by the government during this challenging time.
“I like the speech of the President. The President prioritized the needs of the country, particularly in the education sector on the issue of blended learning as he reiterated that he will not allow face-to-face classes until a vaccine against Covid-19 is available,” he said.
Rene Romero, president of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce (PamCham), described the SONA as "good" as it centered on the government's measures and plans on how to arrest Covid-19.
Romero, however, said he expects the President to lay down a stimulus package to help the MSMEs to survive in the light of the health crisis.
The agriculture sector in the region likewise hailed the President’s address with high hopes especially when he called on Congress to establish a coconut farmers' trust fund.
Farmer Ramon Aquino said he is optimistic that the Duterte administration will implement more programs in the agricultural sector that could uplift their lives. (PNA)
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