President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Presidential photo)
LEGAZPI CITY – Bicolanos on Monday gave mixed reactions to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s (PBBM) first State of the Nation Address (SONA), with a majority expressing hope for a better life during the next six years under the new administration.
In her social media post, Aya Medel, a former movie actress-turned-businesswoman in Tabaco City, Albay, said: "Thank you President Bongbong Marcos for the hope. We will support our mahal na Pilipinas (beloved Philippines)."
Rep. Angelica Natasha Co of BHW Party-list, also was thankful for Marcos mentioning one of health as one of his priority agenda during the SONA.
"Very happy with the health agenda mentioned by the administration. Specifically, I am elated by the creation of specialty hospitals like the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) and Philippine Heart Center for the provinces as well as RHU and clinics for far-flung barangays; the creation of the Center for Disease Control; the continuation of vaccine rollout and administering of booster shots and making use of technology for the health sector," Co said in a social media post.
Paul Tindugan from Catanduanes, also in a social media post, said: "Ngayon lang ako natuwa sa pakikinig ng SONA (This is the first time I was happy listening to SONA)."
Sher Destura of Legazpi City also lauded the President's speech, particularly his plan to help solo parents.
"It's a big help for us, thank you, Mr. President," Destura said.
Nelia Brimon, also of this city, said she hopes that the President’s promises in his SONA to give Filipinos better lives will be fulfilled.
“Sana wag puro pangako ang mga sinabi ni Presidente. Sana nga meron mangyari, trabaho, kabuhayan at katahimikan (I hope the SONA is not just a compilation of promises of the President. I hope there would be more jobs, livelihood and peace),” Brimon said.
Orpha Barba, a barangay official in Catanduanes, said it is important for Filipinos to listen to the SONA so they would be aware of the plans and programs of the President, especially those concerning the aid given by the government to typhoon or disaster-prone areas such as their province.
"Nakakatuwa na mas bibigyan niya ng maayos na proseso ang pagbibigay ayuda, at pagpapadali ito (It is good that he will come up with more efficient process in giving aid and expedite it)," she said. (PNA)
