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FULL SPEECH: SONA 2026 of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. – July 27, 2026
UNTV News and Rescue
Overview
This State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. outlines the administration's achievements and future plans across various sectors. Key focuses include combating corruption, ensuring economic stability amidst global crises, strengthening infrastructure, enhancing social services, and promoting national security and international relations. The speech emphasizes a proactive and resilient approach to governance, aiming for the long-term security and self-sufficiency of the Philippines and its citizens.
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Chapters
- Launched thorough investigations into corruption, leading to charges against contractors, officials, and legislators.
- Recovered nearly 5 billion pesos in assets and funds from those involved in corrupt practices.
- Implemented reforms in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure project necessity, proper pricing, and transparency.
- Established a Transparency Portal Integrity Chain with civil society partners to monitor projects.
Addressing corruption is crucial for ensuring public funds are used effectively for the welfare of citizens and for building trust in government institutions.
The recovery of almost 5 billion pesos in assets and funds from corrupt individuals and the immediate return of over a million pesos to the treasury.
- Declared a state of national energy emergency and instructed agencies to economize and focus on essential programs.
- Allocated nearly 58 billion pesos in additional funds to local governments to enhance service delivery.
- Provided extensive support to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) affected by the Middle East conflict, including repatriation and reintegration programs.
- Secured sufficient oil supply through diversified sourcing and managed petroleum price increases gradually to ease the burden on consumers.
- Implemented price rollbacks and suspended taxes on specific petroleum products to stabilize costs.
Maintaining economic stability and supporting citizens during global crises is vital for national security and the well-being of the population.
Securing oil supply from diverse sources like Japan, South Korea, Oman, India, Russia, and China, ensuring the country had nearly two months of supply despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Continued job fairs nationwide, resulting in significant on-the-spot hiring and distribution of financial assistance.
- Encouraged banks and e-wallets to reduce or waive online transaction fees.
- Provided grace periods for loan repayments for various sectors, including agriculture.
- Distributed over 26 million tons of rice to more than a million families and continued rice fortification programs.
- Supported farmers and fishermen with financial aid and facilitated direct selling of their produce.
These measures provide immediate relief to citizens struggling with economic challenges and aim to foster financial stability and inclusivity.
Distributing over 26 million tons of rice to more than a million families, with a goal to reach 8 million families.
- Focused on improving public transportation through busways, transport hubs, and the expansion of airports and ports.
- Accelerated the completion of railway projects, including the North-South Commuter Railway and MRT-7.
- Promoted the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by removing tariffs and prioritizing their use in government fleets.
- Completed sections of expressways and repaired damaged bridges to improve connectivity.
- Initiated the construction of Ligtas Pinoy Centers designed to withstand severe weather and earthquakes.
Investing in robust infrastructure and modern transportation is essential for economic growth, efficient movement of goods and people, and disaster resilience.
The upcoming completion of the North-South Commuter Railway trains running between Valenzuela and Malolos, with plans to extend to Clark.
- Shifted from a reactive to a proactive and predictive approach to disaster management, utilizing digital tools.
- Established a nationwide disaster response infrastructure with resource centers, hubs, spokes, and last-mile facilities.
- Ensured rapid delivery of emergency relief within 24 hours through the robust system.
- Implemented mobile energy systems and emergency communication systems for uninterrupted services during crises.
- Developed a concept of 'state of imminent disaster' to enable proactive preparation and response.
A well-prepared and responsive disaster management system is critical for saving lives, minimizing damage, and ensuring swift recovery.
The establishment of a nationwide disaster response infrastructure comprising 15 hubs, 76 spokes, and 919 last-mile facilities, enabling emergency relief delivery within 24 hours.
- Stabilized the agricultural system to guarantee food supply and lower prices through various support programs for farmers and fishermen.
- Increased production of key crops and livestock due to improved infrastructure, irrigation, and mechanization.
- Expanded coconut plantations nationwide with a goal of planting 100 million trees.
- Strengthened the National Food Authority's (NFA) capacity to purchase produce and maintain buffer stocks.
- Provided insurance coverage for crops, livestock, equipment, and even life for farmers and fishermen.
A strong agricultural sector is fundamental to food security, economic stability, and the livelihoods of a significant portion of the population.
The goal to plant 100 million coconut trees by the end of the administration to ensure the sustainability of the coconut industry.
- Focused on increasing electricity generation capacity, with significant MW additions nearing completion.
- Promoted renewable energy sources such as geothermal, solar, hydro, wind, and biomass.
- Resumed drilling operations for natural gas through the extended Malampaya service contract.
- Awarded numerous petroleum service contracts, including those for hydrogen production.
- Explored the potential of nuclear energy for enhanced energy security and cost reduction.
Ensuring a stable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply is crucial for national development and economic competitiveness.
The extension of the Malampaya service contract until 2039, allowing drilling operations to resume and tapping into a significant reserve of natural gas.
- Prioritized education as a driver of capacity building, emphasizing lifelong learning and continuous self-improvement.
- Strengthened senior high school curriculum and intensified work immersion programs.
- Increased the number of colleges and universities recognized in global rankings, including state and local institutions.
- Expanded Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs with high placement rates.
- Promoted digital literacy and AI readiness through massive training programs.
Investing in education and skills development is essential for empowering citizens, fostering innovation, and ensuring the nation's competitiveness in a globalized world.
The success of the 'new Pilipinas Fair' where over 1,000 senior high school graduates were hired on the spot, demonstrating the effectiveness of the enhanced curriculum.
- Promoted healthy living through vaccinations, nutrition, exercise, and avoidance of harmful habits.
- Expanded the Universal Healthcare system, increasing screenings and access to medications.
- Included essential medicines for various conditions in the PhilHealth program and eliminated VAT on over 2,000 medicines.
- Increased PhilHealth coverage for serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease, and included HIV/AIDS and TB treatment.
- Streamlined medical assistance programs and improved hospital services, including specialty centers and clinics for veterans.
A robust healthcare system ensures the well-being of citizens, reduces the financial burden of illness, and contributes to a productive workforce.
The inclusion of HIV/AIDS treatment and TB treatment in PhilHealth coverage to combat rising cases and mortality rates.
- Re-established the Philippines as a full member of the international community with active participation in global trade networks.
- Secured transformative economic agreements, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and ongoing negotiations with the UAE.
- Maintained competitiveness in supplying critical components to global technology companies and exporting indigenous farm products.
- Attracted foreign investments through beneficial policies promoting ease of doing business and digital transformation.
- Expanded economic opportunities through productive ecozones and strategic emerging industries.
Strong international relations and trade agreements are vital for economic growth, job creation, and enhancing the country's position in the global market.
Facilitating over 6 billion in investments through 'green lanes' over the past three years, creating an estimated 400,000 jobs.
- Advocated for greater solidarity and cooperation among ASEAN member states to address regional challenges.
- Formalized the completion of the government's peace pact with the MILF, paving the way for the Bangsamoro's first parliamentary election.
- Emphasized the importance of diplomacy over violent conflict for peace and order.
- Reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to upholding the 2016 arbitral award on the West Philippine Sea.
- Called for national unity and resilience in the face of internal and external threats.
Maintaining peace and security, both domestically and internationally, is fundamental for national development, citizen safety, and regional stability.
The upcoming first regular parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as a critical accomplishment of the comprehensive peace agreement.
Key takeaways
- Combating corruption requires sustained investigation, prosecution, and asset recovery efforts to ensure public funds benefit citizens.
- Economic resilience is built through diversified sourcing, strategic price management, and targeted support for vulnerable sectors and OFWs.
- Investing in infrastructure, particularly transportation and disaster-resilient structures, is crucial for long-term economic growth and public safety.
- A proactive and well-equipped disaster response system, supported by technology, is essential for minimizing the impact of calamities.
- Strengthening the agricultural sector through comprehensive support programs is key to ensuring food security and stabilizing prices.
- Energy security can be achieved through a mix of traditional and renewable sources, alongside exploring new technologies like nuclear and hydrogen power.
- Education and skills development are paramount for empowering the workforce and maintaining global competitiveness.
- A robust healthcare system, accessible and affordable for all, is a cornerstone of national well-being and productivity.
- Strong foreign relations and trade agreements are vital for economic integration and attracting investments.
- Peace and security, fostered through diplomacy and regional cooperation, are the bedrock of national development and citizen welfare.
Key terms
State of the Nation Address (SONA)CorruptionFiscal ResponsibilityEconomic ResilienceOverseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)Infrastructure DevelopmentDisaster PreparednessFood SecurityEnergy SecurityRenewable EnergyHuman CapitalUniversal HealthcareForeign RelationsASEANArbitral Award
Test your understanding
- What specific measures has the government implemented to combat corruption and ensure fiscal responsibility?
- How has the administration addressed economic challenges arising from global crises, particularly concerning energy and OFWs?
- What are the key infrastructure projects and transportation modernization efforts highlighted in the address?
- How is the government enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities?
- What strategies are being employed to strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure food security?
- What steps are being taken to ensure the nation's energy security and promote renewable energy sources?
- How does the administration plan to invest in human capital through education and skills development?
- What are the key initiatives to improve the healthcare system and public health outcomes?
- How are foreign relations and economic integration being leveraged for national benefit?
- What is the government's approach to maintaining peace and security, both domestically and internationally?