Bohol lawmaker: SONA addresses urgent needs of the poor

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—Third District Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor lauded Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying it directly addressed the most urgent needs of the country’s poor.

Tutor said the President delivered a clear and compassionate speech that strongly resonated with the people, especially in Bohol, where healthcare, social services, housing, and employment remain top priorities.

“In Bohol, our most pressing needs are in health, housing, jobs, and social services — and all these were clearly addressed by the President,” Tutor said.

She expressed her full support for the programs and priorities of Pres. Marcos Jr.’s administration, particularly the budget allocations focused on the real needs of the people.

“This SONA is a call for unity and cooperation for the progress of the nation, and here in Bohol, we stand ready to continue serving alongside the President’s leadership,” she added.

Meanwhile, Second District Rep. Maria Vanessa Aumentado expressed her appreciation for the programs highlighted by the President’s SONA particularly in the areas of health, education, and agriculture.

“We are pleased with the programs mentioned, especially those on health, education, and agriculture. We are hoping and praying for their realization, particularly when it was stated that DOH hospitals will implement zero-balance billing,” Aumentado said.

As a legislator, she reaffirmed her support for the government’s initiatives, stressing the importance of expanding these efforts so that more Filipinos may benefit.

“As a Representative, we support the government’s good programs. We also hope that those already started will be sustained and further expanded so more people can benefit from them,” Aumentado added.

The SONA highlighted key measures including the upgrading of PhilHealth coverage to extend help to more Filipinos, solutions to power supply shortages and water service issues, construction of more daycare centers and classrooms for children’s education and welfare, among others.

The President vowed that the government will do better and act faster in the next three years of his administration.

He said as his administration enters its final three years, he will work to pour in greater effort to improve the lives of the Filipino people.

Pres. Marcos also called for unity, urging the public to set aside differences and come together as Filipinos committed to national service. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)