Marcos urged to turn promises into concrete actions

MANILA, Philippines — As President Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) today, Filipinos from across the country are urging his administration to move beyond promises and deliver concrete solutions to the problems they say continue to burden their daily lives.

From fisherfolk grappling with rising fuel costs and tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to farmers fighting to keep their land and indigenous peoples seeking to protect their ancestral domains, many hope this year’s Sona will focus on concrete action rather than accomplishments.

In Zambales, fishermen said protecting their livelihoods begins with a stronger government presence in the WPS and sustained assistance amid soaring fuel prices.

Article continues after this advertisement

Regino Renato Romero, chair of the Subic Hook and Line Fishermen’s Association, urged the government to intensify maritime patrols to protect Filipino fishermen from harassment while expanding fuel and food assistance for those fishing near Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal.

“I hope the government will strengthen its patrols in the West Philippine Sea to prevent the harassment of Filipino fishermen,” Romero said in Filipino.

Romero also appealed for larger fuel subsidies for municipal fishermen, saying the existing P3,000 assistance is often enough only for those fishing closer to shore.

Article continues after this advertisement

The concern was echoed by Argie Aringo, 43, who has spent two decades fishing in municipal waters.

He said rising diesel prices have reduced daily earnings from about P1,000 to P500-P700, forcing many fishermen to stay ashore whenever fuel costs spike.

Article continues after this advertisement

The Archipelagic Women of the Philippines also urged the President to prioritize small-scale fishers and give women a greater role in fisheries governance.

“We are not merely beneficiaries of government programs. We are partners in crafting solutions,” the group said.

Public utility vehicle drivers likewise said rising fuel prices continue to erode their income.

Roderick Aguinaldo, 55, a jeepney driver in Subic and father of four, said his daily earnings have dropped from more than P1,000 to P400-P700 after he reduced his trips because of higher fuel costs.

He also urged the President to hold accountable officials allegedly involved in anomalies in flood control projects.

Ancestral land protection

Leaders of indigenous communities in Zambales and Olongapo called for stronger protection of ancestral domains and better access to education.

Trollie Romualdo, chieftain of the Iram Resettlement in Barangay New Cabalan, Olongapo City, said ancestral lands should not be entered without the consent of indigenous peoples.

Joseph Santos, another Aeta resident, said students in their community must cross about 10 bridges to reach the nearest high school.

He hopes the government will build a school closer to their village and provide students with basic school supplies.

Residents also urged the government to protect agricultural lands from conversion.

Marilou Dabon, 41, said preserving farmlands is essential to protecting the livelihoods of farmers and indigenous communities while reducing the risks of flooding and landslides.

In Lucena City, farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous peoples and agrarian reform beneficiaries will gather for a Mass and prayer rally before the President’s address to call for the restoration of land rights and genuine agrarian reform.

The coalition Kilusan Para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo at Katarungang Panlipunan urged Mr. Marcos, as chair of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council, to protect agricultural lands, resolve long-pending land disputes, halt the reversal of agrarian reform gains and stop the criminalization of farmers defending their rights.

A Catholic priest from Quezon province also appealed to Mr. Marcos to intervene in the decades-old land dispute involving former agrarian reform beneficiaries in Sariaya.

Fr. Warren Puno, director of the Ministry of Ecology of the Diocese of Lucena, urged the President to immediately release the findings of the long-delayed investigation into the cancellation of farmers’ Certificates of Land Ownership Award.

“For many years, these farmers have been waiting for justice over lands that were once awarded to them but were later taken back,” Puno said.

Seniors vs corruption

In Baguio City, about 20 retired professionals and elderly activists marched on Saturday, demanding stronger action against alleged corruption.

Calling themselves Seniors Kontra sa Kurakot, the protesters criticized what they described as the slow pace of investigations into alleged multibillion-peso infrastructure anomalies.

Jeanette Ribaya-Cawiding of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers said the country continues to suffer from political patronage and weak accountability.

“What we see is that no major figures are being held accountable or imprisoned—only the small fry,” she said. —REPORTS FROM JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT, JOHN PATRICK MATEO, DELFIN T. MALLARI JR., AND VINCENT CABREZA