OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE CEAT STUDENT COUNCIL ON FERDINAND ‘BONGBONG’ MARCOS JR’S FIRST STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS (SONA)

On July 25, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) after being elected as the President of the Philippines. Plans and promises were made by the administration, and different sectors were emphasized. However, the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology Student Council finds the speech idealistic and sugarcoated with hifalutin words but less to none are relatable.

As he gives emphasis to different sectors it seems that none of his speech tackles basic human rights, press freedom, wage increases, election reforms, and impunity which are also pressing issues nowadays. Moreover, one of the main topics that he highlighted was transportation and building infrastructures. He mentioned that he will focus on transportation by expanding the railroad systems and continuing the current project to build establishments but we know that the transportation issue also includes jeepneys, tricycles, pedicabs, drivers, and commuters.

While we acknowledge the promises of the continuation of full face-to-face classes, here comes the issue with regard to transportation. Does building establishments, widening roads, and continuing railroad systems answer the problems of drivers and commuters especially students due to the effect of the oil price hike? What happens next after the implementation of Libreng Sakay that will come to end in December?

As a key factor of transformation plans, BBM also emphasized the plans for energy. Indeed that the availability of cheap and reliable energy will be a fundamental requirement for growth and increased employment as he has stated, however, he failed to mention how he will pull these plans and the risks of building infrastructures to obtain a natural source of energy without harming the environment amidst the pressing issues due to climate change and global warming. Building and reopening power plants could leak air toxins and water vapor as fog into the atmosphere, which may have an impact on the survival and growth of some vegetation groups in the communities, and if not planned well can cause more harm than benefits.

We have seen from the past Marcos administration how they navigate and pull their connections and/or cronies. They have benefitted from distributing major industries in the country and exploited the Filipino people. Now that another Marcos has ruled once more, we are again on the verge and threat of being exploited and used by the administration.

As the country faces an economic crisis, we recognize the plans and promises by Marcos Jr. but there is more beyond what he has stated in his first State of the Nation Address, there is more than the sectors he gives emphasis on.

We heard nothing from Marcos Jr. on how he would address the real problems in infrastructures, transportation, human rights violations, and corruption. Now more than ever, it is our duty to remain steadfast and be firm in observing the current administration if they will fulfill their promises. As future engineers, we must not involve ourselves in their propaganda with regards to building establishments and stop them from pushing anti-people policies.

We are up for development but not at the expense of the people, environment, and community.

Never Again!
Never Forget!

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