President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's 2023 State of the Nation Address on July 24, 2023 #SONA2023
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00:00 (dramatic music)
00:00:02 (dramatic music)
00:00:05 (dramatic music)
00:00:08 (dramatic music)
00:00:11 (dramatic music)
00:00:31 (dramatic music)
00:00:34 (dramatic music)
00:00:37 (dramatic music)
00:00:40 (dramatic music)
00:00:42 (dramatic music)
00:00:45 (dramatic music)
00:00:48 (dramatic music)
00:00:51 (dramatic music)
00:00:53 (dramatic music)
00:00:58 (dramatic music)
00:01:03 (dramatic music)
00:01:08 (dramatic music)
00:01:12 (dramatic music)
00:01:19 (dramatic music)
00:01:22 (dramatic music)
00:01:27 (dramatic music)
00:01:31 (dramatic music)
00:01:36 (dramatic music)
00:01:41 (dramatic music)
00:01:48 (dramatic music)
00:01:50 (dramatic music)
00:01:55 (dramatic music)
00:02:00 (dramatic music)
00:02:05 (dramatic music)
00:02:09 (dramatic music)
00:02:16 (dramatic music)
00:02:19 (dramatic music)
00:02:24 (dramatic music)
00:02:28 (dramatic music)
00:02:33 (dramatic music)
00:02:38 (dramatic music)
00:02:45 (dramatic music)
00:02:47 (dramatic music)
00:02:52 (dramatic music)
00:02:57 (dramatic music)
00:03:02 (dramatic music)
00:03:06 (dramatic music)
00:03:12 (dramatic music)
00:03:15 (dramatic music)
00:03:19 (dramatic music)
00:03:23 (dramatic music)
00:03:27 (dramatic music)
00:03:31 (dramatic music)
00:03:35 (dramatic music)
00:03:41 (dramatic music)
00:03:44 (dramatic music)
00:03:47 (dramatic music)
00:03:51 (dramatic music)
00:03:55 (dramatic music)
00:03:59 (dramatic music)
00:04:03 (dramatic music)
00:04:09 (dramatic music)
00:04:12 - Of the nation address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
00:04:17 (dramatic music)
00:04:20 (dramatic music)
00:04:24 - To my fellow Filipinos,
00:04:30 (speaking in foreign language)
00:04:34 (speaking in foreign language)
00:04:38 (dramatic music)
00:04:57 (dramatic music)
00:05:00 - We will endure.
00:05:15 Let our Filipino spirit ever remain undimmed.
00:05:19 I know this in my mind.
00:05:22 I know it in my heart.
00:05:24 I know it in my very soul.
00:05:27 The state of the nation is sound.
00:05:30 (dramatic music)
00:05:33 (dramatic music)
00:05:36 (dramatic music)
00:05:39 (dramatic music)
00:05:41 (dramatic music)
00:05:45 (dramatic music)
00:05:48 (dramatic music)
00:06:08 (dramatic music)
00:06:11 (dramatic music)
00:06:15 (dramatic music)
00:06:19 (dramatic music)
00:06:23 (dramatic music)
00:06:27 (dramatic music)
00:06:31 (dramatic music)
00:06:36 (dramatic music)
00:06:39 (dramatic music)
00:06:43 (dramatic music)
00:06:48 (dramatic music)
00:06:52 (dramatic music)
00:07:02 (dramatic music)
00:07:04 (dramatic music)
00:07:08 (dramatic music)
00:07:12 (dramatic music)
00:07:16 (dramatic music)
00:07:20 (dramatic music)
00:07:24 (dramatic music)
00:07:30 (dramatic music)
00:07:32 (dramatic music)
00:07:36 (dramatic music)
00:07:40 (dramatic music)
00:07:44 (dramatic music)
00:07:48 (dramatic music)
00:07:52 (dramatic music)
00:07:58 (dramatic music)
00:08:00 (dramatic music)
00:08:04 (dramatic music)
00:08:08 (dramatic music)
00:08:12 (dramatic music)
00:08:16 (dramatic music)
00:08:20 (dramatic music)
00:08:26 (dramatic music)
00:08:28 (dramatic music)
00:08:32 (dramatic music)
00:08:36 - Ladies and gentlemen, let's rise and welcome
00:08:45 the President of the Republic of the Philippines,
00:08:53 His Excellency, Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr.
00:08:56 (audience applauding)
00:09:02 (dramatic music)
00:09:05 (audience applauding)
00:09:09 (dramatic music)
00:09:11 (audience applauding)
00:09:15 (dramatic music)
00:09:17 (audience applauding)
00:09:22 (dramatic music)
00:09:24 (dramatic music)
00:09:27 (dramatic music)
00:09:30 (dramatic music)
00:09:33 (dramatic music)
00:09:36 (dramatic music)
00:09:39 (dramatic music)
00:09:42 (dramatic music)
00:09:45 (dramatic music)
00:09:49 (dramatic music)
00:09:51 (dramatic music)
00:09:54 (dramatic music)
00:09:57 (dramatic music)
00:10:00 (dramatic music)
00:10:03 (dramatic music)
00:10:06 (dramatic music)
00:10:09 (dramatic music)
00:10:12 (dramatic music)
00:10:16 (dramatic music)
00:10:18 (dramatic music)
00:10:21 (dramatic music)
00:10:24 (dramatic music)
00:10:27 (dramatic music)
00:10:30 (dramatic music)
00:10:33 (dramatic music)
00:10:36 (dramatic music)
00:10:39 (dramatic music)
00:10:42 (dramatic music)
00:10:45 (dramatic music)
00:10:48 (dramatic music)
00:10:51 (dramatic music)
00:10:54 (dramatic music)
00:10:57 (dramatic music)
00:11:00 (dramatic music)
00:11:03 (dramatic music)
00:11:06 (dramatic music)
00:11:09 (dramatic music)
00:11:12 (dramatic music)
00:11:15 (dramatic music)
00:11:18 (dramatic music)
00:11:21 (dramatic music)
00:11:24 (dramatic music)
00:11:27 (dramatic music)
00:11:30 (dramatic music)
00:11:33 (dramatic music)
00:11:36 - On the part of the Senate, the joint session
00:11:38 is hereby called to order.
00:11:40 (gavel pounding)
00:11:42 On the part of the House of Representatives,
00:11:44 the joint session is called to order.
00:11:46 (gavel pounding)
00:11:49 Please remain standing for the singing
00:11:52 of the Philippine National Anthem
00:11:54 to be led by Ms. Lara Marie Mascardon Maigue.
00:12:06 (singing in Filipino language)
00:12:10 (singing in Filipino language)
00:12:15 (singing in Filipino language)
00:12:20 (singing in Filipino language)
00:12:23 (singing in Filipino language)
00:12:27 (singing in Filipino language)
00:12:31 (singing in Filipino language)
00:12:35 (singing in Filipino language)
00:12:39 (singing in Filipino language)
00:12:43 (singing in Filipino language)
00:12:48 (singing in Filipino language)
00:12:51 (singing in Filipino language)
00:12:55 (singing in Filipino language)
00:12:59 (singing in Filipino language)
00:13:03 (singing in Filipino language)
00:13:07 (singing in Filipino language)
00:13:11 (singing in Filipino language)
00:13:16 (singing in Filipino language)
00:13:19 Please remain standing for the nation's prayer.
00:13:26 Kindly bow your heads in prayer.
00:13:30 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:13:35 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:14:03 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:14:07 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:14:12 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:14:17 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:14:20 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:14:24 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:14:29 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:14:34 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:14:38 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:14:43 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:14:48 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:14:53 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:15:21 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:15:25 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:15:30 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:15:35 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:15:38 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:16:04 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:16:09 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:16:14 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:16:19 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:16:23 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:16:28 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:16:32 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:16:57 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:17:02 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:17:29 (speaking in Filipino language)
00:17:57 - Ladies and gentlemen, honorable members of Congress
00:18:01 of the Philippines, His Excellency,
00:18:04 Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr.,
00:18:08 President of the Republic of the Philippines.
00:18:11 (audience applauding)
00:18:14 (audience applauding)
00:18:17 - Thank you.
00:18:31 (audience applauding)
00:18:34 Thank you, thank you very much.
00:18:44 Allow me to greet Vice President Sara Zimmerman-Duterte,
00:18:49 the former presidents, our former presidents,
00:18:52 President Joseph Ejercito Estrada
00:18:55 and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,
00:18:58 Senate President Juan Miguel Subiri,
00:19:01 and the honorable members of the Senate,
00:19:04 House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez,
00:19:07 and the honorable members of the House of Representatives,
00:19:11 Chief Justice Alexander Gismundo
00:19:13 and the honorable justices of the Supreme Court,
00:19:16 His Excellency, Most Reverend Charles John Brown
00:19:20 and the esteemed members of the Diplomatic Corps,
00:19:23 Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin
00:19:26 and the members of the Cabinet,
00:19:28 First Lady Luis Araneta Marcos,
00:19:32 (audience applauding)
00:19:38 former First Lady, First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos,
00:19:43 (audience applauding)
00:19:46 other distinguished guests,
00:19:48 (speaking in foreign language)
00:19:51 Ladies and gentlemen,
00:19:52 (speaking in foreign language)
00:19:55 One year ago today, I stood here before you,
00:19:59 setting forth the plans that we have to improve our economy,
00:20:03 bring jobs to our people,
00:20:05 improve the ease of doing business,
00:20:07 recalibrate our educational system
00:20:10 to adapt to the new economy,
00:20:12 lower and rationalize energy costs,
00:20:15 boost agricultural production,
00:20:17 enhance health care,
00:20:19 and continue social programs for the poor and the vulnerable.
00:20:24 Let me now report to the people
00:20:26 on the successes that we can now lay claim to
00:20:29 and also the challenges that we continue to face.
00:20:33 Last year, we emphasized certain strong headwinds
00:20:36 that were confronting us, along with the rest of the world,
00:20:39 in our post-pandemic economic recovery.
00:20:42 And the biggest problem that we encountered was inflation.
00:20:47 (speaking in foreign language)
00:20:51 (speaking in foreign language)
00:20:56 (speaking in foreign language)
00:21:01 (speaking in foreign language)
00:21:05 (speaking in foreign language)
00:21:09 (speaking in foreign language)
00:21:13 (speaking in foreign language)
00:21:17 (speaking in foreign language)
00:21:21 (speaking in foreign language)
00:21:25 (speaking in foreign language)
00:21:30 (speaking in foreign language)
00:21:34 (speaking in foreign language)
00:21:38 While the global prospects were bleak,
00:22:03 our economy posted a 7.6% growth in 2022,
00:22:08 our highest growth rate in 46 years.
00:22:12 (applause)
00:22:15 For the first quarter of this year,
00:22:19 our growth has registered at 6.4%.
00:22:22 It remains within our target of 6% to 7% for 2023.
00:22:28 We are still considered to be
00:22:30 amongst the fastest-growing economies
00:22:33 in the Asian region and in the world.
00:22:36 It is a testament...
00:22:38 (applause)
00:22:40 It is a testament
00:22:42 to our strong macroeconomic fundamentals.
00:22:46 Our financial system, the nerve center of our economy,
00:22:50 remains strong and stable.
00:22:52 Banks, the transmission arms of our monetary policy,
00:22:55 have strong capital and liquidity positions.
00:22:58 Stimulated by the relaxation of pandemic restrictions,
00:23:01 transactions once again have flourished
00:23:03 alongside the booming e-commerce
00:23:05 that was undeterred by the pandemic in 2022.
00:23:09 The digital economy contributed 2 trillion pesos,
00:23:13 the equivalent of 9.4% of our GDP.
00:23:18 The economy is revived and rejuvenated,
00:23:21 backstopped by a favorable, enabling environment
00:23:25 and the strong rule of law.
00:23:27 This year, the World Bank projects a 6% overall growth rate,
00:23:32 well within the range of our targets for the year.
00:23:35 It is anchored on strong local demand,
00:23:38 underpinned by consumer spending
00:23:41 and draws strength from the BPO industry
00:23:44 and, of course, the steady flow of remittances
00:23:47 and the continuing jobs recovery.
00:23:50 Inflation rate is moving in the right direction.
00:23:53 From 8.7% in January,
00:23:56 our inflation has continued to ease up in all regions,
00:23:59 settling now at 5.4% for June.
00:24:04 What this means is that in spite of all the difficulties,
00:24:07 we are transforming the economy.
00:24:09 We are stabilizing the prices of all critical commodities.
00:24:13 According to the Banco Central,
00:24:15 inflation is expected to ease further by the close of the year
00:24:19 and projected at 2.9% by 2024.
00:24:24 [applause]
00:24:29 On matters of the economy,
00:24:31 there are many things over which we have no control.
00:24:35 But over those where we do have control,
00:24:38 we are doing everything we can.
00:24:40 We are doing everything we can to increase the production of our economy.
00:24:45 We are stimulating industries.
00:24:49 We are adding infrastructures
00:24:52 to speed up the delivery of products and services.
00:24:56 Above all, we are strengthening the ability of the people
00:25:01 to improve their livelihoods.
00:25:04 This is the end goal of our Philippine Development Plan.
00:25:10 Investments in public infrastructure
00:25:13 and in the capacity of our people through food, education,
00:25:17 health, jobs, and social protection remain our top priority.
00:25:22 For this year, economic and social services
00:25:25 were allocated almost 70% of the national budget.
00:25:30 Higher revenue collections will be critical
00:25:32 in our bid to bolster public investments.
00:25:35 Under our fiscal framework,
00:25:37 we envision our tax and revenue efforts to further increase
00:25:40 to up to 16.9% and 17.3% by 2028.
00:25:47 Revenue generation has improved this year.
00:25:50 From January to May,
00:25:52 the Bureau of Internal Revenue has posted record collections
00:25:56 amounting to 1.05 trillion pesos,
00:26:00 an increase of almost 10% over the last year.
00:26:04 For its part, the Bureau of Customs has also increased its collection
00:26:08 by 7.4% for the first seven months of 2023,
00:26:13 amounting to 476 billion pesos.
00:26:18 Since July 2022, we have seen increased revenues
00:26:22 from PADCOR of 47.9% and from the PCSO of 20%.
00:26:28 We therefore seek, once again, the continued support of Congress
00:26:33 to enact and to law the policies and reforms under our fiscal framework.
00:26:39 In the past few months,
00:26:41 we have seen the price of goods being lowered in various sectors.
00:26:46 We have proven that we can lower the price of rice, meat, fish, vegetables, and sugar.
00:26:53 The Kadiwa Store has been a great help,
00:26:56 which we have revived and improved.
00:27:00 The purpose of the Kadiwa is to improve the income of farmers and buyers.
00:27:06 There is nothing else that can be done.
00:27:09 There is no more additional expenses and costs.
00:27:12 The income of farmers is good,
00:27:15 and the income of buyers is also saved.
00:27:18 Of the more than 7,000 Kadiwa stores in the Philippines,
00:27:23 1.8 million families have benefited from the low price of goods.
00:27:29 In total, the sales of these Kadiwa stores amounted to almost P700 million pesos,
00:27:34 which has given livelihoods to members of more than 3,000 cooperatives and associations.
00:27:43 We have seen good results,
00:27:46 so we will continue to promote Kadiwa throughout the country.
00:27:50 The government agencies have joined forces to strengthen Kadiwa.
00:28:05 We will support the entire sector of agriculture and the local government.
00:28:11 Our aim is to boost our local agricultural production
00:28:15 through consolidation, modernization, mechanization, and improvement of value chains,
00:28:21 augmented by timely and calibrated importation as needed.
00:28:26 We have seen the sector of agriculture increase by 2.2% in the first three months of this year.
00:28:34 In our quest for food security, our methods are now more guided by science and the balance of nature,
00:28:42 so that production is both sustainable and responsible,
00:28:46 benefiting both this and future generations.
00:28:50 Our fisheries codes must be revised to incorporate and strengthen science-based analysis
00:28:56 and determination of fishing areas.
00:28:59 This approach will protect both the interests of our fisherfolk and our fisheries and aquatic resources.
00:29:05 To this end, we will seek the support of Congress to amend the code
00:29:10 to guarantee sustainable development of our fisheries sector in harmony with environmental balance.
00:29:23 We will support farmers through farm and fisheries clustering and livestock multiplier farms.
00:29:32 We have already targeted 300 clusters,
00:29:35 which are formed by almost 100 cooperatives and have an area of more than 200,000 hectares of land.
00:29:43 To speed up and facilitate the formation of cooperatives,
00:29:48 we will need the support of Congress to amend the cooperative code.
00:29:54 Through this, their production and market strength will gradually increase.
00:30:04 The saying is true, "The more, the merrier."
00:30:09 We are expanding their knowledge in new technologies and methods.
00:30:15 One of these is the use of bio-fertilizers,
00:30:19 which is made in the Philippines and is also experimental and predictable.
00:30:22 In the balanced fertilizer strategy, the harvest of farmers will be better.
00:30:27 They no longer need to rely on more expensive and important fertilizers.
00:30:33 As a help to farmers, the government has given more than 28,000 new machinery and equipment to various parts of the Philippines.
00:30:49 Under various programs of the Ministry of Agriculture,
00:30:53 the government has given more than 50 million tons of rice,
00:30:59 more than a million tons of corn, and more than a million tons of vegetables.
00:31:05 We have given more than 100,000 tons of corn and planted almost 10,000 hectares of land across the country.
00:31:14 All of these tons are new, hybrid, and of high quality.
00:31:20 As the price of gasoline and fertilizers has risen, the fuel and fertilizer discount vouchers we have given to the poor farmers have been affected.
00:31:34 We have already given the fertilizers we have received from China.
00:31:41 One of the reasons for the price to rise is smugglers, hoarders, and those who manipulate the price of agricultural products.
00:31:53 We are chasing them and we will hunt them down.
00:31:57 They are doing wrong things and it does not meet our good intentions.
00:32:10 They are doing it to bribe us.
00:32:13 It is not only the farmers who are in danger, but also us, the buyers.
00:32:18 That is why we will not allow this to happen.
00:32:22 The days of smugglers and hoarders are over.
00:32:27 Infrastructure is important to support the 14 million hectares of land.
00:32:41 We have set up a geo-agri-map of farm-to-market roads across the country to help farmers and buyers.
00:32:52 We have added 600 kilometers of FMRs to different parts of the country.
00:33:00 We have also given water to more than 49,000 hectares of land across the country.
00:33:08 We have built almost 4,000 additional fabrication labs, production and cold storage facilities that can be used by everyone.
00:33:20 With the help of the Congress, we have built 24 multi-species hatcheries to increase the production of fish.
00:33:29 We have monitored the spread of diseases and pests that can be found in farms and livestock.
00:33:38 We are about to have effective medicines and vaccines against this.
00:33:43 Meanwhile, we are strengthening the biosecurity levels of livestock as a fight against the disease.
00:33:51 We are also preparing for El Niño, which is expected to hit the next few months.
00:33:58 We have already started preparing for it, and we are already preparing the buffer stock and water supplies.
00:34:05 If necessary, we will also be doing cloud seeding to be able to transport rainwater.
00:34:12 Along with all of this, we are also urging our fellow citizens to save water for the wider preparation for the flood.
00:34:23 As we promised, we are continuing the Reform of Agriculture.
00:34:30 This is an important area of the agricultural sector that we are working on.
00:34:36 Last year, more than 70,000 hectares of land were given to beneficiaries of the Reform of Agriculture.
00:34:45 [Applause]
00:34:50 We are doing the right thing by stopping the payment of beneficiaries under our EO No. 4.
00:35:00 One year after my first SONA, the new Agrarian Emancipation Act was already in effect.
00:35:08 [Applause]
00:35:14 Because of this, the 57 billion pesos of debt that more than 600,000 beneficiaries owe were completely erased.
00:35:26 [Applause]
00:35:31 On behalf of these farmers and their families, thank you very much to our lawmakers.
00:35:41 [Applause]
00:35:45 Water is also important for food.
00:35:49 We need to ensure that there is enough clean water for everyone and for the next generations.
00:35:56 This includes the water we use for agriculture.
00:36:01 Considering its fundamental importance, water security deserves a special focus.
00:36:08 Our efforts must not be scattershot, but rather cohesive, centralized, and systematic.
00:36:15 So given that urgency, we have created the Water Resources Management Office
00:36:20 to specifically handle the delicate job involving this most precious resource.
00:36:26 We are working with the Congress to pass the law for the creation of a Department of Water Resource Management.
00:36:35 [Applause]
00:36:41 This year, we have allocated 14.6 billion pesos for water supply projects,
00:36:47 which will benefit communities all over the country.
00:36:50 Recently, the water supply of NCR and Rizal received a significant boost
00:36:55 from the first phase of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project.
00:37:00 The water supply will increase as the project enters the second phase.
00:37:04 We have installed 6,000 rainwater collection systems across the country
00:37:09 in preparation for the looming dry spell brought about by El Niño.
00:37:16 One of the keys to continuing economic growth is infrastructure development.
00:37:22 So we will build better and more.
00:37:25 Our 8.3 trillion peso Build Better More program is currently in progress
00:37:31 and being vigorously implemented.
00:37:34 [Applause]
00:37:39 The country will benefit from the 114 projects under this program.
00:37:47 We are not only continuing the projects that have already started,
00:37:52 but we are also expanding them.
00:37:54 The 123 projects under the Build Better More program are new.
00:38:02 The flagship projects cover investments in the areas of physical connectivity,
00:38:06 water resources, agriculture, health, digital connectivity, and energy.
00:38:12 Physical connectivity infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, seaports, airports,
00:38:18 mass transport, account for 83% of this program.
00:38:23 Our infrastructure spending will stay at 5% to 6% of our GDP.
00:38:30 [Applause]
00:38:35 The underlying logic to our infrastructure development is economic efficiency.
00:38:40 We are opening up all gateways to mobilize goods and services at less cost
00:38:45 and in less time, and ultimately to drive the economy forward.
00:38:50 Our road network plans must link not only our three major islands,
00:38:55 but all prospective sites of economic development.
00:38:59 The 1,200 kilometer Luzon Spine Expressway Networks program
00:39:04 will effectively connect Ilocos to Bicol from 20 hours to just 9 hours of travel.
00:39:11 [Applause]
00:39:18 Under the Mega Bridge Program, 12 bridges, totaling 90 kilometers,
00:39:24 will be constructed, connecting islands and areas separated by waters.
00:39:30 The program notably includes the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge
00:39:35 [Applause]
00:39:38 and the Panay-Gimaras-Negros Island Bridges,
00:39:41 [Applause]
00:39:46 each spanning 32 kilometers, and also the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge.
00:39:52 [Applause]
00:39:56 As of June this year, we have constructed, maintained, and upgraded
00:40:00 more than 4,000 kilometers of roads and around 500 bridges across the country.
00:40:06 Crucial airport and port development projects across the country
00:40:10 have also been completed, including Cebu Piers, 8080 Smart Port,
00:40:16 and the new passenger terminal buildings of Clark Airport and the Port of Calapan.
00:40:21 We initiated several railway projects with a total length of more than 1,000 kilometers.
00:40:28 Notably, the southern leg of the North-South Commuter Railway System is now in full swing.
00:40:34 In a few years, travel from Pampanga to Laguna
00:40:37 will be reduced from four hours to just two.
00:40:41 [Applause]
00:40:48 Intermodal connectivity will also be a primary consideration.
00:40:53 Roads, bridges, and mass transport systems will be interconnected.
00:40:57 This network will provide access and passage to vital and bustling economic markets,
00:41:02 such as agriculture hubs, tourism sites, and key business districts.
00:41:08 For strategic financing, some of the nation's high-priority projects
00:41:12 can now look to the newly established Maharlika Investment Fund
00:41:16 without the added debt burden.
00:41:19 In pooling a small fraction of the considerable but underutilized government funds,
00:41:25 the funds shall be used to make high-impact and profitable investments,
00:41:29 such as the Build Better More Program.
00:41:32 The gains from the fund shall be reinvested into the country's economic well-being.
00:41:38 To ensure sound financial management,
00:41:40 a group of internationally recognized economic managers
00:41:44 shall oversee the operations of the fund,
00:41:46 guided by the principles of transparency and accountability.
00:41:51 This guarantees that investment decisions will be based on financial considerations alone,
00:41:57 absent any political influence.
00:42:00 [applause]
00:42:07 The funds for the social security and public health insurance of our people
00:42:12 shall remain intact and separate.
00:42:16 Owing to favorable market conditions, the price of crude oil has stabilized.
00:42:21 Since last year, gasoline and diesel prices have gone down by 18 to 29 percent, respectively.
00:42:28 We have built eight new additional power plants.
00:42:32 This brings to 17 the total number of power generation facilities
00:42:36 that have been switched on across the country since last year,
00:42:40 substantially increasing our energy production by 1,174 megawatts.
00:42:48 Alongside power generation, we are also as relentless in pursuing total electrification.
00:42:54 Since my assumption into office,
00:42:56 almost half a million homes have been given access to electricity.
00:43:00 We will spare no effort to achieve full household electrification by the end of my term.
00:43:06 One hundred percent is within our reach.
00:43:09 [applause]
00:43:13 When it comes to energy, renewable energy is the way forward.
00:43:17 We are aggressively promoting renewables so that it provides a 35 percent share
00:43:22 in the power mix by 2030 and then on to 50 percent by 2040.
00:43:29 To accelerate the realization of this green energy goal,
00:43:32 we have opened renewable energy projects to foreign investments.
00:43:36 Since last year, an additional 126 renewable energy contracts
00:43:42 with a potential capacity of 31,000 megawatts have been awarded.
00:43:48 To date, we have over 1,000 active projects spread all over the country.
00:43:53 299 of these are solar, 187 are wind, 436 are hydroelectric, 58 biomass, 36 geothermal,
00:44:04 and nine are ocean-powered.
00:44:07 The Malampaya Project has been a boon to our country,
00:44:10 energizing 20 percent of Luzon.
00:44:13 The renewal of the contract guarantees continued revenues
00:44:16 in energy production for another 15 years.
00:44:19 But aside from Malampaya, we will also push for more gas exploration
00:44:24 in other parts of the country.
00:44:27 The national government has also partnered with the BARMM
00:44:30 in regard to energy exploration and development
00:44:34 and also its utilization within its territorial jurisdiction.
00:44:39 We therefore expect to see renewed investor interest in its promising sites.
00:44:44 We finally have a unified national grid
00:44:48 with the interconnection of the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids.
00:44:53 The one grid, one market will enable more efficient transfers
00:44:58 and more competitive pricing of electricity throughout the country.
00:45:02 However, 68 grid connections are much delayed,
00:45:07 according to the ERC's count.
00:45:10 We are conducting a performance review of our private concessionaire,
00:45:14 the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.
00:45:17 [applause]
00:45:22 We look to NGCP to complete all of its deliverables,
00:45:26 starting with the vital Mindanao-Visayas and Cebu Negro-Spanay interconnections.
00:45:32 [applause]
00:45:35 While we are improving the economy,
00:45:39 we are also strengthening the Filipino's ability.
00:45:42 This is through the important arms of education,
00:45:46 good health and work.
00:45:49 A large part of the government's funds were allocated for these.
00:45:55 In our stride forward,
00:45:58 no Filipino will be left behind.
00:46:02 For us, every life is important.
00:46:10 Whatever age, race, class, religion, or physical condition,
00:46:17 they will be nurtured and helped.
00:46:20 We are looking for a sufficient fund for the care of those in need.
00:46:26 Our goal is to help them grow, to give them the ability to be productive.
00:46:33 Not only the DSWD, but also DOLE, DepEd, TESDA, and CHED
00:46:38 are helping our needy.
00:46:42 The AICS, TUPAD, TVET for social equity,
00:46:45 social pension for indigent senior citizens,
00:46:48 and the cash for work for PWDs
00:46:51 are just a few of the government's important programs for them.
00:46:56 There is also the Integrated Livelihood Program
00:47:00 to help small businesses.
00:47:04 We are inclusive in our pursuit of social protection.
00:47:08 The pension of the military and the uniformed personnel
00:47:11 is as important, as urgent, and as humanitarian
00:47:15 as that of all other civilian Filipino employees.
00:47:19 Efforts are underway to make it fully functional
00:47:22 and financially sustainable.
00:47:25 We are once again working closely with Congress
00:47:28 to ease the transition from the old system to the new one
00:47:32 so as to be able to guarantee that no effects are felt
00:47:36 by those in the uniformed services.
00:47:39 [applause]
00:47:44 [speaking Filipino]
00:48:07 [applause]
00:48:12 We have renewed hope in giving the best to our next batches of students,
00:48:16 especially the 28.4 million learners who return to school this year.
00:48:21 Learning recovery will be at the forefront of our education agenda.
00:48:27 The Matatag Agenda for Basic Education has been launched,
00:48:31 focusing on relevance of curriculum, rapid and responsive delivery,
00:48:36 and the welfare of both learners and teachers.
00:48:40 We are augmenting as well our school workforce.
00:48:43 Ninety percent of the newly created teaching positions
00:48:46 have now been filled, while additional administrative personnel
00:48:50 have been hired to unburden the teachers of any extra load.
00:48:55 Taking to heart the lessons of the pandemic,
00:48:58 alternative delivery modes and blended learning methodologies
00:49:01 have been adopted to ensure unhampered learning.
00:49:05 Additional social safety nets, such as school-based feeding programs,
00:49:09 are also being implemented.
00:49:11 Learners will be made more resilient.
00:49:14 Our public schools and facilities are being increased and fortified.
00:49:18 The shortage of classrooms and facilities is being addressed.
00:49:21 Aside from new construction, schools and facilities are being retrofitted
00:49:25 to become ready for the future, ready for hybrid and high-tech learning,
00:49:30 and also climate-ready and disaster-proof.
00:49:33 [applause]
00:49:37 Through the Deaf-Ed Partnership Assistance Portal,
00:49:40 private sector partners continue their assistance in the rehabilitation
00:49:45 and improvement of schools as part of their corporate social responsibility programs.
00:49:51 We are recalibrating the K-10 curriculum to ensure that it is always relevant,
00:49:56 responsive, and at par with international standards.
00:50:01 [applause]
00:50:05 Literacy and numeracy skills need to be strengthened.
00:50:09 The virtue of good citizenship and sense of community
00:50:12 are also now integrated into our curriculum.
00:50:16 We continue to exhaust all efforts to keep our young people away
00:50:20 from the sinister influences in the dark corners of society.
00:50:24 We are making available to them their participation in formal schooling,
00:50:28 alternative learning, non-diploma courses,
00:50:31 or in technical vocational education and training, or T-VET.
00:50:36 T-VET continues to prove itself to be an empowering educational intervention.
00:50:41 There are many examples of how its graduates have gone on
00:50:45 to secure competitive technical jobs.
00:50:48 Since last year, more than a million Filipinos graduated from the T-VET,
00:50:54 one-third of whom were TESDA scholars.
00:50:57 More and more of our higher education institutions--
00:51:01 [applause]
00:51:04 More and more of our higher education institutions have reached world-class status.
00:51:09 This year, 52 Philippine HEIs have been included in the World University's rankings
00:51:17 compared to just 15 last year.
00:51:20 [applause]
00:51:24 We will not let a student's financial constraints
00:51:28 be an hindrance to his or her education.
00:51:31 We have activated social safety nets,
00:51:34 such as skills development training and youth employment programs.
00:51:38 Tertiary education in state universities and colleges
00:51:41 will remain free for our qualified students.
00:51:45 [applause]
00:51:50 Last year, out of the 4.1 million enrolled college students,
00:51:55 almost 50% were beneficiaries of the country's free higher education
00:52:00 under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Program.
00:52:05 Deserving and talented students without the financial capacity to attend school
00:52:10 will not be left behind in this education agenda.
00:52:15 A culture of innovation, working hand in glove
00:52:19 with a culture of entrepreneurship, must be fostered.
00:52:23 This is Philipp-innovation.
00:52:25 Science and technology, especially R&D, will be at its foundation.
00:52:30 The DOST leads the development of our capabilities in science, technology, and innovation.
00:52:36 Science and technology-related scholarships are made available
00:52:40 for the talented and technically gifted students
00:52:43 from high school all the way to graduate school.
00:52:46 To address the challenge of staying at the cutting edge of technology,
00:52:50 44 renowned Filipino scientists in diverse areas of expertise
00:52:55 have returned home under the Balik Scientist Program.
00:52:59 They will undertake research in various priority fields
00:53:02 and will be supported by upgraded facilities and R&D funding.
00:53:08 [applause]
00:53:13 The Philippines has launched two additional satellites into space.
00:53:17 Together with the first satellite, they will track weather, predict storms,
00:53:21 evaluate soil and water supplies, analyze shifts in population,
00:53:26 and be used for traffic management, geo-hazard mapping, risk assessment,
00:53:31 and even including security and defense.
00:53:34 Science, technology, and innovation will drive the quality and competitiveness
00:53:39 of our workforce as well as our manufacturing, export, creative, and service industries
00:53:45 in existing markets and in new ones waiting to be explored.
00:53:50 The bane of the mismatch between jobs and skills among our workforce
00:53:55 is being rectified through strengthened government-industry-labor-academic partnerships
00:54:03 and the continuous reskilling and upskilling training programs
00:54:07 that we have put before our workforce.
00:54:10 For our seafarers to continue to excel,
00:54:13 maritime education in the Philippines has been strengthened.
00:54:16 This will progress and solidify our country's position as a global maritime hub
00:54:22 through the steady supply of competent Filipino seafarers to foreign merchant marine vessels.
00:54:28 The question about the European Union's recognition of the standards of training
00:54:33 of Filipino seafarers has, after 17 years, finally been resolved.
00:54:39 [applause]
00:54:45 This development now effectively maintains the Filipino seafarers' distinct competitive advantage
00:54:51 in the global shipping labor market.
00:54:54 To address the current shortage of health care professionals in our country
00:54:57 and to help us achieve our goal of universal health care,
00:55:01 we are greatly expanding our medical and nursing education programs.
00:55:06 We will push the envelope even further.
00:55:09 We are helping nursing graduates hurdle their board exams
00:55:12 so that they will obtain their licenses and join our pool of health care professionals.
00:55:18 [applause]
00:55:23 [speaking Filipino]
00:55:34 We are now refocusing our health priorities,
00:55:37 applying the lessons learned from the pandemic
00:55:39 and addressing the weaknesses that it has exposed.
00:55:43 Healthier communities and lifestyle are our advocacy.
00:55:47 We have launched convergent programs to address hunger and nutrition-related issues
00:55:52 amongst our people, especially the children, like stunting and wasting.
00:55:57 Last week, we introduced the Pilot Food Stamp Program,
00:56:01 which seeks to supply the nutrition needs of the million most food-poor Filipinos.
00:56:08 [applause]
00:56:13 The FSP shall complement our nutrition continuity programs,
00:56:17 such as the First 1,000 Days Program,
00:56:20 which ensures nourishment for the first three years of a child's life.
00:56:25 The Supplemental Feeding Program is for our children attending daycare centers.
00:56:30 The K-6 Program will feed kindergarten to grade 6 public school students
00:56:35 who are suffering from wasting and severe malnutrition.
00:56:40 We are catching up on the routine vaccinations of our children.
00:56:44 As of this year, more than 80% of our eligible children
00:56:47 have been vaccinated against measles, rubella, and polio.
00:56:52 I am calling on all parents to complete their children's vaccinations
00:56:59 and to go to the nearest health center for free vaccinations.
00:57:04 [applause]
00:57:08 The whole of society must exert efforts to suppress
00:57:12 the alarming rise of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS,
00:57:16 and to stem the tide.
00:57:18 The strategic plan is to ensure early diagnosis and treatment
00:57:22 and ample testing sites and medications.
00:57:25 Our health care system is undergoing structural changes.
00:57:29 Public health facilities are being increased, both in number and in capability.
00:57:34 Last year, more than 3,400 projects were completed
00:57:40 to improve capacity for specialized medical treatment,
00:57:43 and specialty centers in various fields are being established
00:57:48 and integrated into our government hospitals.
00:57:51 And in the last year, additional 60 specialty centers have been opened to the public.
00:57:57 Just last week, we inspected the site of what will soon be
00:58:01 a five-hectare multi-specialty center in Pampanga,
00:58:05 which will specialize in pediatrics, cardiology, kidney, and cancer treatment.
00:58:10 [applause]
00:58:15 We are working for a more direct, efficient delivery of services
00:58:21 through integrated primary care providers and networks
00:58:25 in partnerships with the LGUs and our partners in the private sector.
00:58:31 These shall, of course, be supported by what is now
00:58:34 a better and more efficient field health.
00:58:38 The price of essential and primary care has dropped by at least 40%.
00:58:45 Some have even dropped by up to 70%.
00:58:49 Aside from the maximum retail price regulation being implemented,
00:58:53 strategic VAT exemptions also lowered the prices of 59 essential medications,
00:58:59 such as those for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and mental illness.
00:59:06 [applause]
00:59:12 We are getting closer to the goal of providing all Filipinos with health care.
00:59:20 As of now, more than 93% of the population is in need of field health.
00:59:25 In the PhilHealth Consulta Package,
00:59:28 21 types of medicines and 13 laboratory services will be provided for free.
00:59:36 We now have more than 2,000 consulta centers across the country.
00:59:44 This number is more than 35% since last year.
00:59:51 To help patients even more,
00:59:54 we have increased the free dialysis sessions to 156.
01:00:01 [applause]
01:00:07 Fellow Filipinos, dialysis is now free for most Filipinos.
01:00:13 [applause]
01:00:19 Last year, more than 3.4 million Filipinos were given medical assistance
01:00:27 through the DOH's MD-Indigent Patients Program.
01:00:31 We are now addressing the lack of doctors and nurses
01:00:37 through reforms in education, continuous training, and assurances in their health care.
01:00:45 We have placed doctors in almost 200 municipalities across the country.
01:00:51 We will also place doctors in the remaining 17 countries that do not have doctors.
01:00:57 [applause]
01:01:02 To pay for the sacrifices of our health workers in private and public hospitals
01:01:10 during the pandemic, they will now receive COVID health emergency allowance
01:01:17 and other benefits.
01:01:20 [applause]
01:01:28 Along with our care for the education and health of our people,
01:01:33 we are also ensuring that there is a good and adequate livelihood inside and outside the country.
01:01:40 As of May this year, our employment rate rose to 95.7%,
01:01:46 clear proof of the improvement from the severe unemployment
01:01:49 that we experienced during the height of the pandemic.
01:01:52 Employment then was at a low of 82.4%.
01:01:57 But even with our current high level of employment, we must do more.
01:02:02 We will generate additional jobs for the remaining 4.3% of our workforce,
01:02:07 as well as for the 11.7% underemployed Filipinos seeking better employment opportunities.
01:02:15 Under the banner of our fast-growing economy,
01:02:18 we are aggressive in our investment in business promotions and facilitations.
01:02:22 For that, we have not limited ourselves to the local economy,
01:02:26 but we have looked to the global economy for partnerships and agreements.
01:02:30 Our independent foreign policy, a friend to all and enemy of none, has proven effective.
01:02:37 We have formed strategic alliances with our traditional and newfound partners in the international community.
01:02:44 We have embarked on foreign trips to promote the interest of the country
01:02:47 for peace-building and for mutually beneficial purposes.
01:02:51 These economic missions have yielded an estimated total investment value
01:02:56 of 3.9 trillion pesos or 71 billion US dollars,
01:03:02 with a potential to generate 175,000 jobs.
01:03:07 The implementation of recent economic reforms is underway.
01:03:12 BOI-approved investment projects have reached 1.2 trillion pesos during our first year,
01:03:18 while other strategic investments approved for processing through the newly established green lanes
01:03:24 amount now to 230 billion pesos.
01:03:28 Our existing bilateral and multilateral trade agreements,
01:03:32 notably within the ASEAN framework, and with Japan, and with Europe,
01:03:37 allow us to leverage our competitive advantages and reap economic benefits.
01:03:42 We will continue to forge more of these international partnerships
01:03:46 that will lead to a more balanced trade strategy and a healthier economic position.
01:03:51 The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, is now in force.
01:03:56 It is a multilateral trade arrangement with the ASEAN and other countries
01:04:01 such as Australia, China, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand.
01:04:05 We can now have competitive access to a regional market that comprises 2 billion people.
01:04:13 As we address our weaknesses and develop competitiveness in other potential areas,
01:04:18 we must also play to our strengths.
01:04:21 Our competitive advantage must be leveraged.
01:04:24 As a service export powerhouse, we must continue to nurture the growth of the services sector,
01:04:30 particularly the information technology business process management sector,
01:04:35 and of course, the tourism industry.
01:04:38 Our tourism has always been a reliable pillar of our economic growth through the years,
01:04:43 providing livelihood to more than 5 million of our citizens.
01:04:47 Because of the reopening of the economy and the phenomenon of revenge travel,
01:04:52 this sector is headed for a great rebound.
01:04:56 From January to June this year, we have received 3 million international visitors.
01:05:04 This number is already 62% of our 4.8 million target for the entire year.
01:05:11 Mga kababayan, ang lahat na mga ginagawa nating ito ay magbibigay bunga sa libu-libong hanap buhay
01:05:18 para sa ating mga kababayan.
01:05:21 [applause]
01:05:26 To create these investment opportunities, we must ensure that an enabling business environment is in place,
01:05:34 that there is peace and order, and that the rule of law governs.
01:05:38 We will solidify our country's reputation as an attractive and reliable investment destination.
01:05:44 Building on institutional reforms of recent years, we have created green links for strategic investments
01:05:51 and expedited the business processes in various sectors and investment modalities.
01:05:57 A progressive and rationalized system of taxation is a component of the ease of doing business.
01:06:03 The CREATE law has made our corporate tax and incentive schemes equitable and business friendly.
01:06:09 There are more structural tax reforms that must be introduced to allow us to reach our socioeconomic targets.
01:06:17 Digitalization is the call of today, not the call of the future, but of the present.
01:06:28 It is here, it is needed, and it is needed today.
01:06:33 Government must fully embrace digitalization to provide better service to the people
01:06:38 through its vital frontline services and its back-end functions.
01:06:42 Digitalization will support the government's data-driven and science-based planning and decision-making.
01:06:48 It is the greatest, most powerful tool, not just to improve the ease of doing business,
01:06:54 but also against many forms of graft and corruption.
01:06:58 Data shows that digitalization, in conjunction with government's streamlining efforts,
01:07:03 has significantly boosted efficiency.
01:07:07 Notable examples are in the areas of government payments, company and business registrations,
01:07:11 issuance of permits and licenses, loan applications, and revenue collection.
01:07:17 All our digitalization efforts will be linked to our payment systems,
01:07:20 whose digital transformation has been accelerating at a remarkable rate.
01:07:25 Digital payments accounted for 42% of the total retail payments made in 2022,
01:07:32 whether by businesses or individuals or by the government.
01:07:36 Its high trajectory is now well-positioned to achieve Banco Central's target of 50% of total retail payments by this year.
01:07:46 The eGoPH app has also been launched.
01:07:50 As envisioned, all key government services are to be integrated into this single and centralized mobile app
01:07:57 for the convenience of the general public.
01:08:00 The national ID system will be at the core of this digitally transformed network of government services.
01:08:06 It will fundamentally change the lives of each Filipino.
01:08:09 At 87% total registration, we are now closer to establishing a complete, accurate, and reliable digital database of our own for the entire population.
01:08:21 This has already been integrated into the eGoPH app and can be now accessed by our citizens.
01:08:29 Consistent with this transformative policy direction,
01:08:32 all government offices must then ensure that their vital services are digitalized immediately.
01:08:38 In response to this call, the Department of Migrant Workers launched last week
01:08:43 the Department of Migrant Workers Mobile to make the journey of our overseas Filipino workers easier.
01:08:50 Because of system upgrades, our internet speed has improved.
01:08:54 As of June of this year, our fixed broadband speed ranks 47th amongst 180 countries.
01:09:01 This ranking is 11 places higher than it was last year.
01:09:06 Our mobile internet speed is now ranked at 83 out of 142 countries, which is 8 places higher than it was last year.
01:09:16 There will be more improvements as our internet infrastructure undergoes further upgrades.
01:09:22 Earlier this year, Starlink went live in the Philippines, now providing high-speed satellite broadband connectivity.
01:09:30 Our national fiber backbone and broadband ng masa projects will also deliver high connectivity and high-speed internet.
01:09:38 We are prioritizing geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
01:09:43 The DICT has been directed to consolidate all these digitalized government services into the eGoPH app
01:09:52 to establish the national government portal and the Philippine Business Data Bank to improve the internet speed in our country.
01:10:01 With our e-commerce roadmap firmly in place, we are poised to take this digitalization drive further and beyond,
01:10:09 utilizing e-commerce to take full advantage of new technologies.
01:10:13 The first bill that I signed into law was the SIM Registration Act
01:10:17 because we are mindful of the risks and vulnerabilities that can lead to negative consequences.
01:10:23 Digital users and consumers shall be protected from identity theft, phishing, other online scams,
01:10:30 through essential systems and safeguards such as cybersecurity, data privacy, consumer complaint mechanisms, and financial literacy campaigns.
01:10:40 The training is necessary to ease the transition of those whose jobs would be affected by the shift to digitalization
01:10:47 are also now being included in the curricula and programs offered by TESDA, DICT, and other agencies of government.
01:10:57 It is our wish that one day foreign employment will be driven by choice, not by necessity.
01:11:05 It remains a noble calling that our OFWs have answered, requiring great sacrifice from them, their families, and their communities.
01:11:14 We are engaging with our partners in the international community to ensure a safe working environment for our countrymen.
01:11:22 And as we do so, we are also putting in place responsive mechanisms for the social welfare, repatriation,
01:11:28 and reintegration of our returning OFWs into the Philippine economy.
01:11:35 [Applause]
01:11:41 As the world economy reopens, we are witnessing a rise in overseas Filipino deployment.
01:11:47 In 2022, the number has increased by 62%.
01:11:52 OFWs continue to send in historically high remittances, solidifying their role in our transformative economic growth.
01:12:01 In 2022, our OFWs contributed $32.5 billion, or roughly 1.8 trillion pesos, to our economy.
01:12:11 Several countries have also signified interest to explore bilateral labor cooperation with the Philippines
01:12:19 in the areas of health care, tourism, hospitality, engineering, construction, and information technology.
01:12:26 Recently, we signed agreements with Singapore, Austria, and the province of Alberta in Canada.
01:12:33 Our priority is to ensure that the principles of ethical recruitment, fair employment,
01:12:38 and the safe and orderly migration of our people are embodied in our agreements with other countries.
01:12:45 For example, the deployment issue in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has now been resolved,
01:12:51 and as of today, 70,000 of our OFWs have already been deployed to Saudi Arabia for employment.
01:12:59 [Applause]
01:13:04 Moreover, the unpaid salaries and other related claims of some 14,000 OFWs
01:13:11 who have been put out of work in Saudi Arabia during the pandemic are now being processed.
01:13:17 The Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia himself personally committed to me
01:13:22 that the unpaid claims of Filipino workers would now be paid.
01:13:27 [Applause]
01:13:34 The continued employment of some 50,000 workers and the deployment of many more Filipino seafarers
01:13:40 aboard EU vessels has also been assured.
01:13:43 The lesson for us is that our education and skills training must always be attuned
01:13:49 to the high, exacting, and constantly evolving global standards.
01:13:55 [President Duterte speaking in Filipino]
01:14:24 [Applause]
01:14:46 [President Duterte speaking in Filipino]
01:15:15 [President Duterte speaking in Filipino]
01:15:40 [President Duterte speaking in Filipino]
01:15:57 [Applause]
01:16:02 The building blocks of progressive, livable, and sustainable communities
01:16:07 can never be complete without appropriate and responsible action
01:16:11 to mitigate and to adapt to the effects of climate change.
01:16:16 We can never lose sight of our responsibility to the future.
01:16:20 The economic agenda cannot and will not ever be incompatible with our climate change agenda.
01:16:27 Climate change is now an important criterion in our integral national policies
01:16:32 in planning, decision-making, up to the implementation of programs.
01:16:36 The potential advantages of such enlightened policies extend to jobs and livelihood
01:16:41 with the unlocking of the development of the green and blue economies.
01:16:46 We have learned many painful lessons from past disasters,
01:16:50 but we continue to be alert and prepared in our disaster response.
01:16:55 It has in fact been commented that sometimes we are over-prepared for such natural disasters.
01:17:01 Well, to continue that, we are reorganizing our response teams to make them more adaptable,
01:17:07 agile, and effective in times of calamities and crises with a clear unity of command.
01:17:14 Our evacuation centers are being upgraded to withstand the greater forces
01:17:19 of the new normal of extreme weather as well as other natural and man-made disasters.
01:17:25 Furthermore, new evacuation centers are also being built, of which 55 have already been completed.
01:17:33 We remain committed to global decarbonization goals and the reduction of our carbon footprint.
01:17:39 We preserve and protect the treasure that is our forests.
01:17:43 Their value to the environment, to the ecology, and the economy is incalculable.
01:17:50 We have adopted the concept of the circular economy, using nature as our model.
01:17:56 The aim is to keep raw materials in a closed loop.
01:18:00 In our world with scarce resources, the circular economy allows us to fully use these resources,
01:18:05 minimize waste, and reduce the need for new resources, just as it is in nature.
01:18:12 Just like our climate change action, this new system requires the participation of all sectors of society
01:18:19 up to each individual citizen for it to succeed.
01:18:25 Only a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach will enable us to do all of these.
01:18:30 It is necessary to apply all the resources that are at hand if we are to progress as quickly as we need to.
01:18:37 Collaboration is the key between and among government offices,
01:18:42 and between government and the private sector, between industries and the academic,
01:18:47 between government and international partners,
01:18:50 and most importantly, collaboration between and among our populace.
01:18:56 We will need the help and capability of the entire government and the entire country.
01:19:02 And so we shall do the same for the next five years.
01:19:05 We seek not only to become more effective, but more, to become truly transformative.
01:19:12 This approach will be operationalized through the interagency cooperations,
01:19:16 as well as through coordinated efforts between and among the three branches of government
01:19:21 and the independent constitutional bodies.
01:19:24 We have organized private sector advisory councils and national local mechanisms
01:19:29 to establish the needed linkages.
01:19:32 Once again, on this same principle, I urge the government to enact a new government procurement law
01:19:39 and a new government auditing code.
01:19:42 [applause]
01:19:49 This to make government procurement and auditing more attuned to these changing times.
01:19:55 We will give effect to the mandate of the Constitution and the local government code
01:19:59 as clarified by the Supreme Court very soon.
01:20:03 Almost all the required devolution transition plans of the LGUs are done.
01:20:08 To fully prepare them for optimal devolution,
01:20:11 the necessary technical and financial assistance is being extended to our local governments.
01:20:18 In everything that we do, the enduring Filipino quality of Bayanihan will still be our guide.
01:20:26 [speaking Filipino]
01:20:34 [applause]
01:20:39 [speaking Filipino]
01:20:47 [speaking Filipino]
01:21:05 We are proud of the progress that the BARMM has taken.
01:21:09 It will be self-governing.
01:21:11 [applause]
01:21:15 It will be self-governing, it will be progressive, and it will be effective.
01:21:21 But this was only made possible because of the cooperation of all key groups.
01:21:26 We talked to the local governments, the royal families, the MNLF, the IMLF, the MILF.
01:21:31 We're all consulted and represented in this transition phase.
01:21:35 The international community has also supported us in this smooth transition.
01:21:40 Former adversaries are now partners in peace.
01:21:44 Its functions have been defined, and its basic laws are now being written.
01:21:49 Through the BARMM, we have strengthened the nation's prospects for finally achieving
01:21:53 sustainable progress anchored on a true and lasting peace in Southern Philippines.
01:21:59 We will continue to support the progress of the BARMM,
01:22:02 a pace with our singular vision for all Filipinos.
01:22:06 [applause]
01:22:13 A strong and stable rule of law will strengthen the foundation of our transformation.
01:22:19 Our police and armed forces are being strengthened and modernized
01:22:22 to be more effective in maintaining peace and order and in defending our sovereignty.
01:22:28 We fully support the judiciary's efforts to improve the justice system
01:22:32 and to protect constitutional rights.
01:22:35 The campaign against illegal drugs continues, but it has taken on a new face.
01:22:40 [applause]
01:22:46 It is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education,
01:22:50 and reintegration to curb drug dependence amongst our affected citizenry.
01:22:56 Last year, we launched the Buhay Ingatan Drogay Ayawan, or BIDA, program
01:23:02 and established an additional 102 Balay Silangan reformation centers nationwide.
01:23:09 We will relentlessly continue our fight against drug syndicates,
01:23:14 shutting down their illegal activities--
01:23:17 [applause]
01:23:22 We will shut down their activities and dismantle their network of operations.
01:23:27 Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade
01:23:33 have been exposed.
01:23:35 I will be accepting their resignations.
01:23:39 [applause]
01:23:48 In their stead, we will install individuals with unquestionable integrity
01:23:53 who will be effective and trustworthy in handling the task
01:23:56 of eliminating this dreaded and corrosive social curse.
01:24:00 We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government.
01:24:05 [applause]
01:24:11 For almost half a century, some of our fellow Filipinos have taken to arms
01:24:16 to make their views known and felt.
01:24:19 We are now at a point in our history when their arms struggle has evolved.
01:24:24 We have now progressed together towards peace and development.
01:24:29 We have incorporated capacity building and social protection
01:24:32 into our reintegration programs to guarantee full decommissioning
01:24:36 of former combatants.
01:24:38 Through community development and livelihood programs,
01:24:41 the barangay development and enhanced comprehensive local integration programs
01:24:46 have been effective in addressing the root cause of conflict in the countryside.
01:24:52 To complete this reintegration process,
01:24:55 I will issue a proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees,
01:25:00 and I ask Congress to support me in this endeavor.
01:25:03 [applause]
01:25:11 Our journey to progress requires not only unity and social cohesion
01:25:16 amongst our people.
01:25:17 It is also imperative that our nation remains intact and inviolable,
01:25:21 our sovereignty preserved.
01:25:23 We will protect our sovereign rights and preserve our territorial integrity
01:25:28 in defense of a rules-based international order.
01:25:32 [applause]
01:25:38 With our national interests paramount,
01:25:41 we will always pursue constant dialogue and diplomatic approaches
01:25:45 to the resolution of any issue that may arise.
01:25:50 So the initial results of our efforts inspire confidence.
01:25:54 Let us continue to be relentless in our aspiration of peace and progress.
01:25:59 This has not been the work of a single person,
01:26:02 neither a single branch of government,
01:26:04 nor even the whole government acting alone.
01:26:08 This is the collective synergy achieved by all Filipinos working together.
01:26:12 It took a whole-of-nation effort to achieve this immediate recovery
01:26:16 from our pandemic slump.
01:26:18 Unity was what made us rise once more.
01:26:22 We are just getting started.
01:26:24 The revival of our nation will continue.
01:26:29 I ask for your trust and solidarity.
01:26:33 This is how we can fulfill our ultimate desire
01:26:37 to have a sustainable and prosperous life for all Filipinos.
01:26:43 [applause]
01:26:50 We will work together with Congress
01:26:53 to pass important laws that are needed for our continued progress.
01:27:00 And once again, I appeal to Congress for its support
01:27:03 for the following priority legislations.
01:27:06 The essential tax measures under our medium-term fiscal framework,
01:27:10 such as excise tax on single-use plastics,
01:27:13 VAT on digital services,
01:27:15 rationalization of mining fiscal regime,
01:27:18 motor vehicle users' charge, road users' tax,
01:27:21 the military and uniform personnel pension,
01:27:25 amendment of the Fisheries Code,
01:27:27 amendment of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act,
01:27:31 amendment of the Cooperative Code,
01:27:34 new government procurement law,
01:27:37 new government auditing code,
01:27:39 anti-financial account scamming,
01:27:42 Tatak Pinoy Law,
01:27:44 the Blue Economy Law,
01:27:46 ease of paying taxes,
01:27:48 LGU income classification,
01:27:50 and the Philippine Immigration Act.
01:27:54 In the past year,
01:27:56 it has been a source of great hope and optimism to me
01:28:00 to now know that there is an enormous pool
01:28:05 of highly competent and dedicated workers serving in our government.
01:28:10 It is up to us to provide good leadership and guidance.
01:28:14 They love the Philippines and have responded to our call.
01:28:18 [applause]
01:28:24 I have stated before that my confidence in our future
01:28:29 was grounded in our world-class quality workforce,
01:28:33 be they the farmers in the field, corporate giants,
01:28:36 government officials, school teachers, health workers, or employees.
01:28:41 That confidence has been further buoyed
01:28:44 by the demonstration of love for the Philippines.
01:28:48 Every Filipino has unanimously risen to the challenge
01:28:51 that we have made to them to be part of our nation's future.
01:28:55 They are ready to offer help
01:28:58 because they love their fellow Filipinos
01:29:01 and they love the Philippines.
01:29:04 And thus, with this in my heart,
01:29:07 I know that the state of the nation is sound and is improving.
01:29:13 The new Philippines has arrived.
01:29:16 Thank you very much.
01:29:18 [applause]
01:29:46 [applause]
01:30:03 On the part of the Senate, the joint session is adjourned.
01:30:07 [applause]
01:30:10 On the part of the House of Representatives,
01:30:12 the joint session is adjourned.
01:30:14 [applause]
01:30:19 [music]
01:30:38 [music]
01:31:05 [music]
01:31:15 [music]
01:31:25 [music]
01:31:35 [music]
01:31:55 [music]
01:32:05 [music]
01:32:15 [music]
01:32:25 [music]
01:32:35 [music]
01:32:45 [music]
01:32:55 [music]
01:33:05 [music]
01:33:15 [music]
01:33:25 [music]
01:33:35 [music]
01:33:45 [music]
01:33:55 [music]
01:34:05 [music]
01:34:25 [music]
01:34:35 [music]
01:34:45 [music]
01:34:55 [music]
01:35:05 [music]
01:35:15 [music]
01:35:25 [music]
01:35:35 [music]
01:35:45 [music]
01:35:55 [music]
01:36:05 [music]
01:36:15 [music]
01:36:25 [music]
01:36:35 [music]
01:36:45 [music]
01:36:55 [music]
01:37:05 [music]
01:37:15 [music]
01:37:25 [music]
01:37:35 [music]
01:37:45 [music]
01:37:55 [music]
01:38:05 [music]
01:38:15 [music]
01:38:25 [music]
01:38:35 [music]
01:38:45 [music]
01:38:55 [music]
01:39:05 [music]
01:39:15 [music]
01:39:25 [music]
01:39:35 [music]
01:39:45 [music]
01:39:55 [music]
01:40:05 [music]
01:40:15 [music]
01:40:25 [music]
01:40:35 [music]
01:40:45 [music]
01:40:55 [music]
01:41:05 [music]
01:41:15 [music]
01:41:25 [music]
01:41:35 [music]
01:41:45 [music]
01:41:55 [music]
01:42:05 [music]
01:42:15 [music]