President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a week of focused governance characterized by anti-corruption measures, expanded social programs, and concrete actions in public service delivery.
The week began with President Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, where he outlined initiatives to improve delivery of government services to the people.
“Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Filipino!” said the President in denouncing corruption in flood control projects as entire communities were displaced by the recent widespread flooding during the storm-enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat).
President Marcos ordered a comprehensive audit and transparency measures, and called for legal action against those who misused public funds.
The President also warned that he would veto any proposed national budget for 2026 that did not align with the government’s priority programs, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of public finances.
The President’s directives included action against water districts and their partner private companies responsible for poor water delivery services to over six million households nationwide; a PhP60 billion allocation for free public college education and technical-vocational programs; and zero-billing for PhilHealth members in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals.
On July 30, the President welcomed the World Bank Group’s Philippines Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2031 for supporting the administration’s development agenda particularly in healthcare, education, and job creation.
On August 1, President Marcos traveled to Zamboanga del Norte to distribute essential support for education and health services.
The President visited Camul Elementary School in Tampilisan town and personally tested the effectiveness of two donated units of Starlink satellite internet service.
In Dipolog City, President Marcos distributed 106 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to local government units (LGUs) to serve their constituents especially those living in remote areas.
On August 2, President Marcos launched the multi-sectoral Bayanihan sa Estero campaign to clear Metro Manila’s heavily-polluted waterways to prevent recurrent flash floods during the rainy season.
The President said flood control projects alone would not prevent floods if the esteros and other waterways remain clogged with trash or water hyacinths. | PND
