Higher wages, lower prices of basic commodities, poverty reduction, and sustained infrastructure development top the list of expectations among Ilonggos as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. prepares to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27.
Residents, local officials, and community leaders said they hope the President will outline concrete measures to ease the burden of rising living costs while sustaining economic growth and public service improvements.
For Boy, a vendor in Iloilo City, the increasing prices of essential goods continue to strain the finances of ordinary families.
“Prices of goods have become too high. We hope the government can increase workers’ salaries because wages have remained the same despite the rising cost of living,” he said.
He noted that while wage adjustments have been implemented, many workers have yet to feel their impact as inflation continues to erode household incomes.
Youth groups likewise called on the President to focus on long-term solutions to the country’s pressing social and economic challenges, urging the administration to prioritize policies that directly benefit ordinary Filipinos.
Another resident, who identified himself only as Pedring, said he hopes the President will deliver on the commitments he made during his previous SONA speeches.
Several Ilonggos also expressed optimism that the President would announce additional flagship infrastructure projects that could further strengthen Iloilo City’s economy and improve the delivery of government services.
League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Iloilo Chapter President and Badiangan Mayor Suzette Mamon said the SONA should not only highlight the administration’s accomplishments but also present a clear roadmap for the remaining years of President Marcos’ term.
She said local government units are looking forward to updates on poverty alleviation initiatives, the continuation of major infrastructure projects, and increased national government support for municipalities and barangays.
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., meanwhile, said he expects the President to focus on infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture—three sectors he described as vital to the country’s long-term development.
Defensor said continued investments in civil infrastructure remain essential in driving economic growth, while updates on the implementation of the Universal Health Care program and the administration’s food security agenda would also be significant for local governments.
Although he has yet to confirm whether he will personally attend the SONA because of a scheduled meeting in Manila, Defensor said he will closely monitor the President’s address and its implications for Iloilo and the rest of the country.IMT
