Results That Matter More Than Rhetoric

Public approval is rarely sustained by promises alone. It is earned through programs that people experience in their daily lives. Recent governance surveys have shown improved public perception of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and several members of his Cabinet, with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian consistently emerging as one of the country’s top-performing Cabinet officials. 

In my view, this recognition reflects the administration’s emphasis on delivering concrete social services, particularly in addressing hunger and malnutrition—problems that continue to affect thousands of Filipino families. Hunger is not merely about empty stomachs; it undermines health, education, productivity, and ultimately, the nation’s future.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has responded with programs that prioritize both immediate relief and long-term nutrition. The Walang Gutom Program has already assisted more than 503,779 families through food credits and nutrition education, while the pioneering Walang Gutom Kitchen, the agency’s first food bank, has served nutritious meals to over 216,275 individuals. These initiatives demonstrate that government intervention can go beyond emergency assistance by promoting healthier and more resilient communities.

These efforts also echo the philosophy of Leave Nobody Hungry, also with the  book entitled Leave Nobody Hungry authored by yours truly, which argues that the fight against hunger requires coordinated government action, community participation, and sustainable food systems rather than short-term charity alone. The Marcos administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” vision reflects this principle by treating food security as a shared national responsibility.

Secretary Rex Gatchalian’s leadership in implementing these initiatives helps explain why he continues to receive strong public recognition. He is joined by other highly rated Cabinet officials, including Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, whose departments have likewise focused on service delivery and governance reforms. 

Ultimately, survey ratings should never be viewed as the final measure of success. They should instead serve as reminders that public trust is strengthened when government programs produce visible and meaningful results. If the administration continues to prioritize effective governance, accountability, and programs that directly improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos, public confidence will naturally follow—not because of political messaging, but because citizens can see and experience the difference.