The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Riza Lozada
During his inaugural address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commits to come up with comprehensive plans that would improve the lives of the Filipino people.
“Ang pangarap nyo ay pangarap ko,” he said.
The President said these plans will be inclusive, centering on the improvement of the agriculture sector.
He said the country’s agriculture had long been neglected. He hopes to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, able to meet the country’s growing demand.
He said food is not just a commodity but an existential need.
The President added that his trade policy will be creating strength from our competitive advantage. He favors preferential treatment to emergency supplies with long-term effects, citing the ongoing Ukraine war that has led to starvation due to a break in supply lines.
Such destructive wars happening outside the country can also happen here, requiring resilience and adaptability so that Filipinos can overcome any challenge of instability.
He also committed to find ways to harness oil and gas reserves.
The President also mentioned plans to improve education with help from Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte
He said the current educational system prepares students for blue collar or menial jobs. This can be remedied by improving the system.
The President also remarked that while Filipino nurses working abroad are properly recognized, their local counterparts are not. He pledged to bring hope for nurses, announcing comprehensive changes soon.
In the area of health, the President promised to appoint a new health secretary, adding that he was early on infected and eventually recovered from the COVID-19 virus.
He also acknowledged the achievements of his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who accomplished building various road projects, better and “more successful than his father.”
He said he is not after getting credit for completed infrastructure projects as well as those to be pursued by his administration.
The President said he will soon present a Six-Year Comprehensive Plan for the betterment of every Filipino. He added “no one will be neglected” and that investments will not be wasted.
The recovery of the tourism industry will also be included in his overall plan.
He also cited that while rich countries are do their best to mitigate the effects of climate change, he promised to reduce the country’s carbon footprint. He said the Philippines has been reported to be a main contributor to pollution through our penchant in using plastic. This needs to be addressed seriously.
Lastly, the President recognized his debt of gratitude to the people, drawing inspiration from the 110 million Filipinos he vows to serve.