Progressive groups decry crisis before Marcos’ fifth SONA

By Juliane Judilla

Four days before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address, progressive organizations in Western Visayas denounced what they described as his administration’s failure to address worsening conditions faced by ordinary Filipinos.

Marcos is scheduled to deliver his SONA before a joint session of Congress at the House of Representatives on Monday, July 27. citeturn543799search0turn543799search3

Representatives of labor, youth, women, fisherfolk, church, and urban poor groups gathered for a news conference Thursday, July 23.

The event served as a prelude to the annual State of the People’s Address, also known as the People’s SONA.

The groups presented what they called the “real state of the nation.”

Speaking for the Jaro Archdiocesan Commission on Laity, Clarizel Joy Abellar emphasized the Church’s role in addressing social issues.

Abellar said participating in nation-building is a moral responsibility.

“It is our sacred duty to participate in social transformation,” Abellar said.

She urged members of the Church to follow the Commission on Laity’s three guiding principles: to pray, to preach, and to serve.

Abellar said faith should translate into concrete action amid social and economic challenges.

Nathaniel Bagaut of Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas-Panay highlighted the continuing struggles of fisherfolk and farmers across Panay.

Bagaut said government policies had failed to improve conditions in marginalized communities.

He likened the plight of fisherfolk to “sailing through uncharted waters.”

Bagaut argued that existing government policies continued to push fishing communities deeper into poverty instead of providing meaningful livelihood support.

Matt Gonzaga of Pamatan-on Kontra Kurapsyon criticized what he described as the government’s continuing neglect of the education sector despite claims of increased funding.

He questioned the administration’s characterization of the education budget as “historic.”

Gonzaga said the reported funding gains had yet to be felt by students and educators.

“Students continue to hold classes in run-down and makeshift classrooms. Resources and facilities are still lacking, and teachers are not paid and compensated properly,” Gonzaga asserted.

Gonzaga urged the public, particularly young people, to draw lessons from the country’s history.

He cited the People Power Revolution, which ousted former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and EDSA Dos, which led to the removal of former President Joseph Estrada.

Gonzaga argued that current social and economic conditions were “ripe and decisive” for Filipinos to take to the streets.

He said the public should demand accountability, truth, and justice from those in power.

Progressive organizations said they were crafting a counter-narrative through the People’s SONA as Marcos prepared to deliver his annual address.

The groups said the People’s SONA would reflect the lived realities and daily struggles of ordinary Filipinos.

The People’s SONA is scheduled to coincide with the official address on July 27, with coordinated demonstrations expected across the country.