President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025. And here’s the list of the promises laid out by the President;
1. Prioritizing Scholarships for 4Ps and Low-Income Families
“Ang mga anak ng benepisyaryo ng 4Ps at Listahan ay bibigyan ng prayoridad sa TESDA at college scholarships sa susunod na tatlong taon”
President Marcos promises to prioritize the families and children included in the government’s Listahanan database to stop intergenerational poverty. Providing them with easy access to the scholarship programs of the government.
2. Livelihood Support for 2.5 Million Families through Microenterprise
“We will provide training and capital so that poor families can start their own microenterprises.”
The President aims to empower Filipinos to become job creators by providing livelihood training and start-up capital, enabling them to establish small businesses in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
3. Expansion of TESDA and Technical-Vocational Education
“Dumami ang TESDA scholarships. Sa 2024, higit sa 200,000 ang nadagdag.”
In relation to the first two promises of the President, PBBM proudly reported that more than 200,000 new TESDA scholarships were awarded in 2024, and he promised that this will continue under his administration. He also noted that Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) will extend and be integrated into the Senior High School curriculum to allow the students to graduate with TESDA National Certificates (NC II or III) in fields such as Agribusiness, Electrical Installation, Caregiving, Graphic Design, and Bookkeeping.
4. Strengthening Food Security and Lowering Prices
“Ang layunin ay murang pagkain, sapat at ligtas para sa lahat.”
President Marcos recognizes the rising global inflation and its drastic effect on the Filipinos, including in his plan to urgently make basic food commodities affordable. His administration will continue to invest in cold storage and post-harvest facilities, farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, and subsidies for farmers and fisherfolk to boost local production, reduce dependence on imported products, and ensure that the food is accessible, safe, and reasonably priced for all Filipinos.
5. Expanding Digital Connectivity Nationwide
“Connectivity is key to progress.”
PBBM acknowledges that the digital divide is a barrier to inclusive growth. He pledged to continue expanding internet connectivity not just in the urbanized areas but also in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). To ensure that every Filipino will have access to online learning, telehealth, remote work, and digital services, regardless of location, his administration will continue to invest in fiber optics, satellite, and 5G rollout. They will forge public-private partnerships to improve digital infrastructure and equip public schools, hospitals, and barangays with stable internet.
6. Massive Infrastructure & Job Creation under Build Better More
“Walang iwanan sa pag-unlad. Kailangan mas marami pa tayong gawin.”
Under the President’s administration, the Build Better More program, he promised that the government would complete flagship infrastructure projects such as Railways (North-South Commuter Railway, Mindanao Railway), Expressways and bridges, Flood control systems, and Airports and seaports. PBBM expected that this would generate hundreds of thousands of jobs while also improving logistics, connectivity, and disaster resilience.
7. Education Reform & Learning Recovery
“May learning poverty tayo sa Math, Science, Reading… kailangan tugunan ito ngayon.”
President Marcos admitted that there are setbacks in basic education, and he sees the need for urgent curriculum reforms. The MATATAG Curriculum, together with the ARAL Program, will increase its scope to enhance the reading and mathematical abilities of students. They will provide a more intensive teacher training, develop mother-tongue-based learning materials, digital platforms for remedial and advanced learners, and strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
8. Peacebuilding through Amnesty and Reintegration
“We offer peace through amnesty… Let us move forward as one nation.”
President Marcos expressed his support for the previous members of rebel groups and insurgents by offering amnesty programs. As part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), he vowed to provide them with skills training and TESDA certification, startup livelihood kits, transitional housing, and financial assistance.
9. Strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
“Sa ilalim ng PhilHealth at UHC Law, dapat makapiling ang serbisyong medikal ng bawat Pilipino.”
President Marcos emphasizes that every Filipino needs to receive high-quality medical services. His health agenda includes expanding PhilHealth coverage and benefits, building and upgrading barangay health stations, hiring more doctors, nurses, and barangay health workers, and partnering with LGUs to make preventive and primary care more accessible.
These are part of the national effort to fulfill the Universal Health Care Law, focusing on underserved and far-flung areas.
10. Accountability for Corruption and Misuse of Public Funds
“Hahanapin at papanagutin ang mga pumalpak at nagpabaya, lalo na sa mga proyektong tulad ng flood control, na pinaggastusan pero walang epekto.”
PBBM took a firm stance regarding government corruption and inefficiency by promising to investigate all officials and agencies that misused public funds, particularly in major infrastructure undertakings, including flood control systems.
The President recognized the public dissatisfaction, which stemmed from costly flood mitigation initiatives that failed to reduce flooding, alongside construction delays and low-quality work, and unclear budgeting and bidding operations.