Speaker: Senate President Tobita Salonga, Speaker Ramon Mitra, members of Senate and House, Chief Justice Marcelo Fernan, members of the Cabinet, and distinguished guests.
Context: Gathering at a crucial time due to a natural calamity.
Natural Disaster Impact
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake occurred, causing significant destruction.
Statistics:
899 fatalities, primarily in Baguio and Cabanatuan.
3,061 injuries reported.
Estimated property damage: 10 to 15 billion pesos.
Personal visit to affected areas to witness grief, strength, and heroism.
Resilience and Recovery
Emphasis on Filipino faith and determination to rebuild.
Call for assistance to restore normalcy in lives:
Farmers and laborers eager to return to work.
Businessmen wanting to resume trade.
Vision for a stronger nation amidst grief and loss.
Sources of Fortitude
Gains over the past four years.
Strength and courage of the people amidst calamity.
Established partnerships between people and government.
Abiding faith in God.
Economic Progress
Economic Growth:
5.7% growth last year.
17.48 billion pesos in foreign investments (75% increase from previous year).
Reduction of foreign debt by 4.3%.
703,000 new jobs created (unemployment down to 9.2%).
Housing and Education:
91,349 families built homes.
1 million children benefited from new classrooms.
Teacher salaries significantly increased.
Infrastructure Development:
3,365 km of major roads and 18,120 km of feeder roads constructed.
Access to safe drinking water for nearly 7 million more Filipinos.
Technological and Environmental Initiatives
Promotion of science and technology in agriculture.
Advances in reforestation and conservation efforts.
Social Justice and Peace Initiatives
343,000 farmers given land ownership under agrarian reform.
Initiatives for peace with former rebels returning to the fold.
Improvements in the justice system:
Prosecution of individuals involved in coup attempts and high-profile crimes.
Democratic Maturity
Emphasis on the importance of citizen engagement and involvement in governance.
Recognition of the role of youth in nation-building and participation in civic activities.
Legislative Agenda
Call for urgent legislative actions:
Disaster relief appropriations.
Support for small and medium enterprises.
Local Government Code passage.
Environmental protection bills.
Tax reform measures.
Upholding sovereignty in foreign relations, particularly with the US.
Conclusion
Acknowledgment of legislative support and achievements.
Commitment to continue the work for reforms and improvements.
Urging unity among citizens to address challenges ahead.