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Marcos Jr. 2023 SONA Summary

Jul 28, 2025

Overview

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s 2023 State of the Nation Address reported on the Philippines’ economic recovery, development initiatives, infrastructure expansion, social services, education reforms, health priorities, governance, foreign policy, and legislative agenda, highlighting achievements and outlining ongoing priorities and reforms.

Economic Performance and Fiscal Policy

  • The economy grew by 6% in 2022, the highest in 46 years, with continued strong growth in 2023.
  • Inflation eased from 8.7% in January to 5.4% in June; projected to reach 2.9% by 2024.
  • Revenue collection improved, with record increases in collections from tax and customs agencies.
  • Emphasis on prudent fiscal management, increasing investments in social and economic services.

Food Security and Agriculture

  • Strategies focus on science-based, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, including revised fisheries laws and clustering of farms.
  • Water security initiatives included the creation of the Water Resources Management Office and substantial investments in supply projects.

Infrastructure and Energy

  • P8.3 trillion “Build Better More” program covers roads, bridges, airports, railways, and digital infrastructure.
  • Expansion of renewable energy, aiming for a 35% share in the power mix by 2030, supported by new contracts and foreign investments.
  • Electrification target of 100% household coverage by end of term.

Social Services and Education

  • Continued social pensions, expanded healthcare, and pension reforms for senior citizens and uniformed personnel.
  • Implementation of education reforms, filling teaching positions, and retrofitting schools for hybrid learning and disaster readiness.
  • Strengthening technical-vocational and maritime education, with expanded science scholarships.

Health and Nutrition

  • Re-focus on universal health care, public health systems improvement, and nutrition programs targeting malnutrition.
  • Vaccination programs and specialty health centers established; essential medications made more affordable.

Employment and Labor

  • Employment rate rose to 95.7%; focus on generating more jobs and reducing underemployment.
  • Active promotion of investments, international partnerships, and bilateral labor agreements.
  • Support for overseas Filipino workers, including resolutions on unpaid claims and safe migration agreements.

Digitalization and Business Environment

  • Push for government digitalization to streamline services and combat corruption.
  • Expansion of internet infrastructure, digital payment systems, and national ID registration.
  • Ongoing tax and business process reforms to attract investment.

Climate Change, Disaster Preparedness, and Sustainable Development

  • Integration of climate change in national planning, with policies supporting green and blue economies.
  • Upgrading disaster response and building resilient evacuation centers.
  • Emphasis on circular economy principles for resource management.

Governance, Peace, and Security

  • Support for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region's self-governance and peace.
  • Continued anti-drug campaign now focused on rehabilitation and community involvement.
  • Modernization of police and armed forces, judicial improvements, and intensified anti-corruption measures.

Legislative Priorities

  • President appealed for legislation on tax reforms, anti-smuggling, fisheries and cooperative codes, procurement, auditing, and climate-related laws.

Decisions

  • Create Water Resources Management Office to coordinate water security.
  • Enact Maharlika Investment Fund to finance high-impact projects.
  • Pursue renewable energy expansion and full household electrification.
  • Issue proclamation for amnesty to rebel returnees.

Action Items

  • TBD – Congress: Pass priority legislative measures listed in SONA.
  • TBD – NGCP: Complete delayed grid interconnection projects.
  • TBD – Executive Departments: Continue digitalization and infrastructure upgrades.
  • TBD – DMW: Implement mobile services for overseas workers.

Recommendations / Advice

  • Strengthen collaboration among government, private sector, academe, and international partners for transformative national progress.
  • Ensure education and training match evolving global standards to maintain Filipino labor competitiveness.

Questions / Follow-Ups

  • Ongoing review of delayed grid connections and performance of the National Grid Corporation.
  • Monitoring of legislative progress and implementation of proposed reforms.

Full transcript