PCOO PR
MANILA – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) is expected to outline further plans on economic response and recovery amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said on Friday that the President’s speech will highlight policies and pronouncements that are much needed at this time, especially in balancing the health sector preparedness and opening more economic activities.
The conducted three-part pre-SONA forum, he noted, has already comprehensively discussed the accomplishments and future steps of every Cabinet cluster, which has helped in preparing a shortened version of the SONA speech.
“Yung sasabihin ni Presidente sa darating na State of the Nation Address ay yung mga piling-piling mahahalaga at yung mga gustong malaman ng ating mga kababayan [In his State of the Nation Address, the President will include what is important and what the people want to know],” he said during a radio interview.
Secretary Andanar mentioned that concerns regarding immediate response on generating and sustaining livelihood and continuity of education in the anticipated opening of classes next month are expected to be addressed.
“Napakaganda ng takbo ng bansa bago nangyari itong COVID. Syempre [ngayon] bumaba ang ekonomiya sa atin, at sa buong mundo. Kaya ang mga katanungan talaga ay paano na sa pamilya ko, mabubuhay ba kami? Kailan natin malalampasan ang problemang ito? [Everything was well in the country before the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, the economy slowed down here and in the whole world. So, the questions now are ‘Will my family survive?’ and ‘When will this crisis end?’],” he said
Narrating the strong economic standing of the country prior to the health crisis, the PCOO chief stressed that the strong leadership of the Chief Executive was a key mover for industries to perform well.
“It’s really the strong leadership of President Duterte that brought our strong country to where it is right now. Kasi kung hindi decisive, hindi strong yung leader natin sa panahong ito, kawawa na nga tayo, mas magmumukha tayong kaawa-awa,” he said, noting the upcoming SONA as one of the most important addresses as much is expected by all affected sectors of society.
“The President will give us the roadmap, the guidelines, ano’ng aasahan natin. He will be carrying the torch for everybody,” he added.
Secretary Andanar also gave an update on the preparation for the SONA this coming July 27 and said that the production team is all set while in coordination with Director Joyce Bernal.
President Duterte is expected to join the rehearsal tonight.
