LEGAZPI CITY – Bicolanos commended President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for tackling the country’s pressing issues and laying out specific plans to improve in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered Monday.
Albay 1st District Board Member Sheina Onrubia-Dela Cruz said the SONA focused on social services that match her priorities in literacy, nutrition, health, and good governance.
“I was even more excited about the concrete programs that will benefit Albayanos, especially in agriculture, power and energy, and transport. Along with the expansion of free public Wi-Fi, digital access in schools, and disaster-resilient facilities, I see hope for inclusive growth and climate readiness here with us,” she said.
Dela Cruz is confident that Albay can maximize the programs for better service to the communities.
Ken Tabuena, who works for a non-government organization focused on disaster management, said Marcos’ SONA this year resonates with the public, especially in light of the recent issues and disasters that have affected the Philippines.
“Such a move emphasizes his intention of speaking for the masses as he addressed his speech in Filipino reminiscent of the late President Benigno Aquino (III). One specific issue that he highlighted, which reflected the frustrations of the Filipino, is the recent flooding due to man-made mismanagement,” he said.
Tabuena added that the President managed to promise and call for accountability, and condemn mismanaged flood control projects.
“The calling of the President, particularly on the Department of Public Works and Highways for me is the highlight of his speech as he promises that the DPWH must provide a performance audit and will be disclosed to the public, this is a good move from the President especially when the issue is as recent as last week,” he added.
Meanwhile, Merlie Barba, a teacher from Pangilao Elementary School in San Miguel, Catanduanes, said she was happy to hear that improvement to the country’s education system would be prioritized.
“I am very happy with the government’s efforts to make teaching easier and more accessible with the new laptops that will be given to each teacher and I hope this will be implemented,” Barba said.
Lily Nocomora of Legazpi City said Marcos was aware of the severe consequences faced by Filipinos in the aftermath of disasters, vowing to go after corrupt officials involved in flood control projects.
“This demonstrates his commitment to genuine solutions by holding those involved in anomalies accountable,” she said.
Geraldine Posadas of Donsol, Sorsogon, was delighted to hear about the government projects, particularly on the zero balance billing of the Department of Health.
“I am thankful for that program since just in case we need to go to the hospital, we are assured that we can avail ourselves of the services,” she said.
Free WiFi beneficiaries
Meanwile, public school teachers in Daraga, Albay praised the benefits of the Free Wi-Fi for All program launched by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Christene Villanueva, the Information and Communication Technology coordinator at Mabini Elementary School, thanked the Marcos administration’s efforts to enhance access to technology and digital infrastructure through various initiatives.
“This program transforms our classrooms and provides students with equal opportunities to learn and grow in the digital age. Our school is 54 years old, and as of October 2023, we have finally experienced internet access through the DICT’s Free Wi-Fi for All program. It is enhancing digital education and bridging the digital divide. Providing reliable and free Wi-Fi in school facilitates better access to online learning resources, promotes digital literacy, and supports inclusive education for students from various socioeconomic backgrounds,” Villanueva said.
Before gaining access to Wi-Fi, students and the community faced challenges in learning and communication, especially because the school is located in a remote area.
The school is 11.5 km. away from the town center. Teachers and students relied on limited resources like textbooks and face-to-face interactions, making it difficult to access up-to-date information or participate in online classes.
“As a result, learning was slower, and opportunities for research and collaboration were limited. After gaining Wi-Fi access, the situation significantly improved,” Villanueva added.
With the program, students can now access information online, participate in virtual classes, and communicate easily with teachers and classmates.
“The community also benefits from better connectivity for work, social interactions, and access to essential services,” she said.
Francheska Ysabelle dela Mar, a Grade 5 learner, in a letter, said they are fortunate to be given free Wi-Fi.
“Free Wi-Fi for all, it makes it easier to understand the lessons by watching videos, and even learning songs and dances is easier. So I am grateful that all schools will be given DICT free Wi-Fi for all,” he said.
Marife Montero, a Kindergarten teacher, said the program helps her in preparing lessons for the day.
“Unlike before, I draw on Manila paper for the instructional materials, but now with the Android TV provided by our school, I can easily search and post images in the TV, and play videos that will help the learners develop holistically,” she said. (PNA)