DAVAO CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) is not just a report but a resounding call for reform, vigilance and action, the chief of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said on Tuesday.
“The President’s reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to agriculture, infrastructure, fiscal integrity, and anti-corruption aligns seamlessly with MinDA’s own strategic goals,” MinDA chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said in a statement.
Magno said he welcomes and supports this vision for a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), where governance is purposeful, infrastructure is meaningful, and development reaches even the farthest barangay.
One of the most significant themes of the President’s address is the urgent push to modernize and empower the agricultural sector, Magno said, adding that over the last three years, more than 8.5 million farmers and fisherfolk have received government support.
Through the construction of 2,050 kilometers of farm-to-market roads and 1,568 meters of new bridges, the administration is connecting communities, unlocking markets and revitalizing local economies.
“These gains are particularly vital for Mindanao, where agriculture remains the lifeblood of many provinces,” Magno said.
He also said irrigation achievements have benefited over 1.27 million farmers across the country, with many residing in Mindanao.
“These reforms have led to a PHP2/kilogram drop in palay (unhusked rice) production costs, offering farmers a real shot at profitability,” Magno said.
Meanwhile, he also cited the President’s strong challenge against corruption in infrastructure, particularly in flood control projects, noting that the move resonates in Mindanao, where communities have endured flooding caused by natural factors and poorly built, overpriced, or “ghost” infrastructure project. (PNA)