As President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. prepares to deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, Filipinos from various sectors are calling for more than reports of accomplishments—they want concrete plans, accessible services, and government actions that directly address their daily struggles.
In a series of interviews conducted by DZRH Digital, representatives from the transport, education, labor, health, disability, and youth sectors shared what they hope to hear from the president's address, highlighting concerns on rising costs, public services, workers’ welfare, and inclusive development.
Transport challenges
For jeepney driver Manong Dama, one of the urgent issues that needs attention is the continuous increase in fuel prices and the challenges faced by traditional public utility drivers amid modernization efforts.
“Yung pagtaas ng diesel… mas maganda kung babanggitin niya yung sa diesel o yung sa jeep. Kasi unang-una, sa totoo lang, wala nang silbi e dahil mas ginagawa nang priority ang mga aircon kaysa sa traditional jeep,” Dama said.
He questioned the disparity in fare increases between modern and traditional jeepneys, noting that rising diesel prices continue to burden drivers who struggle to sustain their livelihood.
“Magtataas ang aircon (modern jeepneys), dalawang piso. Kami, piso. O ano pa mangyayari sa mga driver ng jeep?” he added, citing diesel prices reaching around 84 to 70 pesos" per liter.
Government support for SUCs
Meanwhile, college student Lanz Vergara emphasized the need for stronger government support for state universities and colleges (SUCs), saying that free education should go beyond removing tuition fees.
“Gusto naming marinig sa SONA 2026 ang konkretong plano para palakihin ang budget ng mga SUC. Ang tunay na libreng edukasyon ay hindi lang tungkol sa tuition, kundi pati sa sapat na pasilidad, guro, at suporta para sa mga estudyante,” Vergara said.
He called for quality education to become a national priority, stressing that students need resources and learning environments that will help them succeed.
'We are asking for fairness'
For private sector employee Hector Naelgas, the SONA should recognize the struggles of millions of Filipino workers who continue to carry the country’s economy despite increasing expenses.
“As a private employee, what I hope to hear from our President Bongbong Marcos at this year's State of the Nation Address is simple: that the people who work every day to keep this country moving are finally seen, heard, and valued,” Naelgas said.
He emphasized that many workers wake up early, work long hours, pay taxes, and contribute to government programs, yet continue to struggle with inflation and the increasing cost of living.
“We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fairness. We are asking for government institutions that truly work for the people who faithfully sustain them,” he added.
Naelgas also called for policies that would protect workers, improve access to social services, and ensure that salary deductions and government contributions provide meaningful assistance when Filipinos need support.
“We are the lifeblood of this country's economy. We thrive to keep businesses running and industries growing,” he said, urging the government to focus on concrete actions that would ease the burden of millions of working Filipinos.
Greater support for PWDs
From the persons with disabilities (PWD) sector, Mark Joshua Camangon called for stronger enforcement of accessibility rights and programs that allow PWDs to participate fully in society.
“We are not asking for charity, we are demanding the enforcement of our basic rights to safe infrastructure, barrier-free mobility, and protected statutory benefits,” Camangon said.
He also appealed for greater support for PWD athletes, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities and dignity for all Filipinos.
Healthcare program expansion
In the healthcare sector, medical staff member Abby Caguiat urged the government to expand healthcare programs, particularly for patients facing serious and costly illnesses.
She expressed hope for the further expansion of the No Balance Billing (NBB) Policy and additional health benefit packages for patients with cancer, heart disease, and other catastrophic illnesses.
“Malaking tulong kasi ito dahil iyong mga ganitong cases ay nangangailangan ng specialized treatment at napakalaking gastusin na kadalasan ay hindi kayang tustusan ng mga pamilya,” Caguiat said.
She also called for more free or affordable dialysis centers and faster processing of PhilHealth claims, citing the struggles of patients who endure long lines and delays in accessing assistance.
“Kung mas mapapalawak pa ang digitalization at magiging mas efficient ang system, hindi lang kaming mga staff sa ospital ang matutulungan, kundi higit sa lahat ang mga patients,” she added.
Programs that support the youth
For the youth sector, SK Chairman Juan Miguel Faustino called on the government to prioritize programs that directly benefit young Filipinos and communities.
“Ang gusto kong marinig sa SONA 2026 ay mga plano na talagang mararamdaman ng mga Pilipino, lalo na ng kabataan,” Faustino said.
He emphasized the need for stronger support in education, employment opportunities, and community development, adding that young Filipinos are seeking “mas maraming aksyon kaysa pangako.”
As President Marcos delivers his fifth SONA, these voices reflect the growing demand among Filipinos for policies that translate into real improvements in everyday life. Beyond economic figures and government achievements, citizens are looking for solutions that address transportation struggles, education gaps, healthcare challenges, workers’ concerns, and equal opportunities for all sectors.
For many Filipinos, the message is clear: they are ready to do their part in nation-building—but they want to see a government that delivers meaningful action in return.
