ELIZABETH F.

VALERO


SONA 2014-REACTION PAPER

July 28, 2014, President Benigno S. Aquino, delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address and
tackled the matters for governments contribution in terms of education, health services,
defense, public works and many more.

PNoy first mention about the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), and
still convince his bosses (Filipinos) of the good achievements of DAP. As an example, he cited
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as an example, and furthen even
showed video clips of those TESDA graduates who have now better lives because of their
scholarship.

He also highligted some of the accomplishment of the administration which involves the
following: the Expanded Conditional Cash Transfer of Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), which is now extended when the benefeciaries reached eighteen (18)
years of age, not only after the completeion of high school; the broader scope of Sin Tax Bill,
which help our country increase its budget without increasing other taxes; On the labor sector,
it has been noticeable that there is sudden decrease in the number of strikes due to the
improved conciliation and mediation of labor cases by the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE); In the infrastructure, the President acknowledged the improved system of
the Department of Public Works and Highways, that leads to lesser of corruption within the
bidders and contractors which lead to faster delivery of service and resulted to P28 Billion
savings and road projects for the Filipinos.

As we heard the President, it seems that everything went well for the Philippines. I partially
agree and gave credit to our present Administration for all its efforts to improve our economy,
fight corruption and improve the rotten system of the government. I am not a supporter , but I
acknowledge this administration as a better one. Hower in the SONA, there is no admission of
any problems and issues encountered of the country and this Aquino Administration, or if he
can promise not to have another DAP and Pork Barrel Scam in his administration. I am looking
not for the achievements but the continuity, but also for the concrete plans and continuity of
what he has started, and think those matters were missing in the SONA.
Meanwhile, I would also give a thumb up for the way the President delivered his SONA, in a
softer and calm way. Also, good job for no more attacking words for President Arroyo, and her
administration.
To conlude my reaction, I can say that I am satisfied with the content of President Aquinos
SONA, let us be so dependent on what the government and the President can and cannot offer
us, most importantly let us focus on improving ourselves first, the way we will not be a
burden, but as assets and contributors to the growth of this country.