Marcos’ SONA draws praises from Cebu leaders

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CEBU officials lauded Pesident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for highlighting healthcare, anti-corruption, and support for small businesses in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28.

However, they also sought long-overdue updates on major infrastructure projects crucial to the province’s development.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro welcomed the President’s commitment to expanding public health services, noting it aligns with the core of her administration’s priorities.

Among the national health programs she cited were expanded PhilHealth coverage, free dialysis, greater cancer assistance, and support for kidney transplants. Baricuatro, who has launched her province-wide health initiatives, also commended Marcos’ call to end corruption.

“To all those who will continue to operate in such illegal acts in the Province, to borrow the President’s words: ‘Mahiya naman kayo!’” she said.

Different political parties

Her positive response to the SONA came despite coming from a rival political bloc. Baricuatro, a staunch ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was recently sworn in as Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Laban ng Bayan’s Provincial Council President in Cebu.

Marcos, on the other hand, backed former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in the 2025 elections, whom Baricuatro defeated to clinch the top Capitol post.

Healthcare formed the backbone of Baricuatro’s campaign.

On her first day in office on June 30, she signed Executive Order No. 1 to release P80 million in emergency funds, allocating P5 million to each of Cebu’s 16 provincial and district hospitals to address urgent shortages in medicine, supplies, fuel, and equipment.

Two weeks later, she approved another P180.7 million for hospital operations through July and August.

Her administration has also committed to hiring more than 1,600 hospital personnel and deploying mobile clinics to expand access to care in underserved areas.

Baricuatro made no direct comment on other SONA topics.

Infra update sought

Vice Governor Glenn Soco likewise welcomed the President’s strong support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), saying the SONA reinforced his own “Trabaho ug Asenso (Job and Progress)” advocacy for inclusive economic growth.

However, Soco expressed frustration over the absence of any mention of major infrastructure programs for Cebu, including the 4th Cebu-Mactan Bridge and the Metro Cebu Expressway.

“These are vital undertakings that we urgently need to ease mobility, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and enhance the overall quality of life for Cebuanos,” Soco said.

Education goals

Mandaue City Councilor Jonkie Ouano echoed the support for the President’s focus on health and education. He said these matched Mandaue’s development agenda, especially in expanding access to healthcare services and boosting college and tech-vocational learning.

“It’s good to hear the President’s focus on health and education kay tukma pod sa atong mga tinguha para sa Mandaue,” Ouano said.

Transport revival, rice rollout

Marcos also announced that Cebu and Davao will serve as pilot areas for reviving the iconic “Love Bus,” reimagined as a free mass transport service under the Build Better More program.

The initiative is seen to complement the Department of Transportation’s Libreng Sakay program already active along Cebu City’s 01K route. Currently, 115 modern jeepneys serve the route during peak hours, supported by an annual subsidy of up to P160 million.

While the program has drawn positive feedback from commuters, the Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperative criticized its limited scope and warned that it may be unsustainable for operators not included in the subsidy scheme.

In his speech, Marcos also praised Cebu for leading the way in promoting wellness through its Car-Free Sundays initiative. He encouraged other cities to replicate it as part of building healthier communities.

Broader national gains

The President also touched on national gains in agriculture, digital governance, peace and order, and education.

He took pride in the fact that P20-per-kilo rice is already available, including in Cebu, which served as the pilot area for the program. The initiative is part of the administration’s campaign promise to lower food prices and support local farmers.

A sweeping audit of flood control projects was likewise announced, with Marcos warning that those behind anomalous or “ghost” projects will face criminal charges.

Other SONA highlights included the construction of 22,000 new classrooms, the rollout of additional teacher benefits, and an expanded push for digital government services.

In the 2022 presidential elections, Cebu province, including the highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu‑Lapu, gave Marcos over 1.5 million votes, the highest number of votes he received from any province nationwide.(MyTVCebu)