WITH President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. set to deliver his highly anticipated 2nd State of the Nation Address (SONA), Representative Rufus Rodriguez is brimming with optimism as he looks forward to significant announcements that would benefit Cagayan de Oro and the entire Mindanao region.
Rodriguez is eager to hear about the progress of significant projects in Mindanao and the allocation of resources to bolster regional growth.
“The Northern Mindanao Railway System has been a long-time coming. We need it in Mindanao, particularly in Cagayan de Oro, as it is poised to become the next metropolitan city. President Bongbong Marcos has made the railway system for Mindanao a priority during his term, and he mentioned this in the previous SONA. I am hoping that he will reiterate this high-impact project in this year’s SONA,” Rodriguez said.
The lawmaker likewise hopes that President Marcos will focus on initiatives that prioritize the welfare of the marginalized sectors of society, including assistance programs, healthcare access, and quality education.
“PBBM has recently lifted the state of public health emergency due to COVID-19. But the effects of the pandemic will linger a lot longer. We need programs that will provide immediate assistance to Filipinos and more technical or financial support for MSMEs, thereby creating job opportunities as a more sustainable approach,” Rodriguez explained.
He hopes that the president will also shed light on programs and policies aimed at supporting farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and enhancing food security in the region.
On the other hand, Rodriguez believes that the President’s stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will play a significant role in ensuring regional stability and security.
He hopes that President Marcos will underscore the government’s commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime rights, fishing resources, and marine environment in the contested waters.
Furthermore, Rodriguez anticipates the president to provide updates on diplomatic efforts and initiatives undertaken to resolve the disputes peacefully.
As a legislator, he emphasizes the importance of a multilateral approach and international cooperation to find lasting and mutually beneficial solutions to the complex issues in the WPS.
Lastly, the Mindanao lawmaker hopes to hear the president speak about the proposed amendments to the constitution as it aims at revising ‘restrictive’ economic provisions.
