PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28, 2025, prioritized job creation, support for small businesses, and strengthened agricultural programs as key strategies to combat poverty and hunger in the Philippines.
He directly addressed the issue, stating that “decent and stable jobs are the most effective weapons against poverty and hunger.”
The President highlighted the current unemployment rate of 4 percent, while promising collaborative efforts from key government agencies—the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Tourism (DOT), and others—to expand job opportunities.
To further support livelihoods, Marcos reiterated the government’s commitment to providing low-interest, collateral-free loans to encourage microenterprise development.
He also pledged support for fisherfolk through capital assistance and protection, and promised free training and seed capital for 2.5 million impoverished households to establish their own businesses.
These initiatives underscore the administration’s focus on empowering Filipinos to improve their economic standing and alleviate poverty through entrepreneurship and job creation. The success of these programs will depend on effective implementation and sufficient funding to reach the targeted beneficiaries.
