SONA 2020: A homework guide for kids

President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, his fifth since he became the country’s chief executive in 2016.

The SONA is an annual report the President makes to the two houses of Congress: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

This year, a limited number of lawmakers physically attended the event at Batasang Pambansa due to the coronavirus disease threat. Zoom sessions have been opened so others can tune in to the speech remotely.

Here are some highlights of his speech:

COVID-19 response

The President said the country is in a better position to “weather the crisis” brought about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic thanks to our good credit rating.

He admitted that the government response is far from perfect but asked for the help and cooperation of Filipinos to overcome the situation.

Business

Duterte said the government has provided financial assistance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the form of zero interest loans. He also asked banks, lessors, and consumers to help MSMEs recover from their losses due to the pandemic.

“Ito ang panahon para suportahan natin ang ating mga kababayan na nagnenegosyo at gumawa ng mga produktong sariling atin,” he said.

With the rise of online selling, the President said his administration also plans to implement measures to protect consumer rights and data privacy.

Tourism

The president encouraged everyone to travel locally to help the tourism industry bounce back from the lockdown.

He proudly mentioned the return of Boracay into its former glory after the rehabilitation of the island.

Government services

The President also wants e-governance to improve further by going paperless and eliminating the need for physical contact in keeping up with the new normal.

“Panahon na para mawala na ang pila para mapagsilbihan ang gobyerno nang walang kahirapan para sa tao,” he said.

Education

Duterte clarified his position on the holding of classes amid the pandemic: he will not allow traditional face-to-face teaching until a COVID-19 vaccine is available.

His administration plans to increase the number of schools with information and communications technology equipment to support blended learning. Government assets such as television frequencies will be utilized in distance learning to provide quality education to children.

The President also promised that before he steps down in 2022, the country will have a public education network (PEN) which will connect schools and offices of the Department of Education (DepEd) nationwide.

Telecommunications

With the importance of connectivity amid the pandemic, Duterte also told Smart Communications and Globe Telecom to improve their internet services.

“I will be the one to articulate the anger of the Filipino people and you might not want what I intend to do with you,” he said. “Kindly improve the services before December.”

Health care

The President asked Congress to pass the Advanced Nursing Education Act and a law instituting the medical reserve corps to help the country become better prepared to deal with pandemics.

He also batted for the creation of a National Disease Prevention and Management Authority and the strengthening of barangay health stations and rural health units.

Death penalty

Duterte once again urged the Congress to revive the death penalty, which was abolished in 2006.

“This law will not only help us deter criminality but also save our children from the dangers posed by the illegal and dangerous drugs,” he said.

Jobs and benefits

The president said there is a need to adjust the pension system of the military and other uniformed personnel.

“It may be a vain attempt, but maybe dagdagan ang suweldo para it would be a hedge against corruption,” he said.

He also asked the Congress to amend the Continuing Professional Development Act, noting that requiring professionals to attend seminars is not realistic amid the pandemic.

Foreign policy

The president reiterated that the Philippines will pursue an independent foreign policy. He said that the country is “neither a pawn of beholden to anyone” and will “redefine our relationship with our most important partners.”

He also affirmed his position that the country cannot afford to go to war against China regarding the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea. – RC, GMA News