1. Dennis Lemuel Barriatos July 29, 2014
English 202
REACTION PAPER
President Aquino on Monday, July 22, 2013 delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address
(SONA). It was PNoy's longest SONA so far but has been applauded less frequently
compared to last year.
SONA this year was focused on the achievements of the government such as approval of
the Sin Tax Reform Law and “Responsible Parenthood Law” (RH Law), reforms in Education
System(K-12), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), increase in number of TESDA
graduates, increase in Philhealth enrolles from 62% to 81% and improved benefits,
allocation of P6.2 billion for flood control in Metro Manila, completion of 9,377 housing units
for Typhoon Sendong victims, 63% reduction in number of private armed groups, 21.4
increase in foreign tourist arrivals in 2012 and 7.8% GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth
during the first quarter of 2013.
However, it also highlights some of the changes to hike SSS contributions and train fares.
"We believe that it is time to amend the SSS Pension Scheme. We must establish measures
that remedy the outflow of funds. If we add 0.6 percent to the contribution rate, it will
immediately deduct P141 billion from the unfunded liability," Aquino said.
PNoy said the need to reform pension scheme is necessary to avoid depletion of SSS funds
in the next 28 years. He also explains that fare hikes in MRT and LRT will be implemented.
The government subsidizes each passenger's fare by as much as P45 and said to be unfair
to residents from Visayas and Mindanao who never set foot on the trains but fund the train
operations.
But according to critics or analysts, President Aquino did not mention solid agenda on how
he will lead us to his 'daang matuwid' campaign until 2016. Nancy Binay highlights that Pnoy
didn't include on his speech ways to improve employment rate in the country.
Despite the gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2012 and various economic reform
programs of Aquino government for his three years in the Palace, Philippines is still has the
worst unemployment rate in Asia. More than 11 million Filipinos are jobless according to
SWS and IBON Foundation survey results on the first quarter of 2013.
More promises to track
It is common that every SONA, the President always make promises. Here are the some of
the action items of the Aquino government for the next months or year:
Classroom shortage will be addressed by the Department of Education within the year
Improve rice self-sufficiency and coconut intercropping to boost agricultural growth
Complete geo-hazard mapping of Metro Manila by next year

2. Dennis Lemuel Barriatos July 29, 2014
English 202
Pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law in 2014 which will pave way for a Bangsamoro
Government by 2016
Repairs and completion at NAIA Terminal 3
For me his SONA is clear. I would give him a 95% mark. The people needs to be reminded
about his achievements because, too often, Filipinos have selective memory or amnesia
altogether. It was delivered with passion as it's coming from his heart. It would be difficult to
fake an emotion. He was calm and composed, not confrontational, but also had that
conviction to continue his fight for good governance until the end. I felt he was sincere,
honest, and hurt also. Who wouldn't be hurt when despite all his efforts there are still those
who continue to criticize (for the sake of criticizing) that he has not done anything.
Only God can solve the gargantuan problems of the Philippines in a flash, and the President
is only human. Some members of the media continues to condition the mind of the public by
emphasizing the negative and NEVER the positive. Even if this is only a minority; however,
the actions of these critics are truly hurtful.
We should have listened, not just with our ears but, with our hearts as well. We should have
given him credits for what he has done in the short 4 years, and give him the benefit of the
doubt that he would continue to do more in the remaining months of his administration.
Let's pray for our President and our country as well.