Philippine President delivers first national statement at parliament
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on July 25 delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the country’s parliament, pledging to reform the tariff system and turn the country into a destination for investors and tourists.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine President Ferdinand MarcosJr on July 25 delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) at thecountry’s parliament, pledging to reform the tariff system and turn the countryinto a destination for investors and tourists.
In his speech, Marcos promised agricultural reforms toincrease production and reduce dependence on imports.
He emphasised the need to carry out reform programmes toattract investment and tourists, as well as maintain the current solid growthmomentum. Marcos said his administration will implement strict fiscal policymanagement and set a GDP growth target of 6.5-7.5% this year, while warning aboutimmediate difficulties in stabilising prices.
On the agricultural sector, Marcos also introduced a numberof measures to help the Philippines increase agricultural output and showstronger adaptation to climate change. Farmers will be allowed to deferrepayment, helping them use resources to increase production. He also stressedthe need to create a new generation of farmers with the application of advancedscience and technology to agriculture.
In addition, the new Philippine leader also pledged toimprove education and healthcare service quality as well as working conditionsfor doctors and nurses, and boost infrastructure in the nation of more than7,000 large and small islands.
Marcos, 64, was elected President of the Philippines in theelection on May 9. This victory marked the Marcos family's return to thePresidential Palace after many decades. He is the son of the late PresidentFerdinand Marcos.
During his election campaign, Marcos vowed to work topromote the country's development by addressing the immediate impacts of theCOVID-19 pandemic, creating new jobs, improving digital and agricultural infrastructuresystems, improving public health and stimulating domestic consumption./.
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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
