Last 28 July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SoNA) in the national language — a powerful gesture that reflected his desire to connect directly with the Filipino people.

But it wasn’t just the language that resonated; it was the substance. From healthcare and education to infrastructure, water, and anti-corruption, his message was one of urgency, compassion, and bold reform.

Among the President’s standout pledges, his commitment to zero-balance billing in public hospitals is a potential game-changer in our search for universal healthcare. His declaration, “Wala nang babayaran ang pasyente dahil bayad na ang bill ninyo” (Patients will no longer have to pay anything because your bill has already been paid), struck a deeply emotional chord with every Filipino who has ever struggled to afford life-saving care.

Equally compelling was the President’s focus on education reform. By promising compensation for teachers’ extra duties, building over 22,000 more classrooms, and distributing laptops, the administration is addressing long-neglected needs in our public schools. The hiring of more guidance counselors — especially today when youth mental health issues are on the rise — signals a more holistic approach to learning.

Marcos’ pledge to support students from poor families with free college education is also more than just a policy; it’s an act of justice. Prioritizing scholars from 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) and Listahanan households will help break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.

On water security, the President took aim at service disruptions and pledged tougher accountability from providers. In a country where water shortages can cripple entire communities, his plan to overhaul infrastructure and ensure clean water access at all times is both urgent and essential.

The “Build Better More” program remains the administration’s centerpiece call, promising railways, highways, and bridges that will bind the archipelago closer together. The revival of the iconic “Love Bus” — offering free rides in Metro Manila and other cities — will add a human touch to the massive transport push, making the daily commute a little easier for ordinary Filipinos.

Another progressive move mentioned in the SoNA is the ambitious goal of connecting all public schools to the internet by 2025, coupled with the distribution of millions of SIM cards with free data. This could dramatically narrow the digital divide and modernize Philippine education.

And, lastly, perhaps the most stirring part of the President’s address is his hardline stance against corruption. His warning to those who misuse public funds was strong, unflinching, and long overdue. Accountability in government must go beyond the rhetoric, and if the President closely follows through, it may just be the defining legacy of his administration.

By delivering his SoNA in the national language and directly addressing the everyday struggles of millions of Filipinos, President Marcos showed himself to be not just a head of state, but a leader in touch with the people’s pulse. His vision is ambitious, but clear — and deeply rooted in a desire to uplift.

Still, ambition alone will not carry us forward. As citizens, we have an essential role to play. We must hold our leaders to their word, stay engaged, and continue to push for reforms that serve the public interest.

The President has laid out a bold blueprint. Now it’s up to us to help build the country we deserve.