MISAMIS ORIENTAL — Days before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on 27 July, government agencies and regional bodies have laid out key milestones achieved over the past year alongside priority measures aimed at accelerating national recovery and expanding opportunities.

Leading up to the address, officials — particularly those with the Regional Development Council — cited steady economic growth, expanded infrastructure under the “Build Better More” program, improved social protection, and strengthened peace and security frameworks as core gains.

The administration also highlighted targeted interventions in agriculture, micro, small and medium enterprise development, digitalization and disaster resilience — areas identified as critical to ensuring economic benefits reach conflict-affected and geographically isolated regions, such as Northern Mindanao.

“Our focus remains clear — to build a nation where no one is left behind,” Presidential Communications Office officials said in a statement. “The upcoming address will highlight how far we have come, and chart the next steps to secure lasting progress for every Filipino family.”

The President is expected to outline several key priorities during his speech, including sustained investments in farm-to-market roads, port modernization, and connectivity projects linking rural communities to urban centers.

The administration will also focus on expanding educational assistance, nutrition programs, and livelihood support for vulnerable sectors.

Additional priorities include strengthening disaster preparedness and climate adaptation measures, continuing peace and development initiatives in former conflict areas, and implementing policy reforms to boost employment, ease the cost of living and attract investments.

Regional officials from Northern Mindanao, including Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal, who serves as RDC chairman, noted that many national priorities align with ongoing local initiatives.