SONA 2014 Highlights, Reaction Paper Sample & How to Prepare

Philippine President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 28, 2014 at the Batasan Pambansa in front of joint session of the Upper and Lower House of country’s Legislative Branch of Government. Some students will surely give their reaction paper with the Pres. SONA as part of their assignment.

See Also: Did the President Mentioned “6.5 Billion Trabaho?”

The State of the Nation Address of President PNoy started at around 4:03 PM (PST) and concluded after one hour and 30 minutes. The SONA 2014 is one of the highly anticipated date of the administration, as the head of state reports his accomplishments and plans for the country. During the entire SONA, the President received a total of 85 rounds of applause.

Here’s How to Write Your SONA 2014 Reaction Paper and Essay Guidelines: (Note: This is just a sample Reaction Paper)

President Aquino started his Fifth SONA recounting how the Philippines, once called as the “sick of man of Asia” and transformed into one of the most promising economy in Asia. He narrated how the government endured the corruption and hardships before his terms started. The President then expressed his sentiments how the national government transformed.

Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP):

Pres. PNoy explained the importance of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) as he defended his stance, despite the controversy surrounding its implementation. He showed all the projects funded by DAP that came from the savings of the national government. The Pres. noted that because of DAP, it was able to help TESDA scholars achieved their goals even showcasing a testimonials from benificiaries of the program.

Through DAP, the government was able to financed the Conditional Cash Transfer Program which was branded by the government as 4P’s or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Pres. Aquino also lobbied the DAP’s contribution to the Philippine economy as the administration was able to manage the country’s budget as well as its debt effectively. He also noted the investment grades status given to the Philippines and even mentioned the International Civil Aviation Administration’s ban lifting.

Business, Finance, Economy, Public Works & Transportation:

Pres. PNoy shared how the Philippines became one of the leading countries in Asia for its growth in GDP and GNP. He also noted that the employment rate of the country had increased and reflects how his administration handled the labor policies.

According to the President, the Infrastructure projects have doubled even without doubling to raise taxes. President PNoy noted that there is P28 billion savings at the Department of Public Works and Highways because of the corruption in the agency have been cut.

The President also boasted that from the start of his term, a total of 2,184 kilometers of national roads were completed, seven Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects worth P62.6 billion were approved. He noted that the TPLEX will reach Rosario, La Union soon, aside from mentioning several projects underway, such as the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike to help reduce flooding, ease traffic.

Peace & Order, Disaster Management:

Pres. Aquino mentioned the latest development after the controversial Zamboanga siege. He noted that P3.5 billion allotted for infrastructure projects, and housings in Zamboanga City. He also noted the recent developments in the rehabilitation efforts in the earthquake-hit Bohol, the typhoon Yolanda affected provinces. The President also thanked the international community for their help in the recovery effort and on their help for Yolanda aid.

The President also mentioned some numbers in relation to labor with a total of 221,987 jobs created during the rehabilitation period of those who were affected by calamities. He also discussed the government’s modernization of the AFP by purchasing aircrafts, helicopters, assault rifles, naval vessels and radar systems under the AFP modernization program.

The success of the government’s effort on reinforcing the police and army forces was also noted as an achievement as the government achieved the 1:1 pistol ratio. Pres. PNoy also cited the PNP’s “Opland: Lambat” and “Oplan: Katok” in fighting crimes in Metro Manila, noting that the security situations has greatly improved.

The reforms is also under way in the government’s most controversial agency, the Bureau of Customs which according to the President he had reset the entire agency. He also cited the ongoing agreeement with the Bangsamoro, pushing for the Bangsamoro Basic Law before year-end.

Energy, Power, Utility and Agriculture:

President PNoy admits the delay of the new power plants, but he noted that it needs to be addressed soon so power and energy resources can be managed well for future shortage. The Philippines is also looking forward for its plans to import more rice to bring down the rice prices in the domestic market. He also warned those rice traders hoarding stocks of rice to be careful with their illegal activities because the government will surely go after them.

Budget and Finance:

Pres. PNoy expressed his proposition for he passage of the Supplemental Budget for the year 2014 in the Philippine Congress. He also told the viewing public about the critics of his administrations, saying that the loudest ones don’t want reforms in the government, Pres. Aquino even underscored that his critics are against he whole nation or the Filipino people.

Moving Forward:

Pres. Aquino also made an advised for choosing the country’s next leader in the upcoming 2016 Presidential Election. He was quoted as saying “Sino ang walang dudang magpapatuloy sa transformasyong ating isinakatuparan? The President also noted that “The Filipino is worth living for, the Filipino is definitely worth fighting for.

The Philippine President ended his speech with “To my Bosses: You are behind the transformation we are enjoying. You are the key to continuing all the positive changes we have achieved. I fully believe that, whether I am here or not, the Filipino is headed towards the rightful destination.” “nd so, I will leave it here. Good afternoon to all of you. Thank you very much.” he said.