Manila: Several Cabinet secretaries have praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), rating it between 9 and 10 for addressing the nation's pressing issues amidst the Middle East crisis. According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac expressed that the speech was one of the best he has heard from the President, emphasizing its focus on alleviating current challenges, particularly those impacting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. Cacdac highlighted the President's commitment to improving education, healthcare, and anti-corruption efforts, which are crucial for the welfare of families left behind by OFWs.

The SONA covered topics including poverty alleviation, healthcare, anti-corruption, education, agriculture, and the protection of Filipinos abroad. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that the address underscored the importance of strengthening the country's agriculture sector, a key priority for the Marcos administration. He reiterated the need for continued investment in agriculture to support farmers and fisherfolk, aiming for significant progress by 2028. Laurel mentioned plans to focus on 'swine recovery' and reducing pork prices, as well as establishing three 'mega hatcheries' to boost seafood and marine aquaculture production, ultimately making food more affordable for Filipinos.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara rated the SONA a nine, acknowledging its clear outline of government program successes and future plans for the administration's remaining two years. Angara emphasized the Department of Education's goal to reduce the current classroom shortage from 140,000 to '100,000 or less,' contingent on the budget provided by Congress. The SONA also highlighted initiatives for learning recovery and student welfare, including an expanded school-based feeding program targeting over 4.5 million Kinder, Grade 1, and nutritionally at-risk learners.