Unfulfilled Promises, Unmet Needs: Examining the Marcos Administration’s Record

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered a searing indictment of corruption during his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Unfulfilled Promises, Unmet Needs: Examining the Marcos Administration’s Record

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | July 29, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday (July 28, 2025), promising to build 40,000 new classrooms by 2028, questions linger about the administration’s ability to deliver on its pledges.

This ambitious goal, aimed at addressing the “pitiful” state of classroom shortages impacting Filipino students, comes against a backdrop of previously unfulfilled promises, raising concerns about the feasibility and impact of the latest initiative.

The President’s commitment to partner with the private sector to achieve this construction goal echoes a familiar approach.

However, critics point to the administration’s track record, citing the unfulfilled promise to bring the price of rice down to P20 per kilo by 2024.

While the administration has claimed success in lowering rice prices, this reduction has been limited to select areas, leaving many Filipinos still struggling with high costs.

This discrepancy casts a shadow on the current administration’s ability to translate promises into tangible benefits for the most vulnerable of the population.

The SONA also included assurances to teachers, promising to shift the focus from simply passing students to fostering improvement and inspiration.

While this commitment is laudable, educators express concerns about the resources and support necessary to achieve this goal, particularly in light of existing classroom shortages and potential overcrowding.

The ambitious classroom construction plan, while seemingly a step in the right direction, requires careful scrutiny.

The success of this initiative hinges on transparency, efficient resource allocation, and effective collaboration with the private sector.

Failure to address these critical factors risks repeating past disappointments, leaving Filipino students and educators with unfulfilled promises and unmet needs.

As the Marcos administration enters the second half of its term, the pressure is on to demonstrate a concrete commitment to delivering on its promises.