Farmers, fishers, health workers, and members of the business sector in Ilocos Norte found new hope in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Fisher Arnulfo Cabacungan Jr. of Barangay Metro La Paz, Laoag City said he felt the President’s sincerity in making the country a better place for farmers and fishers as he had witnessed how various farm machinery and agriculture inputs benefit rural communities in the province.

“In Ilocos Norte, there’s a lot of aid being given to farmers and fishers under the Marcos administration,” he said in Ilocano from his home.

Farmer Marvin Agustin of San Nicolas town likewise lauded the President’s focus on ensuring food security by improving the agriculture sector while ensuring that basic goods and services are made affordable and accessible to all.

“The Kadiwa ng Pangulo program is good. It connects producers to consumers directly without middlemen, which makes goods more affordable and accessible to everyone,” he said in an interview, referring to the government’s program in which produce is sold at cheaper prices by removing intermediaries.

Farmers here also lauded the President for condoning the old debts of agrarian reform beneficiaries as he awarded unused lands to deserving farmers.

“Thank you so much to our President for continuing his father’s legacy to the needy farmers. We feel more secure now for the future of our children,” said Carmen Quitadio, a resident of Cabaroan village in San Esteban, Ilocos Sur.

Health workers in the province were also delighted to hear that their hazard pay would be released while qualified students of state universities and colleges would continue to enjoy free education.

“I am happy that the present administration recognizes the sacrifices of health workers, particularly during the pandemic. I hope village health workers too will get what they deserve,” said Leslie Salvador, a nurse from Batac City.

Business groups were also happy with the government’s digitalization efforts as mentioned by the President to improve public services, promote ease of doing business, and fight graft and corruption.

“Taxes are the lifeblood of the government. Taxes are the main source of revenue for the government. So, with the government’s digitalization program, we can be assured of more efficient and faster government transactions when paying our taxes, which enables the government to perform its duties and provide public goods and services,” Laoag businessman Hanson Chua said. (PNA)