Reaction Paper in Contemporary World

Prepared by: Aira Profugo Vergara

It is a tradition in the Philippines for the president to deliver a state of the nation
addressing subjects such as work achievements and development planning,
something that the nation urgently needs to hear right now amidst the tension
which is current engulfing the country.
National security has been a worrying issue for the country since the Marawi
standoff which rocked the nation on May 23.

Martin Andanar, Secretary for the Presidential Communication Operation Office,

said that security is the biggest challenge that Duterte’s government faces. But
the president decided to extend the martial law, in a bid to end the crisis and
rebuild Marawi as soon as possible.

The promise was to make the economy an inclusive economy, which means
money will come in the Philippines, not just as hard money and the stock
exchange, but really money that is invested in infrastructure projects. Money that
will produce jobs. Money that is actually tangible that people can touch, people
can hold. That is what we mean by inclusive economy and that will happen in
the next five years," said Andanar.

He added that the 2018 budget was the first time the government would give a
complete plan focusing on development projects.
Call the president the harbinger of change in the country and you will see this in
the second State of the Nation Address. That is very important for our people to
watch this, to learn, to listen carefully. And it is very important also for our
diplomatic core and for the rest of the foreign direct investors to focus and listen
to, because from the second State of the Nation Address, they will see
inspiration and they will draw from it, and I am certain that from this, they will
be more inspired or encouraged to invest in our country," said
Andanar. — Reuters

Lower price of rice

The President vowed to provide a long-term solution to the country’s rice
problems such as rice shortage and high prices. He said that lowering the price
of rice is a top agenda.
As he certified it as urgent, the President asked Congress to prioritize the
passage of a rice tariff system.
We need to switch from the current quota system in importing rice to a tariff
system where rice can be imported more freely. This will give us additional
resources for our farmers, reduce the price of rice by up to 7 pesos per kilo, and
lower inflation significantly,” he said.
He warned “rice hoarders, cartels and their protectors” to stop their illegal
practices as he directed “all intelligence agencies to unmask the perpetrators of
this economic sabotage.”
Likewise, the President urged Congress to “pass at the soonest possible time the
bill establishing the Coconut Farmers’ Trust Fund” that would help the coconut
farmers.

On Mining and the Environment

The President emphasized in his SONA that “the protection of the environment
must be the top priority and extracted resources must be used for the benefit of
the Filipino people, not just a selected few.”
Thus, he warned the mining industry of “restrictive policies” not just taxes, if
mining operators continue to compromise the country’s resources and destroy
the environment.
He ordered the mining operators to “repair what they have mismanaged.” The
President warned them of “radical reforms” and among them is the prohibition of
open-pit mining.
“For as long as I am here I said: you will just have to contend with me. I expect
you to do your part in ensuring our nation’s sustainable development, starting
now,” the President stressed.
The President also urged the Senate to urgently pass the National Land Use Act
“to put in place a national land use policy that will address our competing land
requirements for food, housing, businesses, and environmental conservation.”