State of the Nation Address

"I am not here to talk about politics. I am here to talk about what the people want."
- Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

US, Japanese ambassadors impressed with SONA

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki said they were impressed by the President's State of the Nation Address. "This is my first (SONA) and I'm very impressed. I am also honored that she mentioned the collaborations that we're doing together: The anti-corruption efforts of the Millennium Challenge Account, the Peace Corps. It is very exciting because the projects are achievable," Kenney told reporters after the speech. "It was impressive, especially with the Powerpoint presentation. She laid out what she plans to do. Yes, I think they are achievable," said Yamazaki.

- article from inq7.net

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Honestly, I am disappointed about PGMA’s SONA. And I absolutely disagree with Mr. Yamazaki, from the article above, had said. Why? Because...

Yes, she was talking about what the people want however; I think what the people want to know is what she had done the past year NOT what a certain person had done for the country. It was nice of her to acknowledge some people who have given recognition to our country - namely Manny Pacquiao, the SEA Games Athletes, the mountaineers who ventured Mt. Everest, Cardinal Vidal and etc. But it was her SONA, so she should have given more importance and recognition to what she had accomplished for the country. More people would have been satisfied if she had done that.

It seems that she focused a lot on her plans and less on the progress of the country. To add to that, she did not use any concrete figures to represent the financial status of the country – it’s not enough to say we already have funds. To tell you the truth, I always watch her SONAs and never did I lose my interest throughout her previous SONAs but now, I was completely bored just halfway of her speech.

On the other hand, she did well laying out her plans for the country to the people. I was utterly amazed how prepared she was with her plans. What’s more is that she even had a PowerPoint presentation. Isn’t that just absolutely funny and yet surprising? (HAHA. :))

Let’s just keep our hopes up, shall we? :)