CEBU CITY, Cebu, July 26 (PIA) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 25 delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in front of hundreds of legislators, officials, and guests at the Batasan Pambansa Complex.

In a 74-minute speech, the president laid out his administration’s plans and priorities where he outlined a series of initiatives for the improvement of the various major aspects, such as the economy, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, education, health, and pandemic response.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia lauded the president’s plans as she described Marcos’ first SONA as "very comprehensive," adding that the president’s overall plans are in line with Cebu’s direction.

"Very comprehensive. Short on motherhood statements and long on concrete plans. Candid about our situation but hopeful and focused on the way forward. More importantly, for Cebu, we are topmost in his mind in terms of infrastructure. The President's overall plans are in sync with Cebu's direction," said Garcia in a statement published by Sugbo News, the Capitol’s media office.

"Finally, I applauded the loudest when he stated emphatically: No more lockdowns," Garcia added.

Former Liloan mayor and now Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco also commended the president’s plans, specifically his vision for the tourism sector.

Frasco expressed her gratitude after hearing the President’s detailed explanation of his plans for the country’s tourism industry.

"I'm very happy to note that the President's vision is very clear as far as setting a strong foundation for the tourism industry by strengthening tourism infrastructure and gateway access, as well as giving equal opportunities to tourist destinations across the country," Frasco said in a statement. (RGC/PIA7)