Arroyo's SONA draws mixed reactions

CEBU, Philippines - The State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo the other day has drawn mixed reactions from different sectors in Cebu.

During the weekly 888 News Forum yesterday, politicians, teachers and students spoke of their own assessment of Arroyo’s nineth and last SONA.

Rod Abellanosa and Clair Jabines of the University of San Carlos political science department said the President gave a “well-crafted speech.”

Abellanosa said Arroyo’s speech was well-crafted and “regardless if the content was true or not,” he would give it a grade of 10.

However, Abellanosa said he could not be superficial in giving the same grade to Arroyo in her capacity as president.

But Abellanosa added that the SONA revealed that the strength of her presidency lies in the power of Congress.

Jabines, for her part, said Arroyo’s speech was well-crafted and that the President was creative in her explanations. Jabines said a multi-media presentation spiced up the speech since it catches the attention of the audience.

But on a general scale, Jabines gave a “fair” grade to Arroyo’s speech.

Three USC political science students – Patrick Torres, Tonton Yapha and Roper Solon – said Arroyo’s SONA did not show the present situation of the country.

They explained that despite the President’s announcement that more classrooms have been constructed, “the education sector is left neglected.”

They said that the Arroyo administration has the highest dropout rate and has been increasing the tuition fees that added to the burden of the public.

The students pointed out that of the six percent of the gross domestic product that should be appropriated for education, only less than three percent has been allotted.

Cebu Provincial Board Member Jose Ma. “Tito” Gastardo said the accomplishments of the Arroyo administration in the past years and the changes that it made were the highlights of the SONA.

Mandaue City Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna agreed, saying that the present administration strengthened the economy by promoting tourism, information and communication technology and business process outsourcing, and investing in the country’s infrastructure.

Fortuna commended the desire of the President to fast-track the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, which is the “battle cry of the peasants.” – AJ de la Torre/LPM    (THE FREEMAN)