When President Marcos stepped up to deliver the SONA 2025 (State of the Nation Address), many Filipinos were expecting updates on jobs, inflation, and basic services. What we got was a mix of ambitious goals, targeted relief, and a few strong warnings. But beyond the headlines, what does it all actually mean for you?
Let’s break it down.
Cheaper Rice for More Households
If you’ve been budgeting hard just to keep food on the table, the government says it will expand the ₱20 per kilo rice through Kadiwa stores nationwide. This subsidized rice has already helped some communities, but the bigger question is: can it reach everyone?
The President also warned traders not to play with rice prices—calling price manipulation a form of “economic sabotage.”
≈ If your area hasn’t seen Kadiwa stores yet, watch for updates from your local government. Plan your grocery routine around it if it does reach your barangay.
More Support for MSMEs and Jobseekers
One of the biggest targets announced druing SONA 2025: help 2.5 million families start small businesses.
How? Through:
- Low-interest, collateral-free loans
- Free training programs via government agencies
President Marcos also pointed out that unemployment is now around 4 percent, and agencies like DOLE and DTI are tasked with helping place the rest.
≈ If you’re planning to start or grow your business, this is your cue to get your papers ready. That includes barangay permits, a simple business plan, and basic income records.
Internet and Classrooms by 2028
Here’s the education promise: 40,000 new classrooms by 2028, more school counselors hired, and all public schools connected to the internet by the end of 2025.
Also mentioned:
- Nearly 19,000 free Wi-Fi sites now live
- 2 million students already benefiting from free college and tech-voc programs
This isn’t just about education. It’s about raising digital skills, especially outside major cities.
≈ If your child’s school still has weak internet, track DepEd updates and speak up. For parents, this means better tools and fewer online barriers at home.
Water and Power Infrastructure: Big Push, Bigger Scrutiny
Interruptions in water service have hit millions. Government plans to build more impounding and catchment systems and hold providers accountable.
In energy, they aim to electrify 4 million homes through nearly 200 power projects and add 1 million homes with solar systems by 2028.
≈ If you live in a barangay with frequent outages or limited access, these projects may change your day-to-day—but execution timelines are key.
Transport Plans, Free Buses, and Plate Reforms
The “Build Better More” plan continues, with major projects like:
- Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge
- PNR Bicol
- North-South Commuter Railway
- SLEX extension
- Road upgrades in Mindanao
The Love Bus will also return—with free rides starting in Cebu and Davao.
One welcome change for car owners: vehicle plates will now be released in just 3 days.
≈ Transport operators in pilot cities should track Love Bus developments for supply and maintenance opportunities.
Good Governance and Audits
The President said flood control and infrastructure projects will undergo stricter reviews. Agencies must avoid substandard work and cut corruption.
For contractors and suppliers, this means:
- Higher audit intensity
- Stricter compliance rules
- Heavier penalties for violations
≈ If you’re bidding for government projects, strengthen your documentation and QA systems now.
What SONA 2025 for the Economy
Short term:
- ₱20 rice can help slow food inflation if it’s implemented well.
- Public works will pump more money into local logistics, materials, and labor.
Medium term:
- Public school internet upgrades will improve digital literacy.
- MSME support can lead to more businesses and better household income.
- Utility upgrades can reduce daily business downtime.
But there are risks. Execution is the biggest one. Some targets are very ambitious for SONA 2025.
For MSMEs and Freelancers: What to Do Now
Here’s how to stay ahead:
– Prepare your barangay permits, income proof, and business plan
– Watch DTI, DOLE, and DSWD portals for loan and training announcements
– Register with government supplier portals if you’re a contractor
– Set up price simulations if you import or export
And if you live near a Kadiwa store or one opens soon? Lock in your rice budget and funnel the savings toward your emergency fund or debt payments.
Don’t Miss the Global Trade Shifts
One more thing: Just before the SONA 2025, the U.S. announced a 19 percent tariff on Philippine exports. Meanwhile, the Philippines is planning to remove tariffs on American goods.
If you import from the U.S., your landed cost might drop. But if you export to the U.S., your margins may get hit.
≈ Exporters should start building Plan B markets or reworking product strategies now. Check out our article on Importing Business!
Watch These in the Coming Months after SONA 2025
- Will agencies meet their classroom and water deadlines?
- Will Kadiwa reach more communities?
- Will MSME loan windows open before the holidays?
- Will trade talks with the U.S. shift again?
We’ll be keeping track.
Not everything in a SONA 2025 turns into real change. We’ve seen plans stall before—classrooms unfinished, funds delayed, promises recycled. So while the numbers sound big and the goals sound good, what matters now is follow-through. Still, for workers, small business owners, and ordinary families, these plans open a window. A chance for relief, for growth, for better access to what we all deserve. Stay alert, ask questions, and be ready to move when the programs do.
External Sources
- Full SONA 2025 Transcript – Official Gazette
- DTI on MSME Programs and Loans
- DepEd’s Public School Infrastructure Priorities
- DICT Free Wi-Fi for All Project
- DOE on Household Electrification Targets
Need help preparing your next steps? Start here:
- 📌 If you’re starting a business, this guide on how to start a small business in the Philippines covers permits, planning, and setup.
