Condemning the Marcos administration’s failure to respond to worsening economic conditions, corruption, inadequate public services, and other longstanding issues, progressive organizations gathered to demand accountability and reforms four years into his term.  

Led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan – Southern Mindanao Region (BAYAN – SMR), the mobilization brought together workers, students, teachers, transport groups, women’s organizations, church leaders, and other sectors who challenged what they described as the widening gap between the administration’s promises and the realities faced by ordinary Filipinos.

BAYAN-SMR Regional Coordinator Rauf Sissay criticized the government’s use of public funds to favor politicians while ordinary Filipinos continue to bear the burden of economic hardship. 

“Ang gobyerno ginapahimulos ang atong mga buwis aron ang mga dagkong politiko, sama nila Marcos ug Duterte, mabulahan… samtang ang katawhang Pilipino nag-antos sa kalisod.”

He called on Marcos Jr. to step down, arguing that the administration has failed to improve the country’s economic condition despite its promises.

“Step down. Wala siyang nagawang significant para maibuti ang economic situation o kondisyon ng ating mga mamamayan. Nananatiling mababa ang sahod, mahal ang presyo ng mga bilihin, patuloy pa rin ang paglabag sa iba’t ibang karapatang pantao, at namamayani pa rin ang korapsyon at katiwalian sa pamahalaan.”

He likewise cited unresolved issues involving flood-control projects and confidential and intelligence funds, saying that no high-ranking officials have been held accountable for these controversies.

Youth Advocates for Pro-People Transportation (YAPPT) Spokesperson Marlou Engreso said rising fuel prices continue to affect not only transport workers but also the commuting public, adding that many drivers should no longer have to depend on government assistance or public donations to support their families. 

“Kita nga naa diri karon apektado sa oil price hike, dili lang mga drayber. Unta ang mga drayber nga naningkamot matag adlaw dili na kinahanglan maghulat og ayuda gikan sa gobyerno o donasyon aron lang makabuhi sa ilang pamilya.”

Similarly, Gabriela Youth – Davao Chairperson Allysa Ancheta linked the worsening economic situation to the burden carried by Filipino women, saying many continue to shoulder the responsibility of budgeting for their families while also raising concerns over violence against women and children.

“Kung asa naay military bases, mao pud kadaghan ang VAWC cases ug domestic abuse. Samtang galisod ang katawhang Pilipino, ang mga kababayen-an maoy nagdala sa bug-at nga responsibilidad sa pag-budget sa ilang pamilya.”

National Union of Students in the Philippines (NUSP) – Davao Chapter Secretariat Elijah Velasco likewise lambasted the inadequate education funding, classroom shortages, and recent curriculum changes, saying these continue to burden Filipino learners and limit access to quality education.

“Nagkalisod ang mga estudyante sa pag-balanse sa ilang allowance aron matubag ilang adlaw adlaw. Adlaw-adlaw sila galisod kung pamasahe ba? Pagkaon ba? O kinahanglan sa pag-eskwela? Kabalo ba mo nga labaw pa sa 166k nga backlog sa classrooms ang kulang sa DepEd. Kulang-kulang ang pondo na ginapanghatag sa atong mga SUCs [state universities and colleges],” Velasco emphasized.

Echoing these concerns, an Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Davao spokesperson, Loloy Escalante, said that teachers remain underpaid, overworked, and undersupported, even extending to the previous leadership of the Department of Education (DepEd) under Vice President Sara Duterte, which failed to improve teachers’ welfare.

“Ang mga teachers, underpaid, apan overworked og undersupported. Ni-demand ang mga teachers pero wala tan-awa ni Inday Duterte sa atong siya pa ang secretary sa DepEd, wala siyay nahatag nga kaayuhan sa mga teachers.”

The SONA ng Bayan was held on July 27 at the Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue in Davao City.