The president proceeded with his speech acknowledging the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic and thanked everyone who helped during this trying time.
“The global scale and socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented. Yet we were able to withstand the headwinds.”
“Our profound gratitude to everyone who helped keep our food supply chain running.”
“I thank the men and women of the IATF and the National Task Force against COVID-19 for all the countless hours spent to keep the pandemic in check and all efforts made to ensure the safety of our people.”
“I know exactly the difficulties you are undergoing. I pray that the officials of each LGU would set aside partisan politics and selfish interest to do what is right and good for all.”
“To everyone who helped us during this time of the pandemic, maraming salamat po.”
“Buhay muna bago lahat.”
“The interventions in place prevented 1.3-3.5 million COVID-19 infections.”
“We have now 93 accredited laboratories nationwide. We are aiming to conduct 1.4 million tests by the end of July.”
“Admittedly, the implementation of our Social Amelioration Program was not perfect.”
“Some opportunists turned the crisis into opportunity. We will catch up with you sooner than you think.”
“This health emergency stretched the government’s resources to its limits.”
The president commended the Congress for passing Bayanihan To Heal As One Act and pushed for a second one.
He also pushed for the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act and the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act.
He went back to elaborate on the projects under the Build, Build, Build Program.
“Our economic managers have seen infrastructure investments as an effective tool to attract investments, create jobs, and achieve financial inclusion for all Filipinos.”
“Projects under the Build, Build, Build program have economic benefits to be distributed to all corners of the country.”
Then, Duterte explained how the government can help support those in need with programs like TESDA’s free online skills training. He also asked CHED to provide scholarships for the dependents of OFWs who returned home.
“Sa mga kababayan ko na naghihirap sa ibang bansa, nandito lang ang inyong gobyerno para matulungan kayo lalo sa panahong to.”
“The government will intensify efforts to help businesses, especially MSMEs, by providing responsive gov’t assistance, services, capitalization, operations support.”
With that said, he directed the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry to come up with agri-business and entrepreneurship projects for the said OFWs.
He also appealed to landlords to be compassionate with their tenants, as well as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and local banks to provide regulatory relief for MSMEs and allow loan payment extension without extra fees and charges.
“Come up with an amenable arrangement with your tenants. Wag po natin silang ipagtabuyan.”
“Over ₱182.5 million worth of loans have been approved. This will help MSMEs stabilize and recover.”
“We need your help preventing companies who collapse because of piling amortization.”
“Ito ang panahon na suportahan ang ating mga kababayan na nagnenegosyo at gumawa ng mga produktong sariling atin.”
“Once the necessary systems are in place, the DOST offers its enterprise technology upgrading program to enable businesses to access training to help transition to online and contactless operations.”
Although travel and tourism activities are still prohibited in areas under GCQ and tighter, Duterte said, “We enjoin our people to boost our economy by traveling locally.”
“Now more than ever, we need to protect our consumers. I direct the DTI to ensure the empowerment of Filipinos on consumer rights and coordinate strategies between private and public organizations.”
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