Negros Oriental constituents lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on his strong position to assert the country’s sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Dr. Henry Sojor, former president of the Negros Oriental State University in Dumaguete City, congratulated the President for taking a firm and inspiring stand on the country’s claim over the WPS.
“He was very nationalistic,” Sojor said.
Sojor commended Marcos for banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) “so that there would be no economic invasion by foreigners in our country.”
Sojor also lauded the increased privileges and other benefits that Marcos announced for public school teachers.
He hoped the same could be extended to private school teachers.
Dr. Juditha Mapue, chief of the curriculum implementation department of the City Schools Division of the Department of Education here, said it was encouraging that the President mentioned additional privileges for public school teachers.
Marcos highlighted the need for career enhancement for public school teachers so they would retire with better positions.
“We have been doing that for a while now, and we help retiring teachers process and comply with the requirements so that they can level up to at least a Teacher 3 designation upon separation from government,” Mapue said.
Mapue likewise welcomed the President’s announcement of educational reforms through technology, considering there are still far-flung schools that do not have Internet connectivity and electricity.
William Ablong, former vice mayor of this Negros Oriental capital, said he is happy to hear the President’s position on POGOs.
“At least he listened to the call of the Church, calling to outlaw the POGO industry in the Philippines due to its harmful effects on our country. Let us pray that this will become a reality,” Ablong, chair of the Parish Pastoral Council here, added.
Marina Ramirez, a mother of four who works as a store helper, says she hopes that the President will follow through on his promise of additional aid for members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program conditional cash transfer program. (PNA)