Marcos' SONA welcomes from Baricuatro, Archival; labor groups criticize

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, highlighting his focus on healthcare expansion and anti-corruption reforms.

Baricuatro expressed optimism about expanded PhilHealth coverage for cancer, kidney disease, and chronic illnesses, aligning with her priority to improve healthcare services in Cebu.

Marcos also announced a new program called Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) and pledged to assign at least one public doctor per municipality nationwide.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. supported Marcos' move to consolidate regional flood-control reports, emphasizing the importance of waste segregation and solid waste management in Cebu City.

Progressive labor and mass organizations in Central Visayas criticized the speech for being 'pompous' and disconnected from reality, denouncing issues like inflation, low wages, food insecurity, and corruption.