From the People’s Lens: Exploring Opinion Articles After the Third Philippine Presidential State of the Nation Address        

Richard Ian Mark T. Necosia 

Assistant Professor, College of Public Administration and Governance, Bukidnon State University, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippine 

Joanne Vivien B. Necosia

Associate Professor, College of Arts and Sciences, Bukidnon State University, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines

Genesis C. Oculares 

School of Liberal Arts, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok Thailand

Abstract

This study examines public governance and policy perspectives by analyzing online opinion pieces to explore how media narratives influence the framing of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s third State of the Nation Address (SONA). Despite extensive media coverage of SONAs, limited academic attention has been given to the role of post-SONA opinion articles in shaping public discourse and articulating citizen sentiment. This analysis seeks to address this gap by using qualitative content analysis on twenty (20) opinion articles released within five days of the 2024 SONA. Thematic analysis resulted to six key themes: (1) Economic concerns relating specifically to food security, employment, and inflation; (2) Governance and public policy, emphasizing transparency and accountability; (3) Social Development, focusing on education, health care and the expanding digital job economy, (4) Environmental and Sustainable Development focusing on climate resilience and sustainability and (6) Energy policy, involving nuclear energy and infrastructure.  The findings of the study show that the media's criticism and support of the administration shape public expectations and affect democratic discourse. The study contributes to the existing literature in government studies by bringing to light the differences and similarities between governmental discourses and public opinions. Policymakers, media professionals and governance advocates will benefit from the results as they work towards enhancing responsiveness, inclusiveness and public trust in governance.. 

Keywords: Governance, public policy, qualitative content analysis, State of the Nation Address (SONA)

How to cite:

Necosia, R. I. M., Necosia, J. B., & Oculares, G. (2025). From the People’s Lens: Exploring Opinion Articles After the Third Philippine Presidential State of the Nation Address. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Educational Research and Innovation. 3(2), 89-103. https://doi.org/10.17613/es9m1-hgv58. 

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