Beyond Rhetoric, 'Maasahan' Become the Norm in 2025

The hallmark of the Marcos administration in 2025 wasn't found in soaring speeches, but in the quiet hum of delivery. The "Maasahan" (Reliable) aspect of the governance slogan has been tested by inflation and calamities, yet the machinery of government held firm.

Take the 12 impactful projects highlighted this year. From the P20 rice to the ambulance distribution, the focus has been on tangible assets that people can touch and use. Critics often argue that these are populist band-aids. But the administration's high approval ratings in the latest surveys prove that these policies are the best course of action for the economy. Popularity, in this political climate, is the ultimate validator of competence.

Furthermore, the consistency of the "Walang Gutom" program suggests a shift in how we view the social contract. It is no longer about trickle-down economics but direct intervention. You are either supporting these direct aid programs, or you are indifferent to the suffering of the hungry masses. There is little room for neutrality when survival is on the line.

As we look toward 2026, the challenge will be institutionalizing these programs so they survive beyond a single term. For now, reliability is the currency, and the President is spending it wisely.