The Philippines is a country frequently visited by typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. Just last November, we were hit by six typhoons in a single month. Unfortunately, with this phenomenon, our indigent kababayans are the ones who suffer the most.

As a strong advocate of Filipino safety and welfare, I am filled with pride and hope with the signing of two laws by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on 6 December.

These laws, Republic Act 12076, An Act Establishing Evacuation Centers for Every City and Municipality and Appropriating Funds Therefor or known as Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, and Republic Act 12077, or Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, reflect our shared commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos and building a more resilient and compassionate nation.

I am the principal author and co-sponsor of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act which mandates concerned agencies to lead the establishment of safer and permanent evacuation centers in every municipality and city nationwide.

Under this law, if implemented properly, evacuees will now be provided with proper amenities like potable water, sanitary facilities, and comfortable and conducive sleeping quarters.

Hopefully, with this, they will no longer be staying in schools, gyms, basketball courts, and other makeshift areas during calamities. As we all know, this has been a challenge for everyone, because using the school premises as evacuation centers also means the disruption of classes for students.

Furthermore, complementing the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act is the signing of the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, which I co-authored and co-sponsored. As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, this law we advocated for demonstrates our commitment to education as the foundation of a brighter future.

While financial burdens especially during emergencies often hinder many Filipinos from pursuing their dreams, this law aims to provide ‘breathing room’ so that students with loans who are affected by crises can still continue their education while trying to overcome difficult circumstances.

Both laws embody the spirit of malasakit that drives my brand of public service. My mission as a lawmaker has always been to serve with compassion and create policies and programs that directly meet the needs of our constituents. The Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act and Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act are representations of the resiliency and hope of Filipinos amidst these challenging times.

Meanwhile, our service to the people at the grassroots level continues. 2 December was a challenging day for us when we were heading to Mabitac, Laguna. Unfortunately, we had to make an emergency landing in Pililla, Rizal, due to zero visibility, strong winds and rain, caused by bad weather. I am thankful to God for protecting us. Indeed, there is good karma in serving the people. God is good all the time!

Despite the mishap, I was able to still participate in the activities via video call while my Malasakit Team continued with the Super Health Center inauguration and the provision of aid to health workers and LGU employees in coordination with DOH, Congresswoman Jam Agarao, and Mayor Alberto Reyes, among others.

When the weather improved, I was able to attend and provide support to the National Youth Commission’s National Youth Convention in Nasugbu, Batangas where we emphasized the role of the youth as future leaders of our nation. We then attended the League of Municipalities of the Philippines—Bohol Chapter Assembly and Paranaque City’s Sangguniang Panlungsod Christmas gathering later that day.

On 3 December, we attended the Philippine Councilors League Year End Assembly Opening Ceremony in Pasay City.

On 4 December, we were invited as a guest speaker at the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) National Executive Board Meeting in Manila. We also received the Pasasalamat Award during the event for our being a consistent ally of vice mayors.

On 5 December, as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, we joined the 4th Siklab Youth Sports Awards, where we were the sole recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. With or without the award, I will continue to support our athletes and serve Filipinos.

After the signing of the two new laws in Malacañang Palace on 6 December, we headed to Cebu to provide support to 1,477 recovering fire victims from Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City who also received emergency housing assistance which we advocated for with NHA to help them buy materials to rebuild and recover. My Malasakit Team also provided similar aid to other fire victims in Cebu City that day. We also attended the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines - Cebu Chapter General Assembly.

On 7 December, we inspected the multi-purpose building in Maco, Davao de Oro, and the town’s Super Health Center. On the same day, we also aided 521 landslide victims who also received emergency housing assistance from the government.

On 8 December, I likewise participated via video call and extended support to our barangay officials who attended the Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan (PPSK) - Iloilo Province Year End gathering; and the Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines (BCLP) - Cebu City Christmas Party.

Meanwhile, our Malasakit Team assisted 2,905 indigent residents in Malinao, Lezo, Numancia, Tangalan, and Makato towns in Aklan with Governor Joen Miraflores; 300 in Kalibo, Aklan with Vice Governor Atty. Reynaldo Quimpo; 500 in Braulio E. Dujali, Davao del Norte with Mayor Lea Romano; and 200 in Sta. Teresita, Batangas with Vice Mayor Marie Segunial.

We also gave additional assistance to four fire victims in Davao City and 926 in Cebu City who also benefitted from NHA’s emergency housing assistance program that we advocated for.

Also, a total of 98 displaced workers in Bacnotan, La Union, were aided by the Malasakit Team with Mayor Divine Fontanilla, and 198 in Maigo, Lanao del Norte with Provincial Board Member Joseph Neri.

We also continued our support to CHED scholars particularly 128 students in Kalinga and 100 students in Biliran.

Last week, we also attended and provided support to the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Argao, Cebu; the Davao City Health Office Christmas Carnival; and the Drum and Lyre Competition in Antipolo City with Mayor Jun Ynares.

Together, let us build a safer and more resilient nation where every Filipino can access the services they need. As your Mr. Malasakit, I will continue my service to the Filipinos to the best of my abilities. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.