Family holds a crucial and deeply rooted place in Filipinos' lives as we are known to be family-oriented because of the culture and tradition passed on by our ancestors.

The Filipino family's tight relationship can be seen anywhere in the world. It is the foundation of love, first-hand learnings, and values that mold us to be men and women for others, and responsible citizens of our country.

The Filipino concept of family extends far beyond the immediate household, embracing the larger society as an extension of that familial connection. As such, I firmly believe that our society is also a part of our family. As the Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Youth, Health, and Sports, I always envision a family-centered nation. That is why I continue to support programs that would strengthen the Filipino family and enhance the values of our youth.

As a legislator, I stand firm in my belief that the laws we craft should always be anchored on our fundamental values, beliefs, customs and, most importantly, our faith. We must, therefore, "promote and protect every Filipino’s physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being" in a balanced, holistic, and conducive manner that is reflective of our culture and morals as God-fearing people.

The Filipino family is also the cornerstone of our efforts to support and recognize the sacrifices of our Overseas Filipino Workers who endure being away in search of a better life. We have been at the forefront of legislative efforts to protect OFWs as we authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 11641, which established the Department of Migrant Workers to streamline services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

We also filed Senate Bill 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital that was established during the Duterte Administration which also houses a Malasakit Center; as well as SBN 2414 or the "OFW Ward Act" to ensure that every hospital under the Department of Health (DoH) provides dedicated care for migrant workers and their families.

We also kicked off the year 2025 with a number of festivals that not only show our rich culture and traditions, but they provide a reason for families to come together as well.

As a probinsiyano from Mindanao with Bisaya and Batangueño roots, I value the importance and spirit of these celebrations.

Just last week, we attended four of the most awaited festivals in the country: Aklan’s Ati-atihan Festival; Cebu’s Sinulog Festival; Isabela’s Bambanti Festival; and Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival. These festivals show the Filipino family's values, beliefs, and faith.

Aligned with our Filipino values is the concept of "malasakit" which has become the anchor of my compassionate brand of public service. That is why we continue to go around the country to serve those most in need.

On 20 January, we gave immediate aid to 216 fire victims in Bacoor City, Cavite with Mayor Strike Revilla.

On 23 January, we joined the Isabela Bambanti Festival and conducted a meet-and-greet with local media in Ilagan City. We likewise attended the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Echague and aided 1,000 indigents in partnership with the provincial government.

We also led the groundbreaking of the Echague Freedom Park and Library, as well as the Southern Isabela Medical Center Cancer Center — all of which we supported and advocated for to be funded together with local leaders. Lastly, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Cauayan City, Isabela.

On 24 January, we were invited to be a guest speaker during the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Batangas Awards Convocation with University President Dr. Peter Laurel and Vice President Paolo Laurel where I emphasized the importance of education in providing a better future for our youth, the hope of our nation.

On 25 January, we visited Occidental Mindoro as an adopted son of the province and led the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Mamburao.

On the same day, we aided 178 beneficiaries in Sablayan, Rizal and Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro who lost their homes due to different calamities. Also, as an adopted son of Sablayan town, we attended the groundbreaking of Sablayan Sports Complex and visited the Super Health Center in the town. During our visits, we also provided food packs to health workers present.

Yesterday, 27 January, we were invited to the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo with Governor Arthur Defensor, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, Congresswoman Jam Baronda and other officials.

Lastly, we also visited the Malasakit Center at Western Visayas Medical Center where we provided food and other forms of aid for patients and watchers, as well as food packs to healthcare workers.

Meanwhile, the previous week, our Malasakit Team continued to extend further assistance to communities facing crises as we immediately aided a fire-hit family in Lupon, Davao Oriental. We also aided 1,000 indigent families in Oslob and Argao, Cebu with Board Member Stanley Caminero.

We also gave additional assistance to 42 flash flood victims in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; two in Koronadal City and Norala, three in Sto. Nino, ten in Surallah, and one in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; 16 in Arakan and two in Makilala, Cotabato; and an additional 59 in Pigcawayan, Cotabato who also received emergency housing assistance from the government to help rebuild their homes.

There were 854 displaced workers who were aided from various towns in Bohol specifically in the towns of Mabini, Loay, Candijay, Guindulman, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, and Valencia; and 639 market vendors in Catarman, Northern Samar with Mayor Francisco Rosales, Jr. and Catarman Market Manager Dr. Arlan Ong.

Furthermore, our Malasakit Team also gave support to 420 scholars from Colegio de San Antonio de Padua, Inc., Northeastern Cebu Colleges, Inc., Rosemont Hills Montessori College, Inc., Sto. Tomas College, Danao City, Inc., and Cebu Technological University - San Francisco Campus in Cebu, as well as 52 in the University of the Philippines - Mindanao, 325 in Cagayan, and 40 in Benguet.

As your Mr. Malasakit, service is not only a mandate you have given me. It is also a Filipino trait that I value deeply in my heart and an opportunity to serve that I will not waste and will always be grateful for. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos!