Legacy worth continuing

Several years ago, as a young journalist, I witnessed how Senator Cynthia Villar served her constituents in Las Piñas City. I can say that Las Piñeros are truly blessed to have one of the most dedicated, hardworking and results-driven public servants of our time.

Las Piñas would greatly benefit if Senator Cynthia Villar continues her public service in Congress to ensure that the programs and services, she has established will remain strong and continue to grow. The Villar family has always prioritized the welfare of local communities and their ongoing projects continue to bring meaningful progress to the city.

Senator Villar has always emphasized that public service is a responsibility, not a privilege. She once said, “Ultimately, we envision a healthy, peaceful, decent, and productive life for all Filipinos.” This vision is deeply reflected in her work and advocacy.

One of her most significant initiatives is the Sagip Ilog Program, which rehabilitated the Las Piñas-Zapote River System while also creating sustainable livelihoods for poor communities. Numerous wastes collected from the river were repurposed into valuable materials. This innovative environmental program earned international recognition, receiving the United Nations’ Water for Life Best Practices Award in 2011. In addition, the Las Piñas Kitchen Waste Composting Project was honored with the Energy Globe National Honorary Certificate from Austria in 2022 for its impact on sustainability and waste management.

To maximize the benefits of river rehabilitation, Senator Villar initiated the construction of a 40-kilometer road along the rivers called “river drives,” which serve as effective alternate routes that have significantly eased traffic congestion and mitigated flooding in the city.

Senator Villar has also given priority to healthcare, needed infrastructure development, and community programs, with the overall effect of improving the lives of Las Piñeros. She expanded the Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center by increasing its bed capacity from 200 to 500 beds and upgrading its emergency services. She built a Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center and also launched Alagang Kalusugan para sa Bayan to bring free medical services closer to the people.

During the series of lockdowns, Cynthia Villar and her family provided support to frontliners, donated vaccines, PPEs, and medical equipment, and even opened their private facilities for a mass vaccination drive. Senator Villar strongly advocates for urban agriculture and continuously encourages households, barangays, and schools to grow their own vegetable gardens in backyards and community spaces.

The Villar infrastructure projects in Las Piñas have sealed their legacy for their impact on the city. These include the construction of major and secondary roads, bridges, drainage systems, covered courts, and multi-purpose buildings. Notably, 85 percent of the city’s basketball courts were built through their initiatives.

To support the community, Cynthia Villar organizes projects for the youth, fun runs, and aid programs for senior citizens, PWDs, solo parents, women, outstanding graduates, and tricycle drivers. Regardless of church affiliation, Cynthia Villar extends grants to religious organizations across the country to support their projects that promote the overall well-being of their members.

Cynthia Villar is a no-nonsense public servant whose grit and determination have transformed Las Piñas through environmental stewardship, livelihood programs, healthcare, infrastructure, urban agriculture and other community programs. Her initiatives have rehabilitated rivers, improved waste management, created jobs, and empowered communities while fostering sustainable growth. Her accomplishments have a lasting impact on uplifting communities and securing a better future for Las Piñeros.