Our country is a land of great potential, resources, and heritage. It is home to rich flora and fauna, natural resources, proud history, rich culture and vibrant people. But for too long, many provinces have seemed to be behind in development. This is my motivation to push for laws and initiatives that promote progress in the whole nation.
As your senator, I support programs for the continuing progress, particularly of poor communities. During the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, infrastructure development under the "Build, Build, Build" program included modernization of airports and seaports in major economic hubs, which gave more livelihood opportunities for our kababayans, enhanced connectivity, and promoted faster, easier and safer travel. It also made travel to tourist destinations more convenient. Like what we always say, "Sa turismo, may trabaho, may negosyo."
As a proud Mindanaoan, Bisaya, and Batangueño, I will always fight for progress where no one gets left behind. Particularly in Mindanao, I have witnessed the island’s transformation and improvement, starting from a point of poor roads and lack of access to healthcare and infrastructure. Before, farmers had to walk for hours just to deliver their produce. Now, farm-to-market roads connect agricultural communities to consumers.
On 1 July, I went to Davao Oriental to commemorate the province’s 58th Founding Anniversary and witness the oath-taking of local leaders, led by Governor Nelson Dayanghirang. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, I continue to support the Mati City airport project as one of the priority projects for the development of Davao Oriental.
We must continue to support initiatives that promote the welfare and empowerment of our people. In every initiative we do, let us help build stronger communities and more united Mindanao.
Meanwhile, we also personally visited and assisted 45 fire victims in Barangay 773, San Andres Bukid, Manila.
We were in the Island Garden City of Samal on 2 July to attend the blessing and inauguration of the newly-improved barangay hall in Limao.
On 4 July, we joined the National Commission of Senior Citizens Regional Office XII Ribbon-Cutting and Blessing in General Santos City, which we supported. We then proceeded to the Digos City Sports Complex for the 6th Commencement Exercises of Davao del Sur State College, at the invitation of College President Augie Fuentes.
We were also invited to the celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives in Davao City. As a member of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives, I believe that cooperatives play a vital role in driving economic growth and improving the livelihood of Filipinos.
To further extend our help to the grassroots level, the Malasakit Team also extended their efforts to the Filipinos as they immediately aided 229 fire victims in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City, Cebu.
The Malasakit Team also provided additional assistance to 57 fire victims in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. These beneficiaries also received aid from the national government to rebuild and recover.
Our Malasakit Team also attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center and the 75th Founding Anniversary in Diffun, Quirino with Mayor May Calaunan; the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) 13th Asian University Basketball Championship; and the 249th US Independence Day Reception at Shangri-La Fort.
As Mr. Malasakit, I will continue pushing for more laws and programs that will truly benefit our fellow Filipinos. I will continue to support initiatives for the development of various parts of the country.
Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.