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Speaker vows to sustain House COVID response

SPEAKER Alan Peter Cayetano has vowed to sustain the House of Representatives’ COVID-19 response and work with local government units (LGUs) in providing food and other supplies to critically affected areas.

This as two simultaneous handover ceremonies were held last Friday in Biñan City, Laguna and Tanauan City, Batangas. Rep. Marlyn Alonte led the ceremony in Biñan City, handing over packs of halal-certified cream dory, vegetables, and vitamin C to Mayor Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila Jr.

The beneficiaries included 330 vendors, 96 barangay health workers, 41 barangay nutrition scholars, 240 tricycle operators and drivers, and 293 members of the Federated Parent-Teacher’s Association.

In Tanauan City, Rep. Maria Theresa Collantes of the 3rd District of Batangas handed over the donations to Mayor Angeline “Sweet” Halili and Sto. Tomas City Mayor Edna Padilla Sanchez.

Cayetano said the House will “keep listening” to its constituents in order to give them what they need and come up with solutions to their problems.

“We encourage everyone to do their part in uplifting these sectors, lalo na ‘yung mga may kakayahan. Kailangan na kailangan ng suporta ng ating mga kababayan kaya talagang all ears tayo sa mga humihingi ng tulong at ayuda, sa mga LGU na tumatawag at nakikipag-usap sa atin,” Cayetano said.

He also encouraged the public to help identify areas that are critically affected by the pandemic.

“For example, sa mga kapatid natin sa media, if you know a certain LGU that needs support, tell us so that we can coordinate with the LGU. Help us identify which areas need help the most and we will reach out to them,” he said.

The 18th Congress has been working closely with LGUs in providing food supplies and supplements to underserved communities.

In one such activity on August 25, Cayetano personally handed over donations to beneficiaries in the cities of Sta. Rosa and San Pedro in Laguna.

He was joined by Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Rep. Dan Fernandez of the 1st District of Laguna.

More than 33,000 families have so far benefited from the 18th Congress’ program, including beneficiaries from Isabela, Cebu, and Masbate. A total of 1,882 members of the military who serve as front liners have also received food supplies from the Congress during various occasions.

Meanwhile, Cayetano lauded the many unsung heroes in the country who have contributed much to the relief efforts.

“I’d also like to mention ‘yung ating mga kababayan na hindi nababalita, pero ‘yung baon nila, binigay; ‘yung may P500 sa bulsa, gumawa ng mga masks [at] pinamigay. Ito pong sense ng bayanihan na ‘to, ito po talaga ang magdudulot at mag-aadvance sa atin,” he said.