45 Mindanao lawmakers attend govt service fair
FORTY-FIVE Mindanao lawmakers attended the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in Sultan Kudarat on Sunday, which House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said “was a testament to a united country.”
“This remarkable turnout serves as a resounding testament to the unity and solidarity of Mindanao lawmakers to a united Philippines under the visionary leadership of President Marcos,” Romualdez said.
“It sends a powerful message that despite our diverse backgrounds and regional differences, we stand together as one nation, united in our commitment to building a brighter future for all Filipinos,” he added.
Romualdez said the lawmakers’ strong presence was a resolute answer to any call for secession or division in Mindanao.
“By coming together in solidarity, we demonstrate our steadfast rejection of any attempts to undermine the unity and integrity of our nation. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of peace, unity, and nation-building,” he said.
Among those who attended the service fair were Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Rep. Margarita Nograles, Misamis Oriental 1st District Rep. Christian Unabia, Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Bambi Emano, Cagayan de Oro 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan, Sultan Kudarat 2nd District Rep. Horacio Suansing Jr., Lanao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Yasser Balindong, Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Rep. Divina Yu, Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Flores, Zamboanga City 1st District Rep. Khymer Olaso, Davao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Aldu Dujali, Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Joboy Aquino and Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District Rep. Wilter Palma.
North Cotabato 3rd District Rep. Sam Santos, South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Peter Miguel, South Cotabato 1st District Rep. Isidro Lumayag, Dinagat Islands Rep. Alan Ecleo, Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Mannix Dalipe, Davao de Oro 1st District Rep. Maricar Zamora, Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Bingo Matugas, Sarangani Rep. Steve Solon, Zamboanga del Norte 2nd District Rep. Glona Labadlabad, Zamboanga del Norte 1st District Rep. Pinpin Uy, Zamboanga del Sur 2nd District Rep. Victoria Yu, Davao Oriental 1st District Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang, Sulu 2nd District Rep. Munir Arbison Jr., Zamboanga Sibugay 2nd District Rep. Antonieta Eudela, General Santos City Rep. Loreto Acharon, Agusan del Sur 1st District Rep. Alfelito Bascug, Maguindanao del Sur Rep. Mohamad Paglas and Misamis Occidental 1st District Rep. Jason Almonte also attended the fair.
House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and 4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos were also present.
“The participation of lawmakers in events like the BPSF highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between the national government, local authorities and civil society organizations in addressing pressing issues and delivering essential services to communities in need. It underscores the power of collective action in driving positive change and creating a brighter future for all Filipinos,” Romualdez said.
Earlier, 57 House lawmakers signed a manifesto rejecting Mindanao secession. Of this number, 53 were from Mindanao while three were party-list representatives and one was from the Visayas.
The fair which is expected to benefit 150,000 people, was set to run until Monday at the Provincial Capitol Compound in Insulan Sultan Kudarat.
The BPSF’s Sultan Kudarat leg is the 12th Serbisyo Fair since the program was launched in 2023.
Assistance packages were distributed to Sultan Kudarat beneficiaries through the Cash and Rice Distribution Program (CARD) and the BPSF, the House Speaker’s office said.
About 18,000 people in the province received rice and cash package.
Under the CARD program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development identifies beneficiaries who will each receive P2,000 worth of aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations.
As part of the BPSF, about 10,000 people in the province received 10 kilos of rice each along with P700 worth of food packs.