House pays tribute to DU30 ahead of SoNA

The House of Representatives has launched a tribute for President Rodrigo Duterte, highlighting his administration’s legislative achievements, less than three weeks before he delivers his final State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on 26 July.

House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco rallied the solons to participate in the pre-SoNA campaign through a series of vlogs (video blogs) entitled “Sa Lahat ng Pagbabago, Salamat Pangulo!” posted on the official Facebook page of the lower chamber.

In the videos, various lawmakers from the supermajority coalition discussed the priority programs and policies implemented in the different legislative districts across the country under the Duterte administration.

Each House member has to produce 60- to 90-second videos using the theme “Mula sa Inyong Kongreso, Progreso para sa Pilipino.”

On Tuesday, Deputy Speaker and Sorsogon Rep. Evelina Escudero showcased in the video the finished and ongoing infrastructure projects in the city, like the Sorsogon Coastal Road, a farm-to-market road development infrastructure program. Beneficiaries of the city government’s medical assistance and scholarship programs were also interviewed.

“Even before the pandemic hit, we were able to pass laws on universal health care, free tertiary education, the establishment of Malasakit Centers, expanded maternity leave, free public Internet access and the Bangsamoro Organic Law, to name a few,” Velasco said on Monday.

Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher “Toff” de Venecia was assigned as the project director for the project, while a focal person was also assigned in each region and in the partylist coalition.

Each House member has to produce 60- to 90-second videos using the theme“Mu las a In yong Kong re so, Progreso para sa Pilipino.”

“Members of Congress wholeheartedly embraced this project, as they are sincerely thankful to the President for his help with programs that greatly benefited their constituents in their respective districts,” Velasco said.

On the actual day of the SoNA, a multimedia exhibit will be put up in the North and South Wing lobbies of the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

A tableau of President Duterte’s accomplishments will also be set up at the rear entrance of the Main Building where Mr. Duterte will make his way into the plenary to deliver his final SoNA.