August 2, 2021
I would like to greet my kasimanwa as the province celebrates the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Week.
MSMEs represent the majority of our enterprises and comprise the largest bulk of our workforce in the country. In 2008, I sponsored and pushed for the enactment of Republic Act 9501, or the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Act, to harness opportunities for employment and livelihood development in the communities.
As the principal sponsor and co-author of this law, we recognize that […]
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July 29, 2021
Groundbreaking Ceremony of Oriental Mindoro Heritage and Cultural Center
Allow me first to extend my congratulations to the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on this momentous occasion, the groundbreaking Ceremony of the proposed Oriental Mindoro Heritage and Cultural Center.
As many of you know, environment protection, the preservation of our traditional cultural heritage, and the protection of the rights and welfare of our indigenous peoples are my lifelong advocacies. And in my […]
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July 24, 2021
Shaping Our Future: Bridging Youth Participation and Environmental Justice
My warmest greetings to the Ateneo Debate Congress – Senior High School and to all participants joining today. It is always a pleasure to speak to young people who are eager to be the best at what they do, and debating is a skill you will need plenty of in the realm of policy-making.
30 years ago, as a young journalist, I was already trying to be a game changer, but I found […]
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July 24, 2021
I would like to laud the Mapulang Lupa National High School – Valenzuela, the Department of Education, and the JCI Senate Philippines in advocating for the importance of time consciousness and honesty.
Strengthening the values of punctuality and honesty boosts a person’s integrity and contribute in one’s successes. We have to complement our academic achievements with these virtues for us to be truly successful in life.
I believe that these virtues do not come naturally. Instead, these are gradually imbibed and learned […]
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July 20, 2021
As the whole nation celebrates the Eid’l Adha, I join our Muslim brothers and sisters in commemorating the Feast of the Sacrifice, Ibrahim’s willingness to obey Allah even to the extent of sacrificing his son.
May we appreciate this reminder and take this time to reflect on the lessons that this feast signifies – strong faith and the admirable act of being selfless, obedient and willing to surrender to the will of God.
Regardless of beliefs and religion, I encourage everyone to […]
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