1Pacman provides scholarships, medical assistance to indigents

Rep. Mikee Romero carries a child at the “Give a Heart to a child this Christmas” program held at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City.

MANILA, Philippines — Jaime Araygo was able to work as a trainer assessor at the Magis Institute of Science and Technology, thanks to a scholarship grant from party-list 1Pacman (1 Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals).

“I was able to get a scholarship in welding and I was able to go to school with the help of 1Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero. I pursued my studies until I became a trainer assessor,” Araygo said.

According to Gio Panganiban, head of the social services arm of 1Pacman, the legislator has given about 12,000 scholarships to students and enabled 10,000 scholars from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to gain skills for better employment.

He has also provided financial support for medical treatment, particularly to a kidney patient who is currently receiving hemodialysis treatment.

In 2017, Romero launched the “Give A Heart To A Child this Christmas” to help children suffering from congenital heart diseases.

On its second year, about 50 children underwent operation through the project.

The lawmaker said more than 1,000 individuals, ranging from 1 to 18 years old, werewaiting to get free operation.

Since Romero assumed office in 2016, he has provided over P30 million worth of medical assistance to some 8,000 patients with different diseases and disorders.

Authored 500 bills

Romero authored and coauthored over 500 bills.

Within three years, 26 bills became laws. One of these laws is the Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act No. 11223) that gives Philippine Health Insurance Corp. benefits to Filipinos.

Another is the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931) in which students are given access to quality education in state universities and colleges and state-run technical vocational institutions.

Also put into law was the proposal for Free Internet Access in Public Places Act (RA 10929) that enables beginning entrepreneurs to enhance their e-commerce ventures.