Robredo nixes OVP’s ‘spare tire’ image, cites gains of outreach program

MANILA, Philippines – Six years is too long to do nothing relevant.

This was the pronouncement of Vice President Leni Robredo as she underscored that her office is more than a mere “spare tire” in the government.

“The Office of the Vice President, as many of you know, is small. We are limited not only by our mandate as stated in the Philippine Constitution, but more so by our resources,” Robredo said at the ANCOP Foundation USA’s Charity Ball in Maryland, United States.

“Nevertheless, I told my staff, we cannot sit idly by performing ceremonial functions as nothing but a ‘spare tire’,” she added.

During her speech, Robredo highlighted the Angat Buhay program which seeks to help communities in need through the help of various development organizations and private partner groups.

Robredo said the program has extended assistance to more than 405,000 beneficiaries in 211 cities and municipalities in the country.

“Right from the beginning, trust became our most powerful ally. We evolved into a clearing house of programs that aims to attack poverty in its most crippling form, because those who needed help were looking for empowerment, not just aid,” Robredo said.

“And those who approached us with resources were looking for partners, not just beneficiaries,” she added.

Robredo said the budget for the program is merely “a drop in the bucket” compared to programs of private corporations and the administration.

“But no one can put a price on the transformation and empowerment that is happening in these communities. They are truly priceless,” the Vice President said.

Robredo thanked ANCOP for being one of the program’s most trusted partners in helping the poor by donating  medical items and equipment.

“Indeed, no help is too small. With every help you have given, people’s eyes light up and their smiles beam with happiness and gratitude,” Robredo said. /gsg