Legarda to prioritize job creation, health care, environment protection

Legarda with supporters in Batangas City

MANILA, Philippines — Three-term senator and now senatorial candidate Loren Legarda was in Batangas recently to share her platform and long-time advocacies on environmental protection and climate change adaptation, employment and livelihood creation, health care and other priorities.

Legarda said various training programs and livelihood assistance she initiated have resulted in the productivity and employability of Batangueño workers. Among these are the DOLE Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Worker (TUPAD), DOLE Pangkabuhayan, DOLE Government Internship Program (GIP), DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), TESDA Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), and TESDA Special Training for Employment Program (STEP).

“These trying times have caused financial problems, especially to the marginalized sectors of our community. Due to the pandemic, some are still grappling to recover while many lost their jobs, livelihood and only sources of income, and having programs like these will help cushion the effects of unemployment and poverty in Batangas and other areas in the country,” she said.

Heeding the call for sustainable and resilient development, Legarda said she allocated P60 million funding under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the Protection and Rehabilitation of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems within the Municipalities of Lian, Nasugbu and Calatagan.

In the aftermath of Taal Volcano eruption in 2021, Legarda likewise allotted P500,000 for the local governments of Taal, Balete, Lemery, Laurel, San Nicolas, Mataas na Kahoy, Agoncillo, Cuenca, Talisay, and Tanauan under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) of the DSWD.

During her stint as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, she sponsored the allocation of funds under the 2018 and 2019 General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the construction and rehabilitation of multi-purpose buildings, community center, drainage, bridges and farm to market roads.

Legarda also provided funds for the equipment and furniture of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Calatagan, Batangas. Through her initiative, funds were also allocated under the National Housing Authority (NHA) in 2018 for the relocation of informal settlers in Barangays Cuta and Sta. Clara, Batangas City.

Moreover, Legarda assured that the DOH Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP), as well as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) under the DSWD, are made available in all public health facilities in Batangas. She likewise allocated funds for the procurement of medical equipment for Calatagan Medicare Hospital under the 2017 and 2018 GAA.

“Bilang inyong boses at representate sa Kongreso, titiyakin ko na ang bawat Pilipino ay makakakuha ng de-kalidad, sapat, at tapat na serbisyo sa kalusugan, edukasyon, pangkabuhayan, at sustenableng kapaligiran, lalo na para sa ating mga kababayan na nasa laylayan. Makakaasa kayong kasama ninyo ako sa pagpapatupad ng ating hangarin na mapaunlad at sama-samang maibangon mula sa pandemya at pagsubok hindi lamang ang probinsya ng Batangas, pati na rin ang buong bansa, (As your voice and representative in Congress, I will ensure that every Filipino will receive adequate, quality health services, education, livelihood opportunities and sustainable environment, especially the marginalized. I share your desire for development and post-pandemic recovery not only of Batangas, but the entire Philippines, ” Legarda concluded.

/MUF