TRUE to the meaning of its partylist name, An Waray, which translates to “Para sa Wala” in Filipino, vows sustained assistance to the marginalized sectors of the country through legislation and social programs.
In his visit in the province on Monday afternoon, April 18, An Waray Partylist third nominee Leo Carmelo “Toto” Locsin Jr. bared the plans of their groups to help uplift the lives of needy Filipinos.
In terms of social programs, Locsin said An Waray Partylist has long been delivering medical, educational, livelihood and other forms of assistance to indigent Filipinos.
Since its election in 2004, An Waray Partylist was able to provide medical assistance to two million patients, scholarship grants to 15,000 students, numerous relief aid, and livelihood support to farmers and fishermen.
“Ang An Waray ay para sa mga wala or sa mga marginalized sector ng lipunan. Nagbibigay kami ng emphasis sa social programs dahil ito ang kailangan ng mga tao at ito ay kailangan urgently,” he said.
Meanwhile, Locsin said the partylist will also push for legislative measures that will solve some of the perennial problems of Filipino community.
In particular, he mentioned the need to pass a bill that will ensure the preparedness of local government units and communities from any kinds of disaster.
“Sa amin sa Region 8, parating nasasalanta ng bagyo katulad nitong ‘Agaton.’ Dito rin sa inyo sa Pampanga, problema ang prolonged flooding kaya dapat talaga standardized ang disaster preparedness. Bawat LGUs may necessary equipment, ang mga rescuers ay skilled, ang mga infrastructure ay disaster-proof, at ang mga tao ay educated sa kung ano ang dapat gawin sa ganung eventualities,” Locsin added.
Locsin also disclosed that An Waray Partylist will also put focus on assisting Filipino farmers and their families.
“Ang isa sa mga programa ng An Waray ay ang pagbigay ng cash assistance sa ating mga farmers para hindi na sila manghiram ng pangpuhunan na mataas pa ang interes. Tayo na mismo ang tutulong para iyong kikitain nila ay mapunta talaga sa kanilang pamilya,” he said.
Returning fourth district Representative Anna York Bondoc, who joined Locsin in his visit to the province, vouched for credibility and track record of An Waray Partylist.
Endorsing to her fellow Kapampangans, Bondoc said she have seen the works of the partylist in helping the marginalized sector of the community.
“It is very important to have a trusted partylist. Pero ang tanong diyan ay how do you trust a partylist? Siyempre dapat ang tinitignan natin ay iyong may track record, ano na ang nagawa at ano pa gagawin. At ako alam ko na ang An Waray Partylist ay may track record kaya we are going with the partylist that we know and trust who has helped people previously,” Bondoc said.