NO PROVINCE SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND AS HOUSE PUSHES FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT – SPEAKER DY  

In a message delivered on his behalf by Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez during the 60th Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato and the 27th T’nalak Festival on Saturday, Dy said the progress achieved by South Cotabato over the past six decades demonstrates what can be accomplished when government and citizens work together.

“Every great community is woven together by people who choose unity over division; who choose service over self-interest; and who believe that our diversity is our greatest strength,” Dy said.

“Progress is never woven by one person. It is woven by an entire community. At ang paghahabi ng kinabukasang iyon ay hindi natatapos sa isang pagdiriwang.”

Drawing inspiration from the T’nalak Festival, the Speaker likened the province’s colorful handwoven fabric to the collective effort required to build stronger communities despite differences in culture and tradition.

Dy also highlighted several education and nutrition measures approved by the House before the close of the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress, including the expansion of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Program, the strengthening of the Last Mile Schools Program, and the proposed National Nutrition Program, which seeks to expand school-based feeding and other nutrition interventions for Filipino children.

“Laws matter. But what matters even more is whether people actually feel the difference. Because the true measure of every law is not what is written on paper—it is what changes in people’s lives,” he said.

As Congress prepares to open its Second Regular Session, Dy said the House remains focused on passing legislation that responds to the real needs of Filipinos.

“Patuloy naming pakikinggan ang tinig ng ating mga lokal na pamahalaan at ng ating mga mamamayan upang matiyak na ang bawat batas na aming ipinapasa ay tumutugon sa tunay ninyong pangangailangan at sa mga hamong kinakaharap ng inyong mga komunidad,” he said.

Dy likewise underscored the House’s commitment to equitable national development, particularly for communities outside Metro Manila.

“As Congress resumes its work, we carry with us a simple commitment: No province should be left behind. No community should be overlooked. And every Filipino—especially our kababayan in Mindanao—deserves the opportunity to succeed,” he said.