Laws and programs that encapsulate the legacy of the PRRD leadership
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD)’s time in office has been nothing short of historic in more ways than one, not only going through the pandemic for more than two years of his term but through many technological and societal milestones that continue to pave the way for a brighter future for the country. With over 150 laws signed under his administration, the 16th Philippine President has enacted changes that address the welfare of every citizen.
One cannot deny that PRRD has empowered many sectors and institutions that govern our society that ultimately improves our lives one way or another.
President Duterte has empowered many sectors and institutions that govern our society, which ultimately benefits the lives of Filipinos one way or another.
Here are some of the outgoing administration's top achievements.
1. Build, Build, Build (BBB) Program - The centerpiece program of the PRRD administration has yieled 29,264 kilometers of road, 5,950 bridges, 11,340 flood prevention projects, 223 evacuation centers, and 150,149 classrooms. These are just some of the results of impressive and ambitious BBB projects that deliver accessibility and comfort for years to come.
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2. Bayanihan to Heal As One Act (RA 11469) and Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (RA 11494) - The foundation that guides the Philippines’ exceptional pandemic response, which has not only inspired unity in various groups, but supported every Filipino through the provision of free vaccinations, health benefits, and assistance in cash and kind to all, especially the frontliners. Bayanihan to Heal As One Act contains a national policy on the emergency response toward Covid-19, while Bayanihan to Recover as One Act aims to empower the government to stimulate the economy while strengthening the health sector in correspondence to the pandemic.
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3. Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931) - Free tertiary education in state colleges and universities. More than 1.6 million Filipino students are set to graduate this year as full beneficiaries of this program. It grants the youth the opportunity to receive quality education through subsidies, loans, and free tuition for higher, technical, and vocational schooling.
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4. Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223) - This ensures equitable access to quality and cost-effective health care goods and services to all Filipinos. It promotes and protects the right to health of every Filipino and instills health consciousness among them.
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5. Bangsamoro Basic Law (RA 11054) - The creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) not only promotes the independence of the region, it is also the culmination of decades-long peace talks with Muslim rebel groups in Mindanao.
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6. TRAIN (RA 10963) and CREATE (RA 11534) - The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN act corrects a longstanding inequity in the tax system by reducing income taxes. The Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE act, meanwhile, is "a time-bound and tailor-made set of corporate and tax reforms to counter the effects of Covid-19 on the Philippines’ economy," which lessens the financial burden on domestic and foreign companies through tax incentives.
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7. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (RA 11310) - Otherwise known as 4Ps, this central program for poverty reduction in the country provides medical, cash, and educational assistance to more than five million Filipino households in the country.
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8. Balik Scientist Program (RA 11035) - Recognizing the importance of strengthening the scientific and technological resources in the country, the program encourages many scientists to contribute and support research and endeavors towards knowledge and skills building.
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9. Free Irrigation Service Act (RA 10969) - By providing irrigation services and other benefits to more than 5,000 small land-owning farmers, it empowers the agricultural sector to sustain productivity and food self-sufficiency.
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10. Salary Standardization Law (RA 11466) - 1.7 million civilian government workers, from government personnel to public school teachers to nurses would benefit from this salary increase, giving due compensation and improving their standard of living.
