Senator Cynthia A. Villar today June 28 congratulated all members of the prestigious Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) for their genuine and sincere humanitarian services to the Filipino people during the past several years.
"These selflessness and unity have inspired so many of our countrymen to also do their part in the noble task of nation building," she said.
Villar was the guest speaker during the organization's 43rd Founding Anniversary Celebration and 42nd National Assembly (Second Regular Session).
But unlike other similar cause-oriented socio-civic organizations, Villar stressed this organization is island borne, or authentically Filipino.
"In a country like the Philippines where the poverty incidence has risen to 26 million or just below 25 percent of the population (23.7 percent Philippine Statistics Authority) as of January 2022, civic consciousness and participation in our community affairs, respect to law and order under the democratic processes is important," said Villar.
Saying that they are one with the group, Villar related that in 1995, their family put up the Villar Social Institute on Poverty Alleviation and Governance or VILLAR SIPAG to support projects to help our less fortunate countrymen break free from the clutches of poverty.
"Over the years, our advocacies and beneficiaries have expanded and diversified in order to reach more people and sectors of the society: the youth, women, OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), the farmers and fisherfolks, the environment and the church. We strive to give opportunities to the disadvantaged for them to go beyond their limitations and pursue meaningful lives in the community," she said.
Villar spelled out their major endeavors include the 1-River Rehabilitation Programs & Social Enterprises in Las Piñas City with the following programs:
. - The Water Hyacinth Weaving Enterprise;
- The Coconut Coir and Peat Enterprise;
- Las Piñas Handloom Weaving Centers;
- Solid Waste Management;
- Bamboo culms were planted along the riverbanks to support the three (3) generations city parol industry or Christmas lanterns; and
- Turning plastic wastes into useful school chairs.
She said they also have the annual OFW and Family Summit, the Villar SIPAG Youth Awards and the Villar SIPAG Awards on Poverty Reduction.