It's been a busy 19th Congress so far for Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, who managed to file over 60 measures from July to September 2022 while juggling various pet projects aimed at benefiting marginalized sectors in his district.
These include House Bill (HB) 4809, which aims to provide frand streamlined freight services in the transportation of relief goods to disaster-stricken areas; HB 4697, which seeks to institutionalize the grant of scholarships to public school teachers and educational assistance to their children pursuing college studies; and HB 3382, which mandates the national and local governments to purchase the produce of local farmers and other food producers for relief operations and school feeding programs.
Duterte’s recent legislative measures also aim to improve the dispensation of justice by proposing the creation of three additional municipal trial courts in Davao City (HB 3272); secure the country’s energy needs by promoting the development of the Philippine natural gas industry (HB 4097); and protect the rights and welfare of freelance workers (HB 3738).
But legislation is just one facet of a congressman's duties.
From July to September of this year, a total of 8,160 fisherfolk and 5,799 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Davao City were able to avail of the emergency employment under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Disadvantaged/Displaced Worker ((TUPAD) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Although through TUPAD, the second-term solon closely coordinated with DOLE in granting TUPAD benefits to 923 street vendors.
“We had carefully profiled the TUPAD applicants to ensure that only those who deserve them are granted the benefits of the program. We are continuing to screen thousands of other applicants, especially those severely affected by the economic shock from the pandemic, to assist the DOLE in effectively implementing TUPAD in Davao City,” said Duterte, a former deputy speaker in the House of Representatives.
TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, the underemployed, and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not exceeding 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.
Duterte’s office has also provided scholarships and educational assistance to 802 students, while another 207 individuals have been granted free training programs from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) from July to September of this year.
In partnership with Benguet lone district Rep. Eric Yap, Duterte also turned over five patient transport vehicles to improve the delivery of medical care to Davao City’s 1st district residents.
During the three-month span, Duterte also initiated the construction of nine buildings to serve the needs of Davao City residents. These include evacuation centers, multipurpose buildings, and Lamayan ng Bayan buildings for the use of Davaoeños who cannot afford funeral services for their departed loved ones.
The Mindanaoan also helped shoulder the funeral bills of the families of 1,737 deceased residents.
Duterte’s office also facilitated the grant of hospitalization and medical assistance at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City to 4,532 individuals, including local indigent senior citizens. A total of 8,929 beneficiaries seeking treatment in private hospitals were provided medical assistance from June to September 2022.
The House of Representatives is currently on a month-long recess, when most members are expected to go back to the districts and touch base with constituents.