Matinee idol Piolo Pascual joined the Ang Probinsiyano Party List and recently initiated a charity gift-giving activity at the Quezon City Hall.

Together with Ang Probinsyano Party List (APPL) Cong. Alfred Delos Santos, QC Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) Head Debbie Dacanay, Councilors Dorothy Delarmente and Aiko Melendez, and Cornerstone Entertainment Vice President Jeff Vadillo, Piolo extended assistance to some 100 persons with disabilities (PWDs). 

Piolo took time from taping his new ABS-CBN teleserye "Pamilya Sagrado" to bring cheer and encouragement as he urged the PWDs to look beyond the obstacles. He said, "'Di dapat natin iniisip na kakulangan kung anuman ang kulang sa atin. Bagkus, dapat gamitin natin iyon para maging motivation to be better, na isipin natin na hindi tayo naiiba, kundi ay kasama tayo sa society natin." 

Grocery packs were shared to the PWDs, and wheelchairs were given to select beneficiaries during a short program wherein Cong. Delos Santos committed to submit a Special PWD Act, which will provide P1,000 monthly financial assistance to legitimate PWDs. 

“Tatrabauhin natin iyan sa Kongreso. Alam natin ang hirap ng isang magulang na may anak na PWD o isang ina na PWD na may anak. Sana po maipasa natin ang P1,000 per month assistance,” said Cong. Delos Santos, who also filed a measure seeking for a 20-percent discount for food, medicines and services for PWDs.

The lawmaker also committed to partner with the Quezon City local government for the scholarship of children of PWDs. “Hanggang naririto kami, makakaasa kayo ng tamang edukasyon, kalusugan at pamumuhay para sa inyong lahat,” he said.

Piolo, who was visibly impressed with APPL's advocacies, has likewise pledged to join the party list's other outreach activities and expressed optimism for APPL's plans. Piolo said, "Nakaplano lahat ng outreach natin. Ito pa lang ang simula, at nakakatuwa lalo na kapag natutupad ang mga pangako sa atin."

Filipino boy group Vxon provided a musical performance, and Baileys Acot hosted the event, which was held in collaboration with Mayor Joy Belmonte, the city government of Quezon City, Cornerstone Entertainment, and the Surge Fitness Outreach Program. 

Councilor Delarmente, who represented Mayor Belmonte during the event, thanked Ang Probinsyano Party List, Pascual, Cornerstone Entertainment, and the Surge Fitness Outreach Program for helping the city's PWDs.

"Quezon City is the biggest city in the country with 69,000-plus PWDs. Because of that, we need everyone's help," Delarmente said.

Already in his second term, Cong. Delos Santos currently serves as Deputy Majority Leader and an ex-oficio member of all standing and special committees.