As she takes on her new role in Congress, celebrity and fashion icon Love Marie “Heart” Ongpauco-Escudero said she is now ready to face the challenge as the new president of the Senate Spouses Foundation, Inc. (SSFI).

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday, June 5, stepped aside for his wife, who officially took her oath as the new head of the SSFI.

“As I stand here in front of all of you, all these wonderful men and women it is an honor and I just feel very grateful that I have your full support,” Evangelista-Escudero said in her speech.

“Like I said in our very first meeting I am ready to honor the challenge of working together to find ways to uplift our people and our communities.
The legacies left by all the wonderful ladies before me, and the testimonies of all of the service to the nation, the treasured stories encourage me to continue what they have started – to make a difference and to inspire not just the members of SSFI but most importantly to important groups and individuals who have the power to do something in improving the lives of people around us,” she said.

“With your support, fellow spouses, SSFI support staff, the Senate community and, of course, Senate President Chiz, I am bravely taking on these duties. It is inspiring to see what we can accomplish and what kind of changes we can all make together,” she further said.

In an interview after the oath-taking ceremony, Evangelista-Escudero said she has already started holding meetings with her staff and other senators’ spouses.

“You know, I am very hardworking so kahit ano naman ang ibigay sa akin tatanggapin ko (so whatever work is given me, I would accept it). Hindi rin ako (I also don’t do) half-baked gumawa (work). So I’m willing to really work,” she said.

Escudero’s wife also said the public can expect her to do a “little bit of a modern approach” as head of the SSFI.

“I’ll try to add a few more sustainability, like programs that we can help out. So yes, (I’ll work) full time,” she said.

Asked if she is willing to sacrifice some of her career, Evangelista-Escudero said she believes it is still all about maintaining a balancing act.

“Pero may mga bills pa ako so kailangan ko pang magtrabaho (But I still have bills to pay, so I still need to work). But it’s all about balancing and you know, distributing your time. Kaya naman. Kakayanin na lang (We can do it. I believe we can still do it),” she pointed out.