DAVAO CITY – Rep. Paolo Duterte of the first congressional district here revealed his accomplishment for 2024 on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Duterte distributed 35,457 food packs with containers, another 18,462 food packs, and 10,087 packed lunches to underserved communities.
His office fulfilled 232 solicitations, provided 243 wheelchairs and 40 tents, and contributed 58 motorcycles to barangays to strengthen community security.
Duterte assisted 18,673 patients and 1,557 senior citizens at the Southern Philippine Medical Center here, 1,308 cancer patients, and 6,459 patients in private hospitals. He aided 1,542 people undergoing dialysis and 1,959 families received burial assistance.
He extended assistance to 584 families or 1,320 individuals affected by fire incidents and 2,879 families or 8,822 individuals affected by flash floods.
Duterte supported 1,600 college scholars, 24 medicine post-graduates, and six post-graduates in law school.
Apologies
The lawmaker apologized for the limited assistance due to recent challenges but he assured his constituents and the people of Davao City that he remains committed to doing his utmost to address their needs.
“I know that many of you are feeling the challenges of these difficult times and the oppression brought upon us by those in power in the capital. I humbly ask for your forgiveness as the assistance we can offer you remains limited,” Duterte said.
The lawmaker recalled that during the administration of his father, President Rodrigo Duterte, such instances of selective service provision and blatant misuse of public funds never occurred.
“As a fellow Davaoeño, I appreciate your patience and understanding. In due time, this flawed governance will end, and it won’t be long before everything returns to normal. I’m deeply grateful and cannot fully express how much we appreciate your love and trust in us,” he said.
House bills
Rep. Duterte introduced seven House bills with significant proposals.
Among these are:
-- HB 10744 requires elected and appointed public officials, including the President, to undergo random drug testing through hair follicle test every six months.
-- HB 10064 that protects the Indigenous Peoples’ community's intellectual rights.
-- HB 9999 for the greening, forest rehabilitation, and local climate change action on the barangay level.
-- Republic Act 11997 or The Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act.
The lawmaker also introduced House Resolution No. 1745 seeking a congressional probe into extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses in the country in the last 25 years to scrutinize the circumstances behind these incidents.
Duterte, in his second term, cited the ongoing construction of the Davao Coastal Road and the 818-meter Maa-Magtuod Flyover that the Department of Public Works and Highways-11 said are nearing completion.
He said these accomplishments are a testament to their efforts to serve their constituents and the people of Davao City and address their needs through comprehensive programs, legislative action, and strategic initiatives.