The House of Representatives is placing its ear on the ground in the best possible way.

House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III officially launched on Friday, July 31 in his home province of Isabela a nationwide public consultation initiative dubbed LegisHear, which sought to turn ordinary Filipinos' voices into valuable legislative input.

Speaking before representatives from various sectors at Isabela State University–Echague, Dy said LegisHear translates into action the message he delivered last July 27 at the opening of the second regular session of the 20th Congress—that the House must work harder, listen more intently, and serve with greater accountability.

"Ang layunin nito ay makinig sa ating mga mamamayan, lalong-lalo na tungkol sa pinakamahahalagang programa at mga magiging batas, upang sagutin ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan" said the Speaker.

(The program's purpose is to listen to our people, especially regarding the most important programs and upcoming laws, to address the needs of our citizens.)

"Lalong-lalo na sa dami ng mga pagsubok na ating hinaharap sa buhay, iyan po ang layunin ng ating Bagong Kongreso," noted Dy.

(Especially with the many challenges we face in life, that is the purpose of our New Congress.)

The Speaker said LegisHear was inspired by the extensive public consultations conducted during the House deliberations on the Anti-Political Dynasty Act, where citizens actively participated in shaping the measure.

"Nakita po namin na napakapositibo ng pagtanggap ng ating mga mamamayan sa pag-uusap tungkol sa ganitong klaseng batas na makaaapekto sa ating bansang Pilipinas," shared the ex-Isabela governor.

(We saw that our people responded very positively to the discussion on this kind of law that would affect our country, the Philippines.)

"Kaya po nakita namin na kailangan nating gawin ito upang lalo nating malaman kung ano ang mga pangunahing hakbang at mga panukalang batas na kailangan nating isulong, para lalo nating masagot ang araw-araw na pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan."

(That is why we saw the need to do this, so we can better determine the main steps and proposed laws we must advance, to more effectively address the daily needs of our citizens.)

Under the LegisHear, lawmakers will travel to different regions to engage directly with farmers, fisherfolk, workers, teachers, students, local government officials, civil society organizations, the business sector, and other stakeholders.

National government agencies participating in the initiative will also bring frontline services anchored on existing laws to communities, providing agencies with valuable feedback to improve implementation.

The agencies will likewise conduct focused discussions with stakeholders to gather insights that could strengthen public services and inform future legislative action.

Among the agencies participating in the LegisHear program are the Department of Agriculture, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Also involved are the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Commission on Higher Education, Commission on Elections, Land Transportation Office, Government Service Insurance System, National Bureau of Investigation, National Youth Commission, PAG-IBIG, PhilHealth, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine National Police, Philippine Regulation Commission, Philippine Statistics Authority, and Social Security System.

Dy emphasized that the consultations were particularly significant for Isabela--one of the country’s agricultural powerhouses--as he stressed that support for the nation's farmers remains among the House’s priorities.

“Kilala po tayo sa larangan ng agrikultura. Dapat mapalakas po natin ang ating agrikultura, mapalakas po natin ang ating farmers," said the Speaker.

(We are known in the field of agriculture. We must strengthen our agriculture, we must strengthen our farmers.)

"Ang atin pong pinapangarap ay magandang presyo, maganda ang kita, at magandang suporta ng ating pamahalaan para lalo pang umunlad ang agrikultura, hindi lamang ng ating lalawigan ng Isabela, kundi ng buong bansang Pilipinas," he noted.

(Our dream is fair prices, good income, and strong government support so that agriculture will further progress—not only in our province of Isabela, but in the entire Philippines.)

The House chief said concerns raised during the consultations would help lawmakers identify gaps in existing policies and guide the development of measures that better address the needs of communities across the country.

Dy expressed confidence that the discussions would produce valuable recommendations that would help Congress craft better laws for the benefit of the Filipino people.