Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday reaffirmed his partnership with the local leaders of Pangasinan as he extended help to 2,000 barangay captains and civilian volunteer organizations (CVOs) in the province.
“Iyon po ang ipinunta ko ngayon – to reaffirm to all of you ang private po naming usapan Governor Mon Guico: Ang aming usapan po ay partnership,” Cayetano said in his speech to provincial and local officials in Pangasinan on January 12, 2023.
The aid, which was a combined effort of Cayetano and Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, was given to barangay captains and the CVOs from the nine towns and the lone city of the province.
“Sabi ni Governor (Guico III), ‘Ako na bahala sa [aid for the] government officials, y’ung pondo mo naman na pwede sa hindi government officials – sa ating farmers, fishermen, barangay health workers, may-ari ng karinderya o sari-sari store – sa’yo naman [nakatoka] ‘yan,” the Senator said.
He said he had asked help from Senators Pia Cayetano and Joel Villanueva to augment the aid he and Guico had prepared for the barangay captains and the CVOs.
Cayetano expressed his appreciation to the barangay captains whose role, he said, is among the “most difficult” among all government officials yet are given fewer resources than other government agencies.
“Ang kapitan mo ang presiding officer sa legislative. Kapitan mo ang chief executive officer. Siya rin ang head ng barangay justice system. Kalahati ng trabaho ng Presidente, ng governor, mayor, congressman, senador, sa inyo rin pinapasa eh,” he said.
“So mga kapitan, ipaabot niyo lang [ang inyong mga kailangan] sa inyong mga konsehal, kay mayor, vice mayor… and of course kay governor,” he added.
Respect, cooperation, partnership
Cayetano and Guico had worked alongside each other as fellow members of the House of Representatives during the 18th Congress.
Recalling their work during his Speakership, Cayetano commended the governor for his work ethic.
“Si Monmon po tahimik pero kahit hindi niya trabaho, kung kaya niyang gawin, gagawin niya,” he said.
Cayetano also noted that respect between government officials makes cooperation and partnership easier, consequently benefiting the people under their respective jurisdictions.
He cited in particular his legislative agenda to build health centers in all barangays in the country, which he is also pursuing in his own capacity with the help of his sister, Senator Pia.
“Hindi po building lang o kwarto tapos health center na. Naghahanap po kami ng mga mayor, congressman, at governor na makaka-partner,” he said.
“Gagawin po naming world class y’ung building n’ung health center. Dalawa po y’un, ordinary health center at super health center,” he added.
In Cayetano’s home city of Taguig, there are more than 30 health centers that benefit 28 barangays. There are also three super barangay health centers for each cluster that are open 24 hours a day.
“Kumpleto sa doktor, may paanakan, kumpleto sa laboratory na Philhealth-accredited para walang bayad, at may pharmacy,” he said.
The Senator said this is doable for all barangays through partnerships.
“Hahanap tayo ng partner sa Philhealth, hahanap tayo ng partner kay Governor Guico, kay mayor, kay kapitan para magawa natin ‘to lahat,” he added.
Present in the event were Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino; Congressman Arthur Celeste; Board Members Arthur Celester Jr, Apolonia Bacay, Napoloen Fontelera; Alaminos Acting Vice Mayor Ion Fontelera, Anda Mayor Jogannie Rarang, Bani Mayor Facundo “Boying” Palafox; Bolinao Mayor Alfonso Celeste; Burgos Mayor Jester Allan Valenzuela; Dasol Mayor Rizalde Bernal; Infanta Marvin Martinez; and Mabini Mayor Colin Reyes.
