Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (center, seated) poses with 27 provincial governors during a dinner meeting late Thursday to discuss local concerns and promote a whole-of-government approach in addressing poverty and other national challenges. Also present in the gathering was Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, underscoring the importance of national and local collaboration in implementing programs that will benefit grassroots communities across the country. The event highlights Speaker Romualdez’s commitment to opening communication lines between the House of Representatives and provincial leaders.
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez met with 27 provincial governors on Thursday night to enlist their help in a whole-of-government approach to fight poverty and other problems the nation and their communities are facing.
The meeting was also attended by former Congressman Anton Lagdameo, who is special assistant to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., giving the governors the opportunity to discuss their concerns with him.
During the meeting, Speaker Romualdez underscored the importance of cooperation between the national government and local government units to achieve meaningful progress in confronting poverty and other issues.
“The problems we face – poverty, lack of infrastructure, health and education disparities – require the collective will and resources of the entire government. I am calling on all of you, our provincial governors, to be our partners in this whole-of-government approach,” he said.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House said President Marcos is targeting to reduce the poverty rate to single digit by the end of his six-year term in 2028.
“Let us help our beloved President to attain that goal, which means getting millions of Filipinos out of poverty,” he added.
He pointed out that governors and local officials can help in substantially reducing poverty by assisting the national government in keeping food prices down and improving agricultural productivity, and in efficiently delivering services to their communities.
Speaker Romualdez also expressed his intention to build stronger ties with local leaders and vowed to keep the lines of communication open.
“This event is just the beginning. I am inspired to reach out to more governors moving forward, and I want to assure you that my office in the House of Representatives will always be open to any governor who wishes to discuss solutions for their provinces,” he said.
For his part, Lagdameo echoed the call for cooperation, acknowledging the essential role of provincial governors in ensuring that national programs are successfully implemented on the ground.
The provincial governors expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to raise local concerns directly with Speaker Romualdez and Secretary Lagdameo.
The House leader concluded the meeting by reiterating his commitment to legislative support that will benefit the provinces and ensure that no Filipino is left behind.
The governors who attended the meeting are Ben Evardone (Eastern Samar), Victor Yu (Zamboanga del Sur), Alexander Pimentel (Surigao del Sur), Yvonne Cagas (Davao del Sur), Emmylou Mendoza (Cotabato), Edwin Ongchuan (Northern Samar), Ysmael Sali (Tawi-Tawi);
Reynaldo Tamayo (South Cotabato), Dakila Cua (Quirino), Ramon Guico III (Pangasinan), Malou Cayco (Batanes), Jerry Singson (Ilocos Sur), Elias Bulut (Apayao), Enrique Garcia (Bataan), Jun Ebdane (Zambales), Melchor Diclas (Benguet), James Edubba (Kalinga), Jerry Dalipog (Ifugao), Bonifacio Lacwasan (Mountain Province);
Jose Riano (Romblon), Ricarte Padilla (Camarines Norte), Nina Ynares (Rizal), Joseph Cua (Catanduanes), JC Rahman Nava (Guimaras), Arthur Defensor Jr. (Iloilo), Jake Villa (Siquijor), and Xavier Jesus Romualdo (Camiguin).
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