THE House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez launched on Tuesday the “Young Guns on the Move” television program aimed at enabling the formulation of better and more responsive legislation.
In a press briefing that followed the launching, Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez said giving the young legislators the opportunity to go around the country and promote the different districts and provinces is important and beneficial.
“Napakahalaga na maikot ng ating mga mambabatas ang iba’t ibang sulok ng ating bansa. Let us not forget (that) these young guns are legislators of our country. And the better that they see the contour, the situation, the terrain, the life of our countrymen in the different districts, in the different provinces, then they can enact better legislation and better laws for our country,” Suarez said.
Suarez said limiting the young lawmakers in their respective districts will limit their information and knowledge on other places in the country.
“But allowing them to tour, to see, to appreciate and to understand the scope of the Philippines na sasabayan mo ng vigor, innovation, creativity and dynamism that they already possess, I feel we can develop a new brand and a new generation of better legislators of our country. This is one positive move when it comes to developing future public servants and future leaders for the Philippines,” he said.
PBA Party-list Rep. Margarita “Atty. Migs” Nograles said “Young Guns on the Move” will show how the neophyte lawmakers help people with their projects and programs. It will also showcase tourist spots and culinary arts in the country.
“It’s not just showcasing that we are the next generation of leaders. Kumbaga kami po iyong mga nilagay ninyo sa puwesto at kung ano po mga ginagawa namin. It’s also to inspire the young ones, especially those aspiring to be the next future leaders pag tumanda-tanda rin naman kami,” she said.
Nograles thanked Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for supporting and giving the opportunity to the young lawmakers, as well as their “roadshow manager” Deputy Speaker Suarez and the more senior members of Congress who are always ready to mentor them.
Sorsogon Rep. Maria Bernadette Escudero added that another aim of the “Young Guns on the Move” is to showcase the provinces through the young lawmakers’ own eyes.
“Marami ng travel shows na nagkalat ngayon sa TV, but this one is unique, this is through the eyes of the congressmen. Kitang-kita mo locally kung paano namin nakikita ung probinsiya namin and it’s a nice way to be able to share it to the public I think even after the elections tuloy tuloy ito until we are able to showcase all the provinces,” Escudero said.
Each episode will be hosted by a different young legislator or legislators who will take viewers on a tour of their district, showcasing 1) district work and projects and best practices, highlighting the initiatives and accomplishments of the legislators; 2) district office and services, providing insight into the support and services available to constituents; 3) local tourist spots, promoting the unique attractions within the district; and 4) popular food and local businesses, featuring the culinary delights and local enterprises that define the area.
The pilot episode features the first district of Leyte, hosted by Speaker Romualdez and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre.
The TV program airs every Thursday from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. via PTV 4, Congress TV, Channel 14 Metro Manila, Channel 46 on the GMA Affordabox, and Channel 2 on the ABS-CBN TV plus, as well as through the official Facebook page and Youtube Channel of Young Guns of the 19th Congress.