VICTORIAS CITY, Negros Occidental — House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III called on barangay leaders to maximize their extended fixed term by concentrating on public safety, resident welfare, and day-to-day community concerns.
Addressing local officials during the LegisHear consultation in Victorias City, Dy highlighted that extending their term until the November 2028 elections provides grassroot leaders ample time to address pressing local issues.
“Okay na po ang inyong fixed term na ipaliban ng 2028 na ng November ang inyong eleksyon,” Dy said.
“Sapagkat napakarami na dapat pa nating harapin para lalo po inyong mapangalagaan ang ating barangay, lalo-lalo na para maging safe ang ating barangay,” he added.
The House leader emphasized the vital role of local officials in the LegisHear initiative, noting that their direct relationship with residents provides clear insights into issues requiring national legislative action.
He explained that taking Congress directly to the provinces allows lawmakers to gather real-time input rather than relying exclusively on proceedings at the Batasang Pambansa.
Dy shared that the LegisHear program originated in his home province of Isabela before expanding to Butuan, Dumaguete, South Cotabato, and Negros Occidental.
“Gusto naming ilapit po sa inyo ang Kongreso para malaman po namin kung ano ang mga tunay na dapat natin mapag-usapan para lalo pa po natin mapaganda ang lahat ng mga isinusulong na panukalang batas sa 20th Congress,” the Speaker noted.
According to Dy, these consultations give barangay officials a direct line to present local issues to national lawmakers, particularly regarding public safety and family protection. Pointing specifically to child safety, he stressed the need for joint action among Congress, local leaders, parents, and communities to tighten policies against minors accessing firearms in homes.
“Kailangan po natin magtulungan,” Dy urged.
“Tungkulin natin lahat ito na maging ligtas ang ating mga kabataan, nandun sa inyong loob, ng inyong tahanan, at gano’n din paglabas at nandun sa kanilang silid paaralan,” he stated.
Dy encouraged participants to identify loopholes in existing policies and propose actionable solutions based on their frontline experiences, ensuring that future legislation directly addresses the actual needs of Filipino communities.