14-07-2025
Romualdez holds consultative meeting with Mindanao lawmakers
Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, the presumptive Speaker for the 20th Congress, on Monday met with 16 lawmakers from Mindanao, including five from Davao Region, for a "wide-ranging dialogue."
In a statement, Romualdez said he met the lawmakers in Butuan City, Surigao del Norte to discuss 'local development needs, national policy alignment, and shared legislative goals,' and hold a listening session for the lawmakers to raise urgent concerns, propose policy interventions, and ensure their advocacies are integrated into the national agenda.
The Mindanao lawmakers he met with are:
Jose 'Joboy' Aquino II (Butuan City)
Dale Corvera (Agusan del Norte)
Alfelito Bascug (Agusan del Sur)
Adolph Edward Plaza (Agusan del Sur)
Francisco Matugas (Surigao del Norte)
Romeo Momo (Surigao del Sur)
Alexander Ty Pimentel (Surigao del Sur)
Kaka Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands)
Lordan Suan (Cagayan de Oro City)
Yevgeny Vicente 'Bambi' Emano (Misamis Oriental)
Arlyn Ayon (SWERTE Party-list)
Maria Carmen Zamora (Davao de Oro)
Leonel 'Jhong' Ceniza (Davao de Oro)
Nelson Dayanghirang Jr. (Davao Oriental)
De Carlo 'Oyo' Uy (Davao del Norte)
John Tracy Cagas (Davao del Sur)
The lawmakers hail from the ruling party Lakas-CMD which is led by Romualdez, the Nacionalista Party, the National Unity Party, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, and the Liberal Party, as well as an Independent.
'This forum is more than a gathering of colleagues—it is a reflection of our commitment to listening, learning, and legislating for the people. We are united not just by party lines, but by our shared duty to uplift every Filipino,' Romualdez said.
The main topic of the meeting was the House-to-House Agenda, a seven-point framework that outlines the legislative priorities of the 20th Congress towards development:
Food Security - supporting agricultural modernization and regional food systems to ensure accessible and affordable food;
Clean Water Access - expanding infrastructure for safe and reliable water, especially in underserved areas;
Affordable and Stable Electricity - promoting energy reforms and rural electrification to boost local productivity and quality of life;
Reliable Transportation - strengthening connectivity through roads, ports, and transport systems that link communities to opportunities;
Sustainable Livelihood - empowering MSMEs, cooperatives, and local industries to create dignified, long-term employment;
Accessible Healthcare - enhancing public health services, including rural hospitals and barangay health stations; and
Quality Education - improving access through investment in schools, teacher support, and digital learning platforms.
'We are here to listen. We are here to understand your realities, your aspirations, and your solutions. The 20th Congress is committed to being a partner in turning regional visions into national progress,' Romualdez added.
He was joined by former Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio 'Dong' Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David 'Jay-jay' Suarez of Quezon.
Romualdez added that the House of Representatives will institutionalize more regional consultations in the months ahead.
At least 283 members of the House have already expressed their support for Romualdez's reelection as Speaker for the 20th Congress, which First Regular Session will open on July 28.
The Davao Region, on the other hand, is considered the bailiwick of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his family. — BM, GMA Integrated News
