TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre has been named one of the Philippines’ Ten Outstanding Legislators for 2026, earning third place in the congressmen category for his legislative work and advocacy, particularly in education and community development.
The recognition, announced by the organizers of the Ten Outstanding Legislators (TOL) Awards, cited the lawmakers’ dedication to public service, legislative excellence and commitment to their communities.
Acidre chairs the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and serves as co-chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II).
Among the key measures he championed is the Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) Schools Act, which was signed into law as Republic Act No. 12321 in July 2026. Acidre principally authored and sponsored the measure, which seeks to improve access to education for learners in remote and geographically isolated communities.
He is also listed by the House of Representatives as a principal author of several measures in the 20th Congress covering education, agriculture, health, internet services and economic recovery.
In Eastern Visayas, Acidre has pushed measures supporting educational institutions and infrastructure, including a proposal to convert the San Isidro Satellite Campus of Leyte Normal University into a regular campus and initiatives involving higher education in Southern Leyte.
His inclusion in the TOL 2026 list adds to the recognition of his legislative efforts aimed at addressing the needs of learners and underserved communities.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
