TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list marked its 13th founding anniversary with a reaffirmation of its commitment to resilient and people-centered governance, highlighting key laws and ongoing measures that benefit Filipinos across the country.
From its roots in Eastern Visayas, Tingog has expanded into a national movement in Congress, currently represented by Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Jude Acidre, and Andrew Romualdez. Over the years, it has sought to amplify the voices of the marginalized through both legislation and direct community service.
Among its major legislative accomplishments are 71 laws passed, including Republic Act (RA) 12288 or the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act; RA 12199 or the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act; RA 12124, which institutionalizes the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP); and RA 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which establishes disaster preparedness and response facilities.
Tingog has also filed several landmark measures in education such as the proposed Higher Education Development and Innovation Act, the Local Universities and Colleges Governance Act, and amendments to existing laws including RA 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act) and RA 7796 (TESDA Charter).
Aside from education reforms, Tingog has pushed bills aimed at protecting vulnerable groups, including the Magna Carta of Children and the Magna Carta of Workers in the Informal Economy (MACWIE).
Beyond legislation, the party-list has also extended its services to communities nationwide through medical and livelihood assistance, scholarships, disaster relief, and grassroots programs for women, children, and senior citizens.
Rep. Yedda Romualdez described Tingog’s work as “lifelines and opportunities for countless Filipino families.”
“For 13 years, Tingog has been a steadfast advocate for healthcare, education, women, and children. Our legislative victories and ongoing measures are not just accomplishments on paper, they are lifelines and opportunities for countless Filipino families. Each challenge we faced only strengthened our determination to serve with integrity and compassion,” she said.
Rep. Acidre underscored that its strength lies in “listening to communities” and crafting long-term solutions.’
“Our journey has never been without trials, but Tingog has endured and emerged stronger because our foundation has always been the people we represent,” he said.
For his part, Rep. Andrew Romualdez emphasized the importance of partnerships with government agencies, local government units, and civic groups in ensuring inclusive reforms.
“As we celebrate 13 years, Tingog looks forward to deepening reforms in health, education, and social protection,” he said.
Now entering its 13th year, Tingog vowed to continue pursuing reforms in health, education, social protection, and workers’ welfare.
“Nakikinig. Nagsisilbi,” the group said in a statement, stressing that the voice of the people remains its driving force in Congress.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)