Speaker vows no province will be left behind as House resumes session

House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III pledged that no province will be left behind in the country’s development, assuring local communities—particularly those in Mindanao—that the House of Representatives will continue pushing measures aimed at expanding opportunities and improving the lives of Filipinos.

In a message delivered on his behalf by Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez during South Cotabato’s 60th Foundation Anniversary and the 27th T’nalak Festival on Saturday, Dy said Congress remains committed to ensuring that national progress reaches every part of the country.

“As Congress resumes its work, we carry with us a simple commitment: No province should be left behind. No community should be overlooked. And every Filipino—especially our kababayan in Mindanao—deserves the opportunity to succeed,” Dy said.

He cited South Cotabato as an example of what can be achieved when government and citizens work together over the past six decades.

“Every great community is woven together by people who choose unity over division; who choose service over self-interest; and who believe that our diversity is our greatest strength,” he said.

Drawing inspiration from the T’nalak Festival, Dy likened the province’s traditional handwoven fabric to nation-building, saying progress is created through the collective efforts of communities despite cultural differences.

“Progress is never woven by one person. It is woven by an entire community,” he said.

Dy also highlighted priority measures approved by the House before the close of the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress, including the expansion of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Program, the strengthening of the Last Mile Schools Program, and the proposed National Nutrition Program.

He said the House will continue pursuing legislation that directly addresses the needs of local communities as Congress opens its Second Regular Session.

“Laws matter. But what matters even more is whether people actually feel the difference. Because the true measure of every law is not what is written on paper. It is what changes in people’s lives,” Dy said.