Isabela: The newly launched LegisHear program will help the House of Representatives craft more responsive legislation by bringing lawmakers directly to communities and giving Filipinos, particularly those in the agriculture sector, a greater voice in the legislative process.
According to Philippines News Agency, speaking during the inaugural LegisHear consultation at Isabela State University in Echague on Friday, House Speaker Faustino Dy III said the nationwide initiative aims to ensure that Congress hears firsthand the concerns and recommendations of citizens before drafting or refining laws.
He mentioned that face-to-face consultations and coordination with stakeholders would enable lawmakers to perform their duties more effectively by identifying issues that may have been overlooked in the legislative process and ensuring that proposed measures respond to the needs of the people, as stated in a news release.
The Speaker, who represents Isabela's Sixth District, emphasized the importance of holding the first consultation in one of the country's leading agricultural provinces. He noted, "Kilala po tayo sa larangan ng agrikultura. Dapat mapalakas po natin ang ating agrikultura, mapalakas po natin ang ating (We are known in the field of agriculture. We must strengthen agriculture, strengthen our) farmers."
Dy expressed the aspiration for better prices, income, and government support to enhance the agriculture sector, not only in Isabela but throughout the Philippines. He stressed that the concerns raised during the consultations would help lawmakers identify gaps in existing policies and guide the formulation of measures that better address the needs of communities nationwide.
The first LegisHear consultation assembled representatives from various sectors, including farmers, fisherfolk, educators, students, local government officials, civil society organizations, and national government agencies to discuss key policy issues and the implementation of existing laws. Participating government agencies also delivered frontline services while gathering public feedback to help improve government service delivery.
