Pangilinan backs VP Leni's inspiring approach to COVID-19

SENATOR Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan fully agrees with Vice President Leni Robredo's "comprehensive, inclusive, and participatory approach" in the fight against the spread of COVID-19), emphasizing that the country needs clear and concrete actions rather than baseless rhetoric.

"Sa simula pa lang, mabilis ang naging pagkilos ni Vice President Leni para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga apektadong sektor," Pangilinan said.

"Her comprehensive, inclusive, and participatory approach inspires others to unite and work together," he added.

At the start of the lockdowns imposed by the Administration due to the pandemic, Robredo immediately buckled down to work, distributing personal protective equipment (PPEs), medical equipment, face masks, face shields, and alcohol to various hospitals and health centers, including rural health units and barangays.

The Vice President also provided free board and shuttle service to front-liners in Metro Manila and shuttle service to Cebu-based front-liners immediately following the declaration of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

In addition, Robredo was among the first to distribute immediate relief, such as hot meals, food packs and hygiene kits to vulnerable communities and sectors of the urban poor, jeepney and tricycle drivers, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

The Vice President also came up with online platforms such as Bayanihan Mart and Community Mart to provide wet market vendors, online sellers, and tricycle drivers a chance to earn a livelihood during the lockdowns.

The Office of the Vice President assisted locally stranded individuals (LSIs) in various sites through hot meals, blankets, food packs, hygiene kits, provision of bus/transport, funding support for swab/rapid testing and employment opportunities.

As for distance learning, Robredo also launched a drive to collect used gadgets such as tablets, laptops, and mobile phones to be distributed to students who cannot afford to buy them for their online classes.

Robredo also established community learning hubs -- equipped with laptops, desktop computers, photocopying machines, internet connection, and cleaning materials -- where students can access modules and tutorial from volunteers.

She also initiated the creation of instructional videos that will help equip both students and teachers with knowledge regarding distance and blended system of learning.

Just recently, Robredo established a website called Bayanihanapbuhay, an online jobs platform where unemployed Filipinos can look for jobs.

"Ang layo-layo nito sa mga salitang i-spray-an ng insecticide ang buong bansa, hugasan ng gasolina ang mask, o maupo at mag-antay na lang ng bakuna," said Pangilinan.

Pangilinan said Robredo has been a shining beacon of dependable leadership and genuine concern for Filipinos affected by the pandemic.

"Tanging ang sama-samang pagkilos at pagkakaisa ng taumbayan at ng pamahalaan tungo sa pagpapatupad ng isang maliwanag at konkretong stratehiya laban sa COVID ang susi sa ating kaligtasan. Ito ang ipinapamalas sa atin ng ating Bise Presidente," Pangilinan said.