MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will prioritize legislation that addresses the immediate needs of ordinary Filipinos in the 20th Congress, with a focus on food security, employment, education, and public health, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said.

“We will build an economy not just for the top 1%, but for the struggling 99% — an economy where ordinary people don’t just survive, they succeed,” Romualdez said during the resumption of session.

He said the House agenda is aligned with the priorities laid out by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“Ang Kongreso ay hindi dapat maging tahanan ng mga pribilehiyo, kundi sandigan ng pangkaraniwang Pilipino,” Romualdez said.

As part of efforts to improve food security, the House will push for the passage of the Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act to ensure affordable rice prices and protect farmers from abuse. Romualdez also vowed to combat smuggling, hoarding, and price manipulation through stronger enforcement and reforms.

“Sa bayan ng masisipag na magsasaka, walang karapatang magutom ang mamamayan,” he said.

He added that infrastructure for irrigation and post-harvest systems would be expanded, along with the promotion of modern farming practices. The “Walang Gutom” program will also be institutionalized in the 2026 national budget, with monthly electronic food credits for vulnerable households.

On employment, Romualdez said Congress would prioritize the creation of decent and sustainable jobs through support for small businesses, training programs from TESDA, and improved access to capital. He also backed the development of key industries such as automotive, electronics, biotechnology, and construction.

“Ang trabaho ay hindi lamang kabuhayan. Kakambal nito ang dangal, ito ang kinabukasan,” he said.

For education, the Speaker said the House would pass the Last Mile Schools Act and push amendments to the E-GASTPE Law to improve access for underserved learners. He also pledged to expand the ARAL Program and boost mental health services in schools.

“Ang edukasyon ay hindi dapat premyo sa may kaya, kundi karapatan ng bawat bata,” Romualdez said.

In health care, he reaffirmed the goal of zero billing in government hospitals and eliminating out-of-pocket costs. Plans include deploying more health workers to underserved areas and ensuring better access to essential medicine.

“Ang tunay na malasakit ay nasusukat sa oras ng pangangailangan. Sa ospital ng gobyerno, walang dapat maghirap para lang mabuhay,” he said.

Peace and order will also be a key priority. Romualdez said this includes support for local peace councils, law enforcement, and national electrification.

“Kapag may kapayapaan, may kinabukasang tiyak,” he said.

The Speaker said defense modernization and disaster resilience would be fast-tracked to protect lives and communities. He also echoed the President’s push for full household electrification by 2028, promising to allocate necessary resources.

On governance, Romualdez called for a more responsive and efficient bureaucracy through digitalization, red tape reduction, and civil service professionalization.

“Hindi na sapat ang ‘puwede na.’ Ang kailangan ng Pilipino: mabilis, maayos at may malasakit na serbisyo,” he said.

He urged his fellow lawmakers to make the 20th Congress a milestone in restoring public trust and delivering meaningful reforms.

“Let the 20th Congress be a turning point — not just in the laws we pass, but in the lives we changed,” he said.

“Hindi sapat ang mga batas na mahusay. Kailangang ito ay may puso. Hindi sapat ang batas na maganda sa papel — dapat ito’y may saysay sa buhay,” he added.

“We are the House of the People. Let us be remembered for being worthy of that name,” Romualdez concluded.