Cayetano lauded for leadership
PANGASINAN 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia has lauded former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano for his leadership during his 15-month term as head of the House of Representatives, saying it opened the discussion on the plight of the creative industries.
“‘Yan ay isang konsepto na hindi kaagad naiintindihan ng lahat ng tao,” de Venecia said during a short program on July 6 in Dagupan City where Cayetano had introduced the “Alan Sari-sari Store Community” program to 100 sari-sari store owners.
“Maraming agam-agam at mga hindi nauunawaan sa sektor na ‘to pero sa ating pakikipagtulungan kay Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano ay talagang nabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon para maging kauna-unahang chairperson ng Special Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts sa bansa,” de Venecia added.
De Venecia said Cayetano believed in advocating for the creative industries during his term as Speaker.
“Sa totoo lang, kung wala ang committee na ito, baka nakapila ako sa iba’t ibang komite at hindi napa-prioritize kasi hindi naman ‘sexy’ y’ung usapin ng creative industries,” De Venecia said.
“Pero dahil nagkaroon tayo ng komite, linggo-linggo ay mayroon tayong mga hearings. Mas nauunawaan natin ang sektor, na kung hindi niyo naitatanong ay 7.34 percent ng GDP ng buong bansa at ‘yan ay ni halos walang tulong pa [mula] sa gobyerno,” he added.
De Venecia also noted that through the committee, they have managed to speak to around 35 sectors, including vloggers, chefs, visual artists, designers, and other creative and performing artists.
“Lahat sila talagang andaming hinanaing dahil kahit kailan hindi sila napansin ng gobyerno. Hindi sila masyadong natutulungan. Pero dahil sa kabaitan rin at sa foresight ni Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano ay nabigyan ng boses ang sektor na ito sa Kongreso, na tayo ay tumutulong magsulong,” he said.
De Venecia also recognized Cayetano for helping Pangasinan in boosting local tourism and small businesses, citing the rehabilitation of its baywalk — which used to be the “red light district” of the city — and the funding of the San Fabian Biker’s Den as examples.
“Y’ung Biker’s Den na iyon, naitayo natin sa bulubunduking area ng San Fabian na dating liblib, pero ngayon talagang pinupuntahan na ng mga siklista,” de Venecia said.
“In a way, itong mga benepisyo na nagagawa ng turismo, ng pagiging malikhain, ng mga tulong na nakuha namin under your leadership ay talagang nararamdaman ng taumbayan, and for that, we are very very thankful and grateful,” he added.
