Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima lauded Vice President Leni Robredo’s plan to turn the Angat Buhay program of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) into a non-government organization (NGO) to continue helping Filipinos in need.
De Lima, a social justice and human rights champion, said Robredo serves as an inspiration to many by showing genuine commitment and compassion to uplift the lives of the marginalized.
“Patuloy tayong pinahahanga ni VP Leni Robredo sa kanyang mga pambihirang inisyatiba para sa mga Pilipino, lalo na sa mga higit na nangangailangan. Sa kabila ng palinaw nang palinaw na resulta ng halalan, wala siyang sinasayang na sandali upang pag-isipan kung paanong makakatulong sa kapwa,” she said.
“There is no doubt: The massive, volunteer-led movement she and Sen. Kiko inspired in the recent elections will continue to thrive and inspire more Filipinos to help and serve others. Napaka-busilak na puso ng pagbubukas-palad. Walang patid at walang pagod na paglilingkod sa bayan,” she added.
During the thanksgiving event of the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem and slate at the Ateneo de Manila University last May 13, Robredo revealed that the “Angat Buhay NGO,” which was derived from the OVP’s Angat Buhay program, will be launched on July 1.
Robredo said the OVP’s program will be used as the new initiative’s template, which was able to launch meaningful programs despite limited resources and funding.
“Iniimbita ko kayong lahat, ang mga nagpagod, ang mga kumpanya at private partners, itutuloy natin ang ating pagsasama-sama,” Robredo said.
Since a lot of people already expressed interest to support Angat Buhay NGO, De Lima warned the public to be vigilant about any attempt by sinister quarters to peddle disinformation and use the organization’s name to deceive people.
“I’ve read reports that there were suspicious Facebook pages that emerged after VP Leni announced the launch of Angat Buhay NGO. Kailangan nating maging maingat at mapanuri para sa ilang magkakalat ng kasinungalingan at panlilinlang ukol dito,” she said.
“Sa pangunguna ni VP Leni, patuloy nating pag-alabin ang bolunterismo, hindi galit at negatibismo; patibayin natin ang bayanihan—may pandemya man o wala—sa halip na kasinungalingan at panlalamang sa kapwa,” she added.
On her official Facebook page, Robredo reminded the public to wait for announcements and further details regarding the launching of the Angat Buhay NGO. (30)