I will pursue a seven-point agenda if given a clear mandate by the electorate in the May 2010 elections.
One, I adhere to a pro-people leadership: a leadership that stands on the principles of good governance, stamping out corruption, enhancing efficiency in the delivery of vital social services such as health and education, and upholding the rule of law. It is also a leadership that firmly connects with people’s needs and their aspirations for a better life for themselves and their children.
Two, we must have a more holistic development philosophy, founded on the principles of sustainable and equitable socio-economic development, that will allow us to propel agricultural growth and increase rural livelihoods balanced by a steady growth in industrialization that does not jeopardize the development of the rural economy. We must establish more cooperatives and establish market linkages as an integral part of countryside development in order to empower the productive potential of our farmers.
Three, we must work together to promote environmental protection. For the last three decades, I have done everything humanly possible to raise the level of awareness of our people on environmental issues. People would tell me it’s a politically irrelevant topic, one that does not figure in the consciousness of the people. But as our experience with typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng tells us, it is the poor who suffer the most when calamity strikes. Climate change has grave economic and social consequences, and it is our responsibility as leaders to learn to adapt to it and make this effort part and parcel of the national development agenda.
Four, we must protect the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers. We must provide them adequate pre-departure support and skills training, social and labor rights protection in their countries of destination, safe remittance channels, and psychological support when they re-integrate with their communities upon return.
Five, we must work towards a just and lasting peace. For many years, internal armed conflict has drained public resources and undermined the social fabric. Piecemeal and on-and-off peace talks between the government and the CPP-NPA/NDF and MILF have produced only propaganda mileage for either side, rather than a genuine, just and mutually acceptable political settlement. A nation mired in war and social division cannot move democracy and development forward.
Six, we must strengthen the role of women in development and involve them in all aspects of decision-making. We must work towards eliminating all forms of inequalities, discrimination and injustices based on gender. As part of my strong advocacy of women’s rights, I co-authored the landmark Magna Carta for Women (Republic Act 9710) and the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act (RA 9260).
Seven, and finally, we must restore pride in our culture. We need to instill a better appreciation especially by young people of our rich history, arts and culture. We must encourage the development of the exceptional creativity and artistry of Filipinos. Our culture, after all, is our soul. Government must promote and enhance Filipino culture to bring out the best that the Filipino has to offer.
