[OPINION] VP Leni, The Leader We Need
Written by Trina Galera
“Tumindig kayo; tinitiyak ko, mayroon ding titindig sa tabi ninyo.” — VP Leni Robredo
On the 7th day of October 2021, VP Leni Robredo filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) for president in the 2022 elections. She is currently running as an independent candidate despite being Liberal Party’s chairperson. Endorsing her as its presidential candidate in the 2022 elections is the 1Sambayan opposition coalition. As she filed for her COC, she also announced her presidential bid on the same day and shared all the factors she had to consider before running for president. She stood her ground with loyalty and dignity as she said, “Lalaban ako, lalaban tayo.” in her speech. VP Leni also described herself as a mother, not only of her daughters but of the whole nation. She stated that she is determined to fight and reconstruct the Philippines’ shattered system.
READ: Leni Robredo’s declaration of 2022 presidential bid | by Rappler
Many Filipinos think that as the vice president, she is not doing anything. The truth is, VP Leni has initiated many projects for the Filipino community. These projects are not publicized that much because VP Leni believes there is no need to brag about what she does for the country. The Office of the Vice President (OVP) provides funeral aid to the poor and disenfranchised and supports partially subsidizing the burial fees of departed family members. During the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), OVP continues to provide medical aid through Guarantee Letters (GLs) in partnership with Service Providers for better service supporting the poor.
Angat Buhay, launched in October 2016, is also VP Leni’s program against poverty. Food security and nutrition, universal healthcare, public education, rural development, housing and resettlement, and women empowerment are areas where the OVP works with partners to provide solutions and mobilize support. The Thai government honored Robredo for her efforts and advocacy on behalf of women empowerment and gender equality. The OVP also acquired ISO 9001: 2015 accreditation for the office’s quality management systems under her supervision. She has also passed several bills as the representative of Camarines Sur from 2013 to 2016.
WATCH: Leni Robredo to run for president in 2022 | by Rappler via YouTube
Robredo noted that her campaign staff did not plan to use an official color to represent her campaign. It was her supporters who decided for her. Supporters of VP Leni call themselves “Kakampink,” combining the Filipino word “kakampi,” which means “an ally,” and the color “pink.” Love, kindness, and femininity are always associated with pink. The majority of the Filipino female community became more proud of her because she is the only female presidential candidate in the upcoming 2022 presidential elections. Running for the presidency is difficult and being underestimated by men makes it more challenging than it already is. Women are often perceived as incompetent leaders. Frankly speaking, women are just as powerful as men, not just in the state of leadership, but even in other aspects.
OPINION
Politicians have unfairly targeted VP Leni’s strength by emphasizing her poor poll ratings and misrepresenting her accomplishments. Nevertheless, she has demonstrated leadership abilities and strong political survival instincts. She is urging people to be involved in bringing substantial change for the country by identifying herself as independent and portraying her candidacy as an action for the people and with the people. As Filipino citizens who have been through different regimes, keep in mind that VP Leni is the leader we need. She is competent and has never once shown any sign of weakness. She enhanced the quality of national discourse in the Philippines. She is also systematic not only with work but also in running her household. Thus proving how truly organized, she is as a person. She is more than capable, compassionate, and empathetic.
2022 is for us. With VP Leni, we envision a future that is better and stronger.
THE AUTHOR
Hola! I am Trina Mari Cassandra Garcia Galera of HUMSS1A. I am an opinion writer and the opinion section editor of Tigercubs. My hobbies are watching K-dramas, western tv shows, and crime docuseries on Netflix. I am also a fan of emceeing and I love lending helping a hand in outreach programs as well because it gives me a sense of fulfillment that I was able to give back to the community.
As a writer, I can describe myself as an amplifier because I write to amplify the voices of the silenced and unheard. To me, Tigercubs is an outlet because it is where I am able to voice out my opinions, share my thoughts and be able to encourage others in finding their voice, in speaking up, and in filling the silence.
