New Leadership, New Hope: The 20th Congress Committee Chairs Ready to Transform the Philippines

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A new generation of legislators takes the helm as the Philippines charts its course toward genuine reform and inclusive progress

In the hallowed halls of the Batasang Pambansa, a quiet revolution is taking shape. As the morning sun streams through the windows of the House of Representatives, 42 newly appointed committee chairpersons are preparing to tackle the nation's most pressing challenges with renewed vigor and unwavering determination.

Under the decisive leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, the 20th Congress has unveiled its committee leadership roster—a carefully curated assembly of lawmakers poised to translate President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas vision into tangible legislation that will touch every Filipino life.

The Architects of Change

The Foundation of Governance

At the heart of legislative machinery stands Rep. Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, the Majority Leader from Ilocos Norte's 1st District, who chairs the crucial Rules Committee. His steady hand guides the procedural framework that will determine how swiftly and effectively critical legislation moves through the House. Alongside him, Rep. Lorenz R. Defensor from Iloilo's 3rd District serves as Senior Deputy Majority Leader, ensuring the majority's legislative agenda maintains its momentum.

The financial lifeline of the nation rests in capable hands with Rep. Mikaela Angela "Mika" B. Suansing of Nueva Ecija's 1st District leading the Appropriations Committee as Chairperson, while Rep. Albert S. Garcia from Bataan's 2nd District serves as Senior Vice Chairperson, crafting budgets that will fuel the country's development aspirations.

Economic Powerhouses

The economic transformation of the Philippines finds its champions in several key committees. Rep. Antonio B. Legarda Jr. from Antique's Lone District commands the Economic Affairs Committee, while Rep. Irwin C. Tieng from Manila's 5th District oversees Banks and Financial Intermediaries—two positions that will prove crucial as the nation navigates global economic uncertainties and domestic growth challenges.

In the energy sector, Rep. Jose C. Alvarez from Palawan's 2nd District takes charge of the Energy Committee, tasked with securing the Philippines' energy independence and transition to sustainable power sources. His work will directly impact millions of households and thousands of businesses across the archipelago.

Champions of Social Progress

Human Development at the Forefront

The soul of the nation's development lies in its people, and several committee chairs are dedicated to this fundamental principle. Rep. Bienvenido M. Abante Jr. from Manila's 6th District leads the Human Rights Committee, ensuring that constitutional protections remain robust and accessible to all Filipinos.

Education and culture find their voice through Rep. Roman T. Romulo from Pasig's Lone District, who chairs the Basic Education and Culture Committee. His vision will shape how future generations of Filipinos learn, grow, and preserve their rich cultural heritage.

The pursuit of justice takes center stage with Rep. Atty. Gerville "Jinky Bitrics" R. Luistro from Batangas' 2nd District leading the Justice Committee, while Rep. Ramon Jolo B. Revilla III from Cavite's 1st District oversees Labor and Employment—two committees that directly impact the daily lives of working Filipinos.

Healthcare and Social Safety Nets

Public health and safety concerns find dedicated leadership through Rep. Rolando M. Valeriano from Manila's 2nd District, who chairs the Public Order and Safety Committee, and Rep. Jonathan Keith T. Flores from Bukidnon's 2nd District, leading the crucial fight against dangerous drugs.

Environmental Stewards and Regional Development

Protecting Natural Heritage

The Philippines' rich natural resources and environmental challenges have found committed guardians. Rep. Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga from Quezon's 1st District leads the Agriculture and Food Committee, ensuring food security for the growing population. Meanwhile, Rep. Tsuyoshi Anthony "Hori" G. Horibata from Camarines Sur's 1st District chairs the Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources Committee, protecting the nation's marine wealth.

Environmental protection gets its champion in Rep. Aniela Bianca D. Tolentino from Cavite's 8th District, who leads the Climate Change Committee—a position of critical importance as the Philippines faces increasing climate-related challenges.

Regional Growth and Development

Regional development takes on new meaning under several specialized committees. Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba from Ilocos Norte's 2nd District leads the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle initiative, while Rep. Dean Asistio from Caloocan's 3rd District chairs the Metro Manila Development Committee. These positions reflect a nuanced understanding of the country's diverse regional needs and development priorities.

Innovation and Future-Focused Leadership

Technology and Digital Progress

The digital transformation of the Philippines finds its advocate in Rep. Miguel Luis R. Villafuerte from Camarines Sur's 5th District, who chairs the Information and Communications Technology Committee. His work will be instrumental in bridging the digital divide and preparing the nation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Higher education and technical training receive focused attention through Rep. Jude A. Acidre, a Tingog Partylist representative who chairs the Higher and Technical Education Committee, ensuring that Filipino youth are equipped with skills relevant to a rapidly evolving global economy.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

The physical foundation of progress receives dedicated leadership through Rep. Romeo S. Momo Sr. from Surigao del Sur's 1st District, who leads the Public Works and Highways Committee. His committee's work will literally pave the way for economic growth and improved quality of life across the archipelago.

Transportation modernization falls under Rep. Franz S. Pumaren from Quezon City's 3rd District, whose Transportation Committee will address the mobility challenges that have long plagued Filipino commuters and businesses.

Specialized Expertise for Complex Challenges

Constitutional and Legal Framework

The legal architecture of the nation receives careful attention through Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez from Cagayan de Oro's 2nd District, who chairs the Constitutional Amendments Committee, and Rep. Emigdio P. Tanjuatco III from Rizal's 2nd District, leading the Revision of Laws Committee.

International Relations and Diplomacy

The Philippines' place in the global community is championed by Rep. Maria Rachel J. Arenas from Pangasinan's 3rd District, who leads the Foreign Affairs Committee, while Rep. Ma. Georgina P. De Venecia from Pangasinan's 4th District chairs the Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy Committee.

Accountability and Ethics

Government accountability finds its guardians in Rep. Maria Carmen S. Zamora from Davao de Oro's 1st District, who chairs the Accounts Committee, and Rep. JC M. Abalos, a 4Ps Partylist representative, leading the Ethics and Privileges Committee.

A Vision Realized Through Diverse Voices

What makes this leadership constellation particularly compelling is its diversity—geographically, professionally, and generationally. From the northernmost reaches of Ilocos to the southern provinces of Mindanao, these committee chairs represent the full spectrum of Filipino experience and expertise.

The roster includes seasoned legislators like Rep. Oscar G. Malapitan from Caloocan's 1st District, who chairs the National Defense and Security Committee, alongside younger voices such as Rep. Laarni Lavin Roque from Bukidnon's 4th District, leading Civil Service and Professional Regulation.

The Path Forward

As these 42 committee chairs settle into their roles, they carry with them not just the weight of legislative responsibility, but the hopes and aspirations of over 110 million Filipinos. Their work will determine whether the Bagong Pilipinas vision becomes reality or remains an unfulfilled promise.

The challenges ahead are formidable: economic recovery and growth, environmental protection, social inequality, technological advancement, and governance reform. Yet, the diversity of expertise and the breadth of representation in this leadership structure suggest a Congress prepared to tackle these challenges with both urgency and wisdom.

The Test of Leadership

The true measure of these committee chairs will not be found in the titles they hold, but in the laws they craft, the oversight they provide, and the responsiveness they demonstrate to their constituents' needs. Their success will be measured in improved infrastructure, better healthcare access, quality education, environmental protection, and economic opportunities for all Filipinos.

As Speaker Romualdez noted in announcing these appointments, this leadership team is committed to "meaningful laws and timely, responsive solutions to the nation's most urgent challenges." The Filipino people will be watching closely to see if these words translate into action.

A New Chapter Begins

The appointment of these committee chairpersons marks more than just an administrative reorganization—it represents a renewed commitment to legislative excellence and public service. Each chair brings unique perspectives, local insights, and specialized knowledge that, when combined, form a comprehensive approach to national governance.

From Rep. Faustino Michael Carlos T. Dy III's leadership of Youth and Sports Development in Isabela's 5th District to Rep. Terry L. Ridon's stewardship of Public Accounts as a Bicol Saro Partylist representative, every appointment reflects careful consideration of expertise, experience, and representation.

The hashtags #MakataoAtMatapatNaPaglilingkod (Humane and Faithful Service) and #LiderNgKongreso (Leader of Congress) are not merely social media tags—they represent a promise to the Filipino people that this Congress will prioritize service over self-interest and leadership over partisanship.

As the 20th Congress begins its work in earnest, these committee chairpersons stand ready to write a new chapter in Philippine legislative history. Their success will determine not just the legacy of this Congress, but the trajectory of the nation itself.

The stage is set, the leaders are in place, and the Filipino people await the transformation they have been promised. The question now is not whether change will come, but how swiftly and effectively these leaders can deliver on their mandate for genuine reform and inclusive progress.

The future of the Philippines rests in capable hands—now it's time to see what those hands can build.

A Boost for the Unsung Heroes: DepEd Raises Private School Teachers’ Subsidy in Powerful Push for Education Equity

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

MAKATI CITY, 02 August 2025 — In a decisive and symbolic step that echoes the core promise of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Department of Education (DepEd) has rolled out a substantial increase in the annual Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS) for private school teachers. It’s not just a budget adjustment—it’s a long-overdue recognition of those who have remained steadfast in nurturing the Filipino youth amid limited support and unequal footing.

From a modest ₱18,000, the subsidy will leap to ₱24,000 per teacher annually starting School Year 2025–2026, a 33% increase that’s not just numerical, but deeply symbolic. The State Assistance Council (SAC), which governs the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) program, approved the hike ad referendum—underscoring its urgency and necessity.

This isn’t merely a funding decision. It is a bold declaration that private school educators are no longer invisible in the broader national conversation on education.

Bridging the Divide: Equity for All Educators

At the ceremonial signing held Thursday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara did not mince words. He acknowledged what has been painfully obvious for years: the disparity between public and private school teachers remains stark, especially in terms of pay and recognition.

“Malaki pa rin ang agwat ng kalagayan ng ating mga guro sa pribado kumpara sa pampublikong paaralan. But today, we are taking a decisive step to narrow that gap,” Angara stated passionately.

And narrow the gap it must—because while public school teachers have received periodic salary adjustments, their private counterparts—many of whom teach equally challenging classes with fewer resources—have long been waiting for justice in their paychecks.

An Echo of the President’s SONA Promise

President Marcos Jr., in his SONA, made it clear: education is no longer a background issue. It is front and center. From calls for a tech-savvy educational framework to lighter bureaucratic burdens on teachers, the SONA was a blueprint of reform—and now, the DepEd is beginning to deliver.

“Nasa rurok ng kanyang mga prayoridad ang edukasyon,” Angara affirmed. “We have always stood by the principle that education is a collective mission.”

That collective mission is one where every teacher, whether in a government-run school or a privately managed classroom, plays a vital part. And now, through this subsidy increase, the government recognizes that contribution—not just in words, but in action.

Who Benefits and Why It Matters

The Teachers’ Salary Subsidy is a vital component of the GASTPE Program, established under Republic Act No. 8545. Through its Education Service Contracting (ESC) scheme, the program empowers private schools to accommodate more students—particularly from low-income families—without overburdening public schools.

To qualify for the TSS, a teacher must:

Be a licensed professional educator,

Be employed full-time by a DepEd-recognized private school, and

Teach ESC grantees at least three hours per week.

These qualifications ensure the funds reach those who are truly in the trenches, shaping young minds through perseverance, skill, and compassion.

Partnerships That Power Progress

Angara made it clear: this is not a one-agency mission. DepEd is working hand-in-hand with local government units, private educational institutions, and international development partners.

“Katuwang natin dito ang national government, mga LGU, development partners, at ang private education institutions,” he said, adding his gratitude to President Marcos for his “taos-pusong malasakit sa edukasyon.”

A Turning Point for Philippine Education

The increased subsidy, though long overdue, is a powerful signal of the country’s shifting priorities. It reaffirms that no teacher should feel less valued because they serve in private institutions. It recognizes that quality education is a shared endeavor—one that transcends the public-private divide.

As the Philippines inches toward genuine educational equity, this move stands as a beacon: a reminder that no educator should be left behind in the nation’s path toward progress.

In the words of Wazzup Pilipinas and every Filipino who believes in the power of education: This is not just a raise. It’s respect, restored.

Revolution at the Bench: How Cutting-Edge BSL-1 Culturing Techniques Are Redefining Microbiology

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the quiet hum of laboratories worldwide, a subtle yet powerful transformation is underway. Often overlooked amid the high-stakes drama of BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs, the humble Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) laboratory—home to low-risk microorganisms and foundational biological experiments—is experiencing a renaissance. No longer just a training ground for beginners or a stepping stone to more dangerous research, the BSL-1 lab has become a frontier of innovation in microbial science.

This is not merely a technical upgrade; it is a dramatic reimagination of how we culture, monitor, and manipulate microorganisms at the safest level of containment.

Aseptic Precision: Where Contamination is No Longer a Threat

At the heart of BSL-1 innovation lies the art and science of aseptic technique—the sacred ritual of clean hands, sterile tools, and controlled environments. Recent improvements in this field have led to ultra-reliable sterile zones, reducing contamination rates to near zero. Enhanced protocols, coupled with hands-free technologies and sterilization chambers, are turning what was once considered a meticulous process into a seamless, efficient routine.

The result? A laboratory where reproducibility is not a goal—it’s an expectation.

Media Preparation: From Manual Mixing to Scientific Mastery

Gone are the days when media preparation was a tedious, manual process prone to inconsistency. Modern BSL-1 laboratories now harness automated mixers, precise pH control systems, and customizable nutrient profiles tailored to specific strains. Selective media infused with indicator dyes allow scientists to visually track metabolic activity, unlocking real-time insights into bacterial behavior.

These advances are revolutionizing how we understand even the simplest of organisms—without increasing risk.

Bacterial Growth Monitoring: Precision in Every Colony

Manual colony counting is being swiftly replaced by digital imaging systems and AI-driven growth pattern analysis. Innovations in optical density monitoring and real-time tracking software mean scientists can now predict bacterial growth curves with pinpoint accuracy. This enhances not only the quality of research but also the speed at which it can be conducted—turning weeks of observation into hours of data-rich insight.

Containment and Risk: A Safety Net of Engineering and Administrative Controls

While BSL-1 organisms may be non-pathogenic, safety remains paramount. Modern labs are doubling down on risk assessment with comprehensive training programs, biosafety audits, and robust administrative controls. Engineering upgrades, such as HEPA-filtered airflows and self-closing doors, reinforce containment, creating environments that are safe, sustainable, and smart.

The message is clear: safety and sophistication can—and must—go hand in hand.

Genetic Engineering Simplified: Plasmids, PCR, and the Rise of Molecular Microbiology

Perhaps the most thrilling evolution in BSL-1 labs is the integration of molecular techniques previously reserved for higher biosafety levels. From plasmid transformation and competent cell prep to colony PCR and plasmid DNA isolation, researchers are wielding powerful genetic tools with newfound simplicity. These methods have become standard practice, allowing even novice scientists to conduct elegant experiments with surprising ease and effectiveness.

Preserving the Future: Cryopreservation and Reproducibility

Longevity in research hinges on reproducibility. That’s why innovations in cryopreservation protocols and the development of defined media for long-term storage have become vital. These techniques ensure that bacterial strains remain viable and consistent across studies, building a foundation of trust in experimental results.

A New Dawn for Low-Risk Microbiology

This comprehensive shift in BSL-1 practice isn’t just about technical refinement—it’s about empowering a new generation of microbiologists. The simplicity, safety, and accessibility of these upgraded tools mean that more researchers can explore the microbial world with confidence and precision.

In an era where science demands both speed and safety, BSL-1 labs have risen as unsung heroes, demonstrating that even the most fundamental biosafety level can lead the charge in transformative research.

From classrooms to cutting-edge institutions, BSL-1 has become more than just a starting point—it’s a symbol of where innovation, discipline, and curiosity converge. And that’s worth celebrating.

Bottom Line:

The future of microbiology doesn’t just reside in high-security labs—it thrives in every petri dish, every pipette, and every carefully cultured colony of the BSL-1 environment. With smart practices and bold advancements, we are witnessing the dawn of a new era—where low risk meets limitless potential.