Introduction
The journey to represent every Filipino in Congress has been long and hard-won. Over the past nine years, 1PACMAN has grown from a grassroots movement to a powerful voice in government, with a legislative record that speaks for itself—146 Republic Acts enacted, including key laws such as the RA10931 Free Tuition Fee Act and the RA11291 Magna Carta for the Poor. These achievements have transformed lives and paved the way for a more inclusive, accessible, and just Philippines. In this article, we recount our humble beginnings, our commitment to listening to the people, and our work in Congress to deliver practical solutions for everyday Filipinos.
Our Humble Beginnings
Our story began in local communities where every voice mattered. In small barangays and neighborhoods across the country, ordinary Filipinos gathered to share their challenges—whether it was a lack of access to quality education, insufficient healthcare, or limited economic opportunities. It was in these community meetings and town halls that we realized the pressing need for change. From these conversations, the idea of 1PACMAN was born: a movement dedicated to empowering the marginalized and turning the concerns of everyday people into actionable legislation.
Early on, our focus was simple. We wanted to give every Filipino, especially those from underrepresented groups, a chance to be heard. The ideas that started in modest community centers soon grew into a larger vision for national change. Under the leadership of Congressman Mikee Romero, our movement built a strong foundation rooted in public service and accountability. We listened carefully to local voices, and every law we enacted was shaped by the real needs of our people—laws that aimed to improve education, boost healthcare access, and alleviate poverty.
Listening to the People: The Power of Grassroots Engagement
The strength of our movement lies in our commitment to the grassroots. We believe that the solutions to national issues begin with understanding local challenges. Through door-to-door visits, community forums, and open town hall meetings, we established direct lines of communication with the people we intended to serve. These conversations revealed the urgent need for better opportunities and helped shape our legislative agenda.
By engaging with communities on a personal level, we learned that many families struggled to keep their children in school due to financial constraints. This insight directly influenced our push for the RA10931 Free Tuition Fee Act, which aims to remove economic barriers from education. Similarly, we heard the stories of those living in impoverished conditions, which fueled our commitment to the RA11291 Magna Carta for the Poor—a law designed to give a fair chance to every Filipino, regardless of their background. These laws are more than just legislative victories; they are lifelines for communities in need.
Our grassroots engagement has not only built trust but also created a feedback loop that ensures our policies remain relevant and effective. We remain in constant dialogue with local leaders and citizens, making adjustments and improvements as needed. This ongoing process of listening and learning has been crucial in our evolution from a local movement into a national force for change.
Legislative Impact: Turning Ideas into Action
Transitioning from grassroots activism to national legislation was a major milestone in our journey. In Congress, our focus has been on transforming the challenges faced by everyday Filipinos into tangible solutions. Our legislative record of 146 Republic Acts stands as proof of our commitment to practical, results-oriented governance.
Key among these laws is the RA10931 Free Tuition Fee Act, which has opened doors for countless students who previously could not afford higher education. With improved access to education, more young Filipinos are now able to dream big and contribute to the growth of their communities. Alongside this, the RA11291 Magna Carta for the Poor has been instrumental in ensuring that our policies prioritize the welfare of marginalized groups. These laws, and many others we have championed, reflect our unwavering focus on social justice and equality.
In Congress, we continue to use our position to advocate for further reforms. Every law we support is carefully crafted to address the pressing issues our constituents face—whether it’s ensuring better healthcare services, creating more job opportunities, or improving local infrastructure. Our work is guided by the belief that government should be a partner to the people, not an inaccessible institution. Through continuous dialogue with communities, our legislative actions are driven by real-world needs and are always aimed at creating lasting, positive change.
Building a Better Future Through Practical Governance
Our work in Congress is far from an end in itself; it is part of a broader vision for a better, more united Philippines. We believe that meaningful change comes from simple, clear ideas that are implemented with transparency and accountability. By turning grassroots insights into practical laws, we are building a framework for a future where every Filipino can thrive.
Our approach to governance is holistic. We see the enactment of laws like the Free Tuition Fee Act and the Magna Carta for the Poor as foundational steps toward a society where every citizen is given a fair chance. But our efforts extend beyond these legislative milestones. We also focus on ensuring that these laws are effectively implemented, working closely with local government units, educational institutions, and community organizations. This collaboration is key to transforming policy into practice—ensuring that improvements in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities are felt on the ground.
Our legislative success is not measured solely by the number of laws passed, but by the real impact these laws have on people’s lives. When a child can attend school without financial worry, or when a family has access to quality healthcare without the burden of high costs, we know that our work is making a difference. This tangible impact fuels our commitment to continue championing the needs of the people in every legislative session.
We also recognize that the journey of transformation is ongoing. The challenges faced by communities evolve, and our legislative agenda must adapt accordingly. That is why we remain committed to constant engagement with our constituents—ensuring that we are always aware of emerging issues and ready to act. This dynamic process of governance, grounded in the lessons learned from the grassroots, is what continues to drive our mission forward.
