HELPING HANDS: Sen. Grace Poe Llamanzares
Senator Grace Poe Llamanzares
As Sen. Grace Poe Llamanzares ends her second term as a member of the Philippine Senate, it is fitting to reflect on her remarkable contributions as one of Assumption High School’s most illustrious alumnae. We celebrate her legacy of public service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the Filipino people.
Grace’s journey into public service has been marked by a steadfast resolve to address the pressing issues facing our nation. Since her election in 2013, she has become a prominent voice in the Senate, championing key legislative reforms that have significantly impacted the lives of many Filipinos. Her work has spanned various sectors, including education, healthcare, and public welfare, reflecting her deep compassion for her fellow citizens.
Throughout her tenure, Senator Poe has been an advocate for accessible education and quality healthcare, recognizing their fundamental role in empowering individuals and communities. She has tirelessly fought for policies that ensure every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive, while also pushing for improvements in the healthcare system, particularly during times of crisis.
To this end, she authored Republic Act No. 11148, entitled “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act” or The First 1000 Days Act. The first 1,000 days refers to a child’s life from conception until they reach 2 years of age, during which their brain and body develop significantly. This law provides health and nutrition services in every barangay, especially the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, to pregnant women and Filipino children who are newly born up to the age of two.
Sen. Poe also authored Republic Act No. 11037, known as the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, which aims to address child hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines by institutionalizing a National Feeding Program for undernourished children in public day care, kindergarten and elementary schools. The simple act of providing free and nutritious lunches to children has been found to be an effective means of hunger intervention.
Sen. Poe’s commitment to public service is evident in her relentless pursuit of justice and equality for all, particularly for the marginalized, underrepresented, and most vulnerable sectors of society. For children who are unfortunate to have no families to care of them, she introduced RA 11642 or the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act, a law which provides for a simpler and less costly adoption process by removing the need to go to court, making it a purely administrative proceeding. The law creates an adequately staffed National Authority for Child Care that will handle all applications efficiently.
Grace is also the co-author of the RA 11930, which punishes online sexual abuse or exploitation of children, and penalizes the production, distribution, possession and access of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials. In addition to that, she co- authored RA 11313, known as the, “Safe Spaces Act”, which penalizes gender- based sexual harassment in streets, public spaces, online, workplaces, and educational or training institutions.
One of her most notable achievements has been her leadership in various committees; as such, she spearheaded and sponsored legislative initiatives to promote access to efficient public service, transparency, accountability, and good governance. One such measure is RA 10929, which recognizes the vital role of information and communications technology in nation-building and thus seeks to provide free, reliable, and secure internet access in public spaces.
Equally cognizant of the dangers which the malicious use of ICT poses, she sponsored RA 11934 or the “Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act”, which requires registration of all SIM cards with Public Telecommunications Entity (PTEs) before they can be activated, with the objective of curbing cybercriminal activities.
Sen. Grace also shepherded the passage of RA 10928, which extended the validity of Philippine passports to ten (10) years. This will lessen the burden of citizens, especially OFWs, who would no longer need to keep on renewing their passports every five years. She also sponsored RA 10930, a measure extending the validity of drivers’ licenses to five years from the previous period of three years.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Grace is happily married to Neil, and together they have raised three accomplished children: Brian, Hanna, and Nika. Each of her children has carved out their own path of success, reflecting the values of hard work and integrity that Senator Poe has instilled in her family. Their achievements stand as a testament to her dedication not only as a public servant but also as a loving mother and wife.
Senator Poe’s influence extends beyond legislative halls; through her internship programs which have accommodated students from colleges all over the country, she has inspired countless young people, especially women, to engage in public service and pursue their dreams. Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, one can effect positive change in the world.
As she prepares to conclude her distinguished tenure, we express our gratitude for her unwavering service and dedication to the Filipino people. Senator Grace Poe Llamanzares has not only made significant strides in governance but has also set a shining example for future generations of leaders.
In honoring her legacy, we celebrate the values of excellence, integrity, and compassion that Assumption High School instills in its students. As we bid farewell to Senator Poe in her current role, we look forward to the next chapter of her journey, confident that she will continue to inspire and serve our nation in new and meaningful ways.
Thank you, Senator Grace Poe Llamanzares, for your years of distinguished service. Your commitment to the nation and its people will surely leave an indelible mark in Philippine history.