BALANGA CITY — Former Pangasinan Rep. Gina de Venecia on Friday wooed voters here for her partylist in a campaign platform of helping mothers.
“Huwag kalimutan na iboto ang Inang Mahal Partylist para ang buhay ni nanay ay gumihawa,” the wife of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia said.
She said that the word “nanay” or mother is the most beautiful word in the world.
“Gagawa tayo ng batas kung saan ang mga kumpanya na magha-hire ng nanay 45-65 years old ay bibigyan ng tax incentive para mag-hire sila ng maraming nanay,” she promised.
De Venecia noted that during the time of her husband at the House, she built many women’s centers but it turned out to be still lacking. “So dapat magtayo tayo ng more women’s centers nationwide with the help of LGUs,” she said.
She acknowledged the great sacrifices encountered by mothers working abroad to support their families, especially their children.
“Ang anak na naiwan dahil nawalay kay nanay ay maraming emotional problems na ang iba nag-turn to drugs at ang iba nagsu-suicide,” de Venecia said.
She told of the desperation she had when their house was burned and a daughter died. But instead of being down by depression, she did something positive. She said she built Inang Healing Center where mothers like her who lost a child can come for free counseling.
“Naisip ko na kung ako’y papalarin, gagawa ako ng batas para ang guidance and counseling center to be part of DSWD offi ces sa bawat bayan kung saan ang mga anak na naiwan sa Pilipinas ay pwedeng pumunta for free counseling,” she said, adding that the centers will have television sets and telephones.
“Makakausap ng anak si nanay na nasa abroad with the help of modern technology and a guidance counselor on hand to assist both mothers and children,” de Venecia said.