The Uswag Ilonggo Party-list recently conducted a listening tour in Maasin and Pavia, Iloilo, where local residents shared how they have benefited from its programs. This effort is part of Uswag’s campaign to secure three House seats in the 2025 elections.

In Maasin, locals shared their gratitude for the positive changes brought by Uswag, particularly the newly built stadium, which has greatly impacted the town. Cheyenne Malaga, captain of the Maasin National Comprehensive High School football team, spoke proudly of the new facility. “Pintok lang ang Maasin, now, patok na. Pintok naging patok (We were a tiny town. Now, we’re popular. Pintok became a hit),” she said.

John Rey Dreu, leader of the Tultugan Festival, the champion of this year’s Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahan, praised the improvements brought by the stadium, including its 1.6-hectare oval field and grandstand, which provided better practice conditions for performers. “We will definitely give it our best and aim for a grand slam victory,” Dreu said with confidence.

Pilar Corsino, a teacher at Maasin National Comprehensive High School, noted that the facility is more than just a sports venue: “It’s a venue for dreams to be realized,” she said, noting its positive effect on the community. “We were just a small dot on the map of the Philippines, but with the help of the stakeholders who have always supported us, Maasin will keep shining.”

The listening tour also provided a platform for beneficiaries of Uswag Ilonggo’s scholarship program to share their experiences. Jay Carl Macaya, a graduating student from West Visayas State University-Janiuay campus, thanked the group for the cash aid that has supported his education. “The scholarship has been a huge help for my education and my family’s future,” said Macaya.

The Education Assistance Program of the Uswag Ilonggo Party-list’s Educational Assistance Program provides P10,000 annually to help cover school expenses of qualified beneficiaries.

May Anne Alsaga, a 20-year-old housewife, shared how the party-list extended medical assistance when her child was hospitalized. “Tuya lang kami nag kadto sa Uswag Ilonggo. Na-ospital (ang akon bata) kag wala gid kami kwarta. Nangayo kami bulig sa Uswag Ilonggo… Grabe ang hapo kag hindi ka ginhawa ang akon bata (We went to Uswag Ilonggo because my child was hospitalized and we had no money. We asked for help from Uswag Ilonggo… My child was very weak and couldn’t breathe properly),” she said.

In Pavia, the activity highlighted the urgent need for additional classrooms at Pavia National High School (PNHS), which serves nearly 7,000 students. Assistant Principal Jesette Vidiot voiced concerns about overcrowding, which has affected the quality of education. “It greatly affects sang gina offer naton nga quality education (It greatly affects the quality of education we provide),” Vidiot said, explaining how overcrowded classrooms make it difficult for teachers to deliver an optimal learning experience.

Student Mica Henares also shared her own struggles: “Sometimes we had no classrooms at all, and it was very hot and uncomfortable.”

To address this, Uswag Ilonggo is funding the construction of three new school buildings at PNHS. The P195.25 million project will provide 50 new classrooms and an auditorium that will help improve the learning experience for students. “We are very happy and overwhelmed by the support from Uswag Ilonggo. We’ve already seen some classrooms being built, and it gives us hope,” Vidiot said.

Meanwhile, Paul Javier, a student at the Iloilo Merchant Marine School, showed appreciation for the Uswag Ilonggo scholarship, which has eased his financial burdens. “This scholarship is a huge help, especially with the high cost of college tuition,” Javier said. “I’m motivated by my parents’ sacrifices to do my best.”

For her part, Tiffany Somes, paralegal and communications officer for Uswag Ilonggo, emphasized their commitment to helping anyone in need, regardless of their circumstances.

“We welcome everyone who comes to us, no matter where they come from or what they’ve been through. Our job is to help,” she said.