“We have accomplished so much that we still need to continue. While there are Dinagatnons who are suffering from hunger, poverty, and marginalization, we still need to fight and serve,” she said.
Bag-ao was the principal author of several landmark laws, such as the Reproductive Health and Responsible Parenthood Act (RA 10354), the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act (RA 10742), the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act (RA 11310), and the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act (RA 11166).
She is also known for leading the campaign for the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill / Anti-Discrimination Bill, the proposed National Land Use Act, and other progressive legislative measures.
Bag-ao, after being first elected in Dinagat Islands and defeating the Ecleo political dynasty, was able to facilitate the allocation of the national budget to construct key infrastructure in one of the poorest provinces in the Philippines to enable development in communities. During her tenure as Congresswoman, the 110-kilometer road connecting all seven municipalities was finally completed.
Joining her at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office were incumbent Provincial Board Member Lyn Dialde of the first provincial district and Sean Eludo of the second provincial district. Dialde is seeking reelection for her third term. Eludo is the son of the late Provincial Board Member Caloy Eludo, who passed away only recently. Both candidates are running under the Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party.
Bag-ao, Dialde, and Eludo were joined by supporters from the different municipalities, as well as their allies in the local government units of Dinagat Islands, including Mayor Fely Pedrablanca of Tubajon and Vice Mayor Petnel Sombrado of Dinagat of Akbayan.
“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng Dinagatnon na patuloy na nagpapakita ng suporta sa pagbalik natin sa Kongreso. Sama-sama tayo sa laban. Walang maliit, walang malayo, lahat mahalaga (Thank you to all Dinagatnons who continue to show their support in our fight to reclaim our seat in Congress. We are all in this together. No one is too small, no one is too far, everyone is important),” she ended.
