Robredo launches Angat Pinas, Inc. to aid communities

Former Vice President Leni Robredo launched non-profit Angat Pinas, Inc. which will provide anti-poverty programs on Friday, July 1, in her first  engagement as a private citizen.

Robredo said the corporate name of the entity was Angat Pinas, Inc. because the Angat Buhay was already taken.

"It (Angat Pinas Inc.) was the one approved for our registration because there is already an Angat Buhay [entity] which last activity is 2003," she said.

"The approval of our corporate existence is already out so we can start our work. Our programs, however, we will still be called Angat Buhay," she added.

Former VP Robredo present here in Angat Buhay launch, her 2022 polls running mate and ex-Senator Kiko Pangilinan also here @gmanews pic.twitter.com/ozWHjXqRcX

— Llanesca T. Panti (@llanescajourno) July 1, 2022

Robredo then said that the Angat Buhay programs will focus on three main areas: health, education, and disaster response, to address the country's most urgent problems.

"We are saddled with stunting, at pag ganoon, maaga napag-iiwanan ang mga bata (the children will be left behind). We will also continue community learning hubs, because we have learners already in Grade 5 and 6 but are still non-readers. We would need volunteer tutors for that," Robredo said.

Proceeds from the sale of over 900 artworks given to Robredo by supporters during the 2022 presidential campaign will fund the Angat Buhay programs.

Supporters can also donate via the Angat Buhay app wherein donors can contribute from P1,000 to P20,000.

Robredo then that she decided to push through with the initiative because the volunteerism sparked by her people's campaign is too good to be shelved.

"Hindi puwede mapunta sa wala iyong ating nasimulan. Inaasahan natin na lalo natin itong mapapaganda at mapapahusay (We cannot allow our efforts to go to waste. We expect to improve and be more excellent at it)," she said.

"The challenge is, how do we encourage the groups to be involved in programs that will help the community? Hindi iyon nakasalalay sa amin. Nakasalalay iyon sa ating lahat na ipakitang hindi tayo failure. Naging matagumpay tayo kasi (It does not depend on us alone. It is up to all of us to show that we are not a failure. We succeeded because) we sparked the spirit of volunteerism," she added.

Robredo will sit as one of Angat Pinas, Inc. board members while the entity will be led by executive director Raffy Magno.

Passion for volunteerism

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros congratulated Robredo as she assured continued support for the foundation.

She also addressed the volunteers, saying they should take “enormous pride” on the milestones they have so far achieved.

“Habang may mga taong walang makain at naghihirap, mayroon tayong magagawa. Habang may mga kababayan tayong nangangailangan ng pantawid habang wala silang hanapbuhay, mayroon tayong magagawa. Habang marami sa atin ay nananawagang wakasan ang kawalan ng katarungan at itaguyod ang ating mga karapatang pantao, marami pa tayong gagawin,” she said.

(As long as there are people who do not have food and are reeling from poverty, we can do something. As long as there are people who are out of work, we can do something. As long as there are people who are calling for end to injustice and are fighting for human rights, we still have a lot to accomplish.)

“We know how difficult the road will be. But I believe you are all made for these times, and every moment you show up for our brothers and sisters— matters. I started my life as an activist and politician as a volunteer. I hope your experiences here spark a lifelong passion for service through volunteerism,” she added.—With Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA News