Mindanao Makes History as First Island Group to Host Two LegisHear Sessions
Mindanao has become the first major island group in the Philippines to host two LegisHear consultations, a milestone that brings Congress closer to the people in the south. Senior Deputy Speaker and South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Ferdinand “Dinand” Hernandez welcomed the House of Representatives’ public consultation program to his province on Saturday, thanking Speaker Faustino G. Dy III for championing a legislative process that listens to communities first.
The event, held at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center in Koronadal City, followed the first Mindanao LegisHear in Butuan City last August. The program has also made stops in Isabela for Luzon and Dumaguete City for the Visayas, but Mindanao now stands alone with two legs under its belt.
Why LegisHear matters for ordinary Filipinos
Speaker Dy made it clear that the program is about more than just show. He said Congress must go directly to the communities because residents themselves know best what their localities need to achieve progress.
“Anumang sanga o anumang katayuan natin sa ating lipunan, kailangang naririnig natin ang tinig at lalong-lalo na, pinag-uusapan natin kung ano ang makakabuti sa atin pong mga lugar,” Dy said.
He added that only the people know what is required for their areas to grow and become progressive, a sentiment that resonates deeply in rural provinces like South Cotabato where distance from Manila often means distance from decision-making.
Hernandez: Laws must start with the people's voice
Hernandez, who served as the main host of the South Cotabato leg, stressed that LegisHear is a serious congressional undertaking, not a ceremonial visit. He said laws cannot be crafted without first hearing the people’s cries and desires.
“Ang LegisHear ay seryosong programa ng Kongreso. Ang batas ay hindi nabubuo kung hindi kami makikinig sa mga taumbayan — kung ano ang daing nila, ano ang gusto nila. Kailangang mag-umpisa sa inyo iyong batas na ipinapasa namin sa Kongreso,” Hernandez said.
He called the program a brilliant project that brings lawmakers down to the ground to listen to what is still needed, so that legislation can be based on the sentiments of the masses, particularly farmers and marginalized sectors.
South Cotabato officials welcome the House delegation
South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. expressed gratitude to the House for choosing the province as the latest LegisHear venue, describing it as one of the most important programs initiated by Speaker Dy.
“Napakaswerte natin na dito gaganapin ang isa sa pinakaimportanteng programa ng ating Speaker,” Tamayo said in his welcome remarks.
Tamayo noted that the consultation embodies the principles of direct democracy and participatory governance, allowing citizens to take an active role in shaping measures that affect their communities. He framed the town hall meeting as a moment where the voice of the people would finally be heard.
Two South Cotabato bills await Senate action
During the program, Speaker Dy updated participants on two Hernandez-authored measures that have already passed the House on third and final reading and are now pending in the Senate.
House Bill No. 8342: Expanding SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital
This bill seeks to rename the SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital as the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional and Medical Center and increase its authorized bed capacity from 75 to 1,500 beds. The proposed expansion aims to improve access to hospital and specialty services for patients across South Cotabato and neighboring communities, a critical need in a region where healthcare facilities are often stretched thin.
House Bill No. 8627: Elevating South Cotabato State College
The second measure seeks to convert the South Cotabato State College in Surallah into the South Cotabato State University. This proposal is designed to widen access to higher education and strengthen the institution’s capacity to serve students in the province, keeping young Mindanawons from having to leave home for a university degree.
What happened during the LegisHear session
The South Cotabato LegisHear featured an orientation on how a bill becomes a law, followed by discussions on the two local measures and proposals addressing electricity costs. Residents and sectoral representatives were given the floor to raise questions, share their experiences, and submit recommendations directly to lawmakers and government officials.
Joining Dy and Hernandez were Reps. Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez (Negros Occidental 3rd District), Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu (Maguindanao del Sur Lone District), Henry “Indy” Oaminal Jr. (Asenso Pinoy Party-list), Ruth Sakaluran (Sultan Kudarat 1st District), Steve Chiongbian Solon (Sarangani Lone District), Bella Vanessa Suansing (Sultan Kudarat 2nd District), Dibu Tuan (South Cotabato 3rd District), and House Secretary General Atty. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil.
Frequently asked questions about LegisHear
What is LegisHear?
LegisHear is the House of Representatives’ public consultation program that brings lawmakers directly to communities across the Philippines. It allows residents to voice their concerns and recommend legislative actions based on local needs.
Why is Mindanao hosting two LegisHear sessions significant?
Mindanao is the first major island group to host two LegisHear consultations, reflecting the program’s commitment to reaching underserved regions. The first Mindanao leg was held in Butuan City in August, followed by the South Cotabato session in September.
What bills were discussed in South Cotabato?
Two local measures were highlighted: House Bill No. 8342, which expands the SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital, and House Bill No. 8627, which converts South Cotabato State College into a state university. Both have passed the House and are now awaiting Senate action.
How can residents participate in future LegisHear sessions?
Residents can attend LegisHear sessions when they visit their province, raise questions during the open forum, and submit written recommendations to lawmakers and government officials present at the event.