Her words were a reflection of compassion for the young – “ I will stand by  where the children are, “ stated Leyte’s fourth congressional district representative Lucy Torres – Gomez during a special interview held this month at her office in Ormoc City. Her district consists of six municipalities and one city – Ormoc City, and the towns of Isabel, Merida, Kananga, Matag-ob, Albuera, and Palompon.

The lady solon was asked of her priorities, and was quick to issue such statement. “And who shapes the destiny of a nation ? The children, as they are our most valuable resource,” she added.

With this, Congresswoman Gomez cited Ormoc City for being this year’s regional nominee of the National Search for Child – Friendly Municipality/City. She said, concern for children must go beyond the family, referring to the community as well, that involves the church, academe, business, media, among others.

“I envision to develop a child – centered society. Hence, I am behind the cause of children, specially those in the marginalized group. I hope we will all unite to prevent them from being trapped in poverty,” she pointed out.

The young legislator expressed her strong support for the PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) because it assures of a positive change in their lives. “They will be pulled out from the cycle of distress, and put a finality to the hardships that their families have passed on from generation to generation.

She emphasized that a child’s formative years is important, adding that a good preparation is equated with good health/nutrition and education and a guarantee of a promising future. “Let us make this program truly a jump –off towards crossing the line of poverty, Gomez said as a call to the now 2,005 beneficiaries of PANTAWID PAMILYA in her district.

The DSWD Field Office Eight under Director Leticia Diokno (formerly Leticia Corillo) has released as of to date some Php 6, 874,800.00 as cash grants of this conditional cash transfer program of the Department.

“Whatever the cost, as long as funds are invested for the welfare of the children, I will have no second thoughts, “she disclosed.