'Aksyon Agad' program to continue in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines — The “Aksyon Agad” social welfare program in Quezon City is expected to continue as its chief initiator formally took his oath of office.

Rep. Arjo Atayde (1st District, Quezon City) on Thursday formally took his oath as before Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan.

He vowed to carry forward the programs and reforms he began in his first term, especially “Aksyon Agad”.

“Ang ating panunumpa ay hindi lamang isang simpleng seremonya, kundi isang makabuluhang pagpapahayag ng ating pananagutan at paninindigan, sa bayan at sa inyo, aking mga kababayan sa Distrito Uno,” the lawmaker said in a statement

“Batid ko ang bigat ng responsibilidad na kaakibat ng panunumpang ito, kaya’t buong puso kong ipinapangako na ipagpapatuloy natin ang mga nasimulan na at higit pang paiigtingin ang serbisyong pampubliko. Tuloy-tuloy po ang Aksyon Agad,” he added.

Rep. Arjo Atayde (1st District, QC) formally takes his oath as a second-term lawmaker before Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan on Thursday morning at the session hall of Supreme Court in Manila. He is accompanied by his father, Art Atayde, and his cousin, administrative officer Gab Atayde.

In his first term, Atayde authored and supported several landmark laws aimed at protecting workers, consumers, and the public. These include the Eddie Garcia Act, which ensures safer and fairer working conditions in the entertainment industry; the Internet Transactions Act, which strengthens safeguards for online buyers and sellers; and the New Government Procurement Act, which promotes transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

“Bilang inyong kinatawan sa ikalawang pagkakataon, ito ay isang panibagong hudyat upang harapin at tugunan ang iba pang pangangailangan ng distrito, hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng paghahatid ng mga serbisyong mula sa gobyerno, kundi higit sa lahat, sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulong ng mga makabuluhang batas na magsusulong ng kapakanan."

Atayde, also a veteran actor, likewise pushed for laws that improve healthcare access and protect Filipino overseas workers, such as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of specialized medical centers across regions; and the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, which promotes better working conditions and benefits for the country’s maritime workforce.

The legislator was joined by his father, businessman Art Atayde, and his cousinm administrative officer Gab Atayde, during the oath-taking.