Although public leaders focus on several industries and advocacies simultaneously, rural development and community empowerment are essential for creating a more equitable and sustainable society. By investing in rural areas, governments can help address the disparities between urban and rural regions, improve the quality of life for rural residents, and promote economic growth.
Empowering rural communities involves providing the necessary resources, support, and opportunities for them to develop their full potential.
Some rural development and community empowerment efforts include investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development initiatives. Public leaders can help create a more just and prosperous nation for all by focusing on rural development and community empowerment.
One example of a public leader who focuses on this matter is Albay Third District Representative Fernando T. Cabredo.
Rep. Cabredo, affectionately known as “Cong. Didi”, stands out among public leaders with his unique career path and personal qualities. His dedication to empower people and and promote development in his district is evident in his numerous initiatives and legislative efforts. His empathy and commitment make the people feel connected to him on a human level and underscore the depth of his commitment to being a representative for Albay’s Third Congressional District.
He graduated MBA from University of Santo Tomas Legazpi, he spent ten (10) years as a faculty member at the Divine Word College of Legazpi.
The district representative later worked alongside Ligao City Mayor Fernando V. Gonzalez and as Executive Assistant III when Gonzalez was Governor of Albay. He further served as Chief Political Affairs Officer in the House of Representatives.
Rep. Cabredo’s Taranuman Project is a testament to his unwavering commitment to rural community empowerment. This initiative has not only transformed idle lands into productive vegetable gardens but also significantly enhanced food production, improved food security, and provided supplementary income for local households. The profound impact of this initiative on the district’s food security and its role in empowering marginalized groups underscore Rep. Cabredo’s dedication to rural development.
One of his notable achievements as a public leader is empowering women planters from different areas across the district. He equips women with the proper skills to learn about farming and encourages them to take control of their lives. His other accomplishments include launching hatcheries in Ligao and Libon City, a TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Center in Ligao, and the Bicol University of Veterinary Medicine.
Furthermore, Rep. Cabredo’s commitment to rural development extends beyond agriculture. His initiatives, which span various sectors including education and economic development, demonstrate a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted challenges faced by rural communities. The founding of the Ligao Information Technology Center, which provides technical skills and improves employment prospects for residents, is a testament to his holistic strategy, reassuring the people of his ability to address diverse challenges.
Meanwhile, the district representative’s legislative efforts have been instrumental in addressing his constituents’ needs and promoting his district’s development. His proactive approach and the impact of his legislative efforts give his constituents confidence in his ability to address his their diverse needs.
During his first term as the representative of Albay’s Third District, Rep. Cabredo authored House Bill No. 7439, which seeks to develop the root crop industry by establishing a Root Crops Research and Development Center in Ligao City and creating a Root Crops Subsidy Fund. Additionally, to address the nutritional and economic needs of residents in the district’s coastal barangays. He also authored House Bills No. 1132, 1133, and 1134, which aim to establish Multispecies Marine Hatcheries in the municipalities of Pioduran, Oas, and Libon. These bills intend to meet the growing demand for marine products such as crabs and shrimp.
Through House Bill No. 8728, Rep. Cabredo facilitated the construction of a TESDA Training and Assessment Center in Ligao City. The center provides technical-vocational education and training programs to students and residents from low-income families and out-of-school youth, helping them become globally competitive labor assets.
In the field of tourism, he has authored and co-authored several house bills that promote the beauty of various tourist destinations while ensuring the preservation of the natural environment and cultural heritage. More recently, to address the lack of training facilities for veterinarians in the Bicol Region, Rep. Cabredo filed House Bill No. 10203, which proposed the establishment of the Bicol University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Rep. Cabredo’s dedication to public service is truly commendable. His unwavering commitment to empower people and promote development has significantly impacted his district. Through his initiatives and legislative efforts, he has demonstrated his steadfast belief in the potential of rural communities and his determination to create a better future for his constituents.
