• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental 6th district Rep. Mercedes Alvarez has been named vice chairperson of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations.
Humbled and grateful to have been elected as vice chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, Alvarez, who is now on her second term as a member of the House of Representatives, said “This is more than just a title—it is a solemn duty.”
The work of the Appropriations Committee lies at the very heart of government: shaping the national budget to reflect the needs, hopes, and priorities of the Filipino people, the solon said.
“We are entrusted with the stewardship of public funds—to ensure that every peso is spent wisely, every program is purposeful, and every project leaves no one behind,” Alvarez added.
Four other Negros Occidental solons, including Representatives Julio Ledesma IV, Alfredo Marañon III, Javier Miguel Benitez and Jeffrey Ferrer, were also given chairmanships of House committees.
Alvarez said she is committed to working closely with the Chairperson and all members of the Committee to ensure that the budgeting process remains transparent, accountable, and truly responsive.
“We will strive to bring continuity, clarity, and direction to how resources are allocated—so that government remains consistent in its mission to serve, especially in a time when every sector needs support and every community deserves to be heard,” she added.*
