In the heart of Northern Luzon, Quirino province—often overlooked—is a testament to resilience and tradition. Its District Representative, Rep. Midy N. Cua is, leading the charge, championing economic growth through livelihood, education, and e-commerce. Her efforts are transforming this once-quiet region into a vibrant hub of progress.
Rep. Cua’s legislative career is deeply rooted in her unwavering commitment to sustainable development, particularly in enhancing the livelihoods of her constituents. Quirino, a province with a predominantly agricultural economy, has benefited immensely from her initiatives aimed at modernizing agriculture and supporting small-scale farmers. Recognizing the vital role that agriculture plays in the local economy, she has tirelessly worked to introduce bills that provide farmers with greater access to financing, technology, and markets. For instance, House Bill 3700, (consolidated into HB00001) which was approved by the House of Representatives, provides government financial institutions with unified initiatives to support distressed enterprises, a crucial step in ensuring economic recovery and employing steady growth in rural areas like Quirino.
Her legislative efforts are not confined to the halls of Congress; they resonate throughout Quirino, reaching the very heart of its communities. Beyond legislation, Representative Cua’s initiatives are felt through a variety of programs and projects that address both the immediate needs of her constituents and the long-term development of the province.
One of the cornerstones under her leadership is the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), developed in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through Rep. Cua and the provincial government leadership’s efforts. This capacity-building program has been pivotal in improving the socio-economic well-being of Quirino’s poor and marginalized communities. By 2024, the SLP had provided essential training and resources, empowering residents to create sustainable livelihoods. Complementing this initiative is the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), facilitated through Rep. Cua’s relentless efforts. The program has already distributed over P9.98 million worth of livelihood starter kits to 334 beneficiaries. These kits, tailored to various trades such as sari-sari store operations, carpentry, tailoring, and food vending, have been instrumental in helping small entrepreneurs and skilled workers start or sustain their businesses.
The district representative’s dedication to youth development is also evident in her Educational Assistance Program, which has supported over 9,772 Quirinian college students in the 2023-2024 academic year. This program, conducted in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Quirino, ensures that students receive the financial assistance they need to continue their education, thus preparing them to become more productive members of the labor force. Additionally, the Movement for the Integrated Development of the Youth (MIDY) Scholars program has engaged young volunteers in government service, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and leadership among the youth.
Rep. Cua has also been a key advocate of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, designed to offer temporary employment to those most in need. The program’s impact has been substantial, with 14,725 beneficiaries in 2024, a significant increase from the 11,592 beneficiaries in 2023. Through TUPAD, thousands of Quirinians have been able to secure short-term employment, providing them with the means to support their families during difficult times.
In addition to these programs, Rep. Cua has also launched a Livestock Program in partnership with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVET), benefiting 100 hog-raising beneficiaries in 2023. This initiative is part of her broader effort to diversify income sources for rural families, ensuring that they have access to multiple streams of revenue.
As the world increasingly turns to digital solutions, Rep. Cua has positioned Quirino to take full advantage of this global shift. Her advocacy for e-commerce is not merely an alignment with contemporary trends but a deliberate strategy to expand the province’s economic horizons. A significant milestone in her push for e-commerce came with the launch of the Quirino Province Online Shopee Store on September 15, 2023. This initiative, part of the Q-LIFE Product Launching and Marketing & QIRDP Culminating Event held at The Podium in Mandaluyong City, made Quirino the first province in the Philippines to establish an official online presence on such a prominent platform.
Moreover, the online store, initiated by Gov. Dax Cua, aims to assist local MSMEs by providing them with direct access to a vast online shopping platform, thereby extending their market reach not only within the Philippines but also internationally. This bold step has opened new avenues for local businesses, allowing them to showcase and sell their products to a global audience.
In addition to these advocacies, Rep. Cua also actively and steadfastly works with Quirino’s component LGUs, national agencies, and international partners to implement innovative environmental technologies and practices in the province. She is a key actor in the localization of RA 9003, or the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Act of 2000, through the enactment of Provincial Ordinance No. 04, series of 2019, an ordinance prohibiting the usage of single-use plastics in the province.
Rep. Cua’s legislative journey is a testament to her vision of a prosperous Quirino, where sustainable livelihoods, continuing support for education, and a strong digital economy coexist. Her work in Congress reflects a deep understanding of the province’s needs and a commitment to ensuring that every Quirinian has the opportunity to thrive. These objectives are further supported by her legislative efforts, particularly through House Bill 8830, which seeks to establish a Special Economic Zone in Quirino—a forward-looking initiative aimed at strengthening economic growth and creating more job opportunities for her constituents. Additionally, her proposed House Bill 4093, which introduces a tiered system of social pensions for indigent senior citizens, underscores her commitment to the welfare of vulnerable groups.
As she continues to serve, her focus on livelihood creation, education, and e-commerce promotion will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, ensuring that Quirino strides confidently towards a brighter, more prosperous future for all her Kailyans.
