'Diwata' of Diwata Pares speaks to media as Vendors party-list group joins 2025 elections

Summary

In a recent press conference, Deo Balbuena, the fourth nominee of the Vendor Party List, advocated for the rights of street vendors across the Philippines. He highlighted the party's mission to represent the voices of vendors, aiming to establish cooperatives for better financial support and to streamline the permitting process. Balbuena, drawing from his personal experiences as a vendor, expressed his commitment to legislative reforms that would empower small businesses. With the party's founding rooted in community support, Balbuena and his team are determined to ensure vendors have a strong voice in Congress, especially as elections approach.

Takeaways

• 😀 Deo Balbuena, also known as a diwata, is a nominee for the Vendor Party List and is passionate about representing vendors in the Philippines.
• 🌟 The Vendor Party List aims to give a voice to vendors and address their concerns, particularly in Manila and across the Philippines.
• 💬 Deo emphasizes the need for representation for vendors, stating that there has been no previous party list advocating specifically for them.
• 🗳️ The Vendor Party List is made up of vendors and supporters, working to elevate the status of vendors in society.
• 🏛️ The group's advocacy includes establishing cooperatives to help vendors access resources and support more easily.
• 📜 Deo's legislative priorities include creating laws that improve the lives of vendors, making it easier for them to operate their businesses.
• 🤝 He highlights the importance of community support and collaboration among vendors to overcome challenges.
• 📈 Deo intends to focus on legislation that provides financial assistance and easier access to permits for vendors.
• 👥 The first three nominees alongside Deo are Tita Malana and Ma'am Sherel, who are also involved in advocating for vendor rights.
• 🤗 Deo expresses his commitment to balancing his business responsibilities with his duties if elected, ensuring he remains accessible to both vendors and his own business.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the Vendor Party List as mentioned by Deo Balbuena?

The main goal of the Vendor Party List is to represent Filipino street vendors and small business owners, advocating for their rights and ensuring they have a voice in Congress.

Why does Deo Balbuena believe that the Vendor Party List is necessary despite the presence of other party lists?

He believes it is necessary because no other party list has specifically represented the vendors, who are a significant yet underserved group in society. The Vendor Party List aims to address their unique needs and challenges.

What specific legislation or programs does the Vendor Party List plan to promote if they win a seat in Congress?

The Vendor Party List plans to push for legislation that makes it easier for vendors to obtain business permits, provides financial assistance for small businesses, and creates cooperatives that support vendors in managing their businesses.

How does Deo Balbuena plan to balance his business responsibilities and his duties as a nominee if elected?

Deo plans to delegate his business responsibilities to trusted individuals, ensuring he can focus on his duties as a nominee while keeping his personal business running smoothly.

How does Deo Balbuena's personal experience as a vendor influence his decision to join the Vendor Party List?

His personal experience as a vendor has given him insight into the struggles faced by small business owners. This motivated him to join the Vendor Party List to advocate for their rights and improve their conditions.

Who are the first three nominees of the Vendor Party List as mentioned by Deo Balbuena?

The first three nominees of the Vendor Party List are Tita Malol, Lawrence Pisigan, and Ma'am Sherel.

What distinguishes the Vendor Party List from other groups that represent low-income and marginalized sectors?

The Vendor Party List specifically represents street vendors and small business owners, focusing on their unique challenges such as access to permits, financial support, and market opportunities.

When was the Vendor Party List founded and when was it officially registered?

The Vendor Party List was founded on June 24, 2022, and officially registered on January 10, 2024.

What kind of support does the Vendor Party List plan to provide to street vendors?

The Vendor Party List plans to support street vendors by helping them secure better business locations, providing access to financing, and advocating for easier permit processes to enable them to operate legally and profitably.

How does Deo Balbuena view the role of vendors in the economy, and what does he believe should be done to help them?

Deo views vendors as vital contributors to the economy, and he believes that they need better access to resources like capital and business permits, as well as a supportive legal framework that ensures their rights are protected and their businesses can grow.