House pays tribute to ex-Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa

The House of Representatives honored former Deputy Speaker Ma. Amelita “Girlie” Calimbas-Villarosa during a necrological service at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday.

Calimbas-Villarosa died of aneurysm while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Metro Manila last May 30, her 78th birthday.

The former lawmaker served as representative of the lone district of Occidental Mindoro in the 11th, 13th, 14th and 15th Congresses. She was elected Deputy Speaker during the 14th Congress.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco stressed that Calimbas-Villarosa would forever be "remembered for her advocacies on women’s rights and issues, rural electrification, decent housing, environmental protection, animal welfare, hospital emergency care, and public health emergency."

"Smart, motherly, and yet determined and fierce as a tamaraw, Tita Girlie, as Deputy Speaker of the House, made sure that the legislative mill of the 13th, 15th, and especially, the 14th Congresses continued to grind, despite any political and economic disorder," Velasco said.

"A consensus-builder, she coaxed, mentored, and helped lawmakers pass many laws we enjoy today.  More importantly, she empowered other women legislators to assert their own voices within these august halls traditionally dominated by strong-willed men," he added.

Velasco also hailed Villarosa for strengthening the institution of the Girls Scouts of the Philippines and for introducing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or the conditional cash transfer program, which is now one of the government’s landmark poverty alleviation and welfare initiatives.

Velasco presented to the Villarosa family a legislative memorabilia containing House Resolution No. 182, which the chamber adopted before adjourning sine die.

Filed by Velasco, Majority Leader Romualdez and Minority Leader Joseph Stephen Paduano, the resolution expresses the profound condolences of the lower chamber to Villarosa’s family and loved ones. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News