1Tahanan Partylist first nominee, Atty. Nathaniel "Nat" Oducado advised voters to choose candidates based on their values, pointing out that true development requires empowerment and that strong leadership can transform the country.
“Gusto po sana namin ang boto magbase kayo sa prinsipyo. Ang one tahanan gusto namin ipakita na good leadership can really change the country and empowerment is the key for the real development,” Oducado said during the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Monday.
He emphasized that he is not a traditional politician nor a wealthy businessman, however underscored his track record of community service together with 1Tahanan Partylist.
“Kahit tulong tayo nang tulong, kung walang pagbabago sa gobyerno, mahirap pa rin para sa mga Pilipino,” he pointed out.
Possible programs for mothers and single parents
Recognizing the untapped potential in digital services, Oducado wants to train mothers as well as single parents for online work, citing a PHP 35 billion revenue from digital services in 2024 alone.
He emphasized that there is currently no legislation pertaining to Filipino families, even though they are particularly devoted to their mothers.
“Gusto po sana namin ay ang mga stay at home mothers makakuha ng monthly allowance at the same time may livelihood program focusing on digital services,” he said.
“Napakalaking market ‘yan. Gusto namin mauna ang Pilipino sa field na ito by raining them, making them prepared so pati single parents diyan makakabenefit sa program natin,” Atty. Oducado added.
Oducado also advocated for monthly allowances and digital livelihood training for stay-at-home mothers, positioning the digital economy as a new frontier for economic empowerment.
“Wala tayong national program na nagtuturo ng digital services,” he pointed out. “Samantalang may cellphone ka lang at internet, pwede ka nang kumita.”
Securing housing and social protection for marginalized workers
Oducado shared that since 2019, his partylist has pivoted to providing low-cost housing, offering simple yet dignified homes for families.
“Kahit bahay-kubo lang, nakikita natin ang epekto sa buhay ng ordinaryong Pilipino,” he said, adding that housing efforts have largely been funded by donations and volunteerism due to the lack of institutional support.
Oducado explained that their programs aim to protect not just the homes but also the people inside them, pointing out the need for deeper social protection amid skyrocketing costs of living.
“645 ang minimum wage pero ang pork belly 420 na per kilo,” he noted, emphasizing the need for government interventions that can help Filipino families stay afloat.
“Kaya nakita po namin na dapat may programa tayo na tumulong para kahit na mahal ang bilihin makakaraos ang pamilya Pilipino,” he continued.
Among 1Tahanan’s key proposals is the introduction of unemployment insurance, providing a three-month safety net for workers who suddenly lose their jobs.
Proposed initiatives for senior citizens and education
Oducado further stated that assistance for senior citizens should begin considerably earlier and questioned the current Centenarian Act, which awards PHP 100,000 to individuals who turn 100 years old.
“Iilan lang ang umaabot ng 100 years old. Gusto namin na ibaba na dapat, may matanggap na kayo by the time na 60 years old ka para at least ma-enjoy mo ang pera tapos we are targeting na PHP 50,000 sana, staggered later on para bang tumatanda para magamit ang pera especially for medical needs nila,” he stressed.
He also proposed free tuition even for students with average grades, noting how current scholarship requirements are exclusionary.
“Ang edukasyon ay para sa lahat. Kahit grade mo 75 o 76, basta gusto mong magtapos, dapat may supporta ka mula sa gobyerno,” he affirmed.
Moreover, Oducado highlighted the lack of scholarships in agriculture and fisheries, sectors he sees as critical amid global uncertainties.
“Sa susunod na taon, ang mga giyera ay tungkol sa pagkain at tubig. Kaya kailangan natin siguruhin ang food security,” he warned.
Addressing the problems faced by farmers and fishers
On the other hand, when asked what their plans are for farmers and fishers, especially during off-season periods, 1Tahanan proposes a package of social protection, including cash aid, hospitalization, and education assistance for their children.
He further said that among 1Tahanan’s key proposals is the introduction of unemployment insurance, providing a three-month safety net for workers who suddenly lose their jobs.
Oducado also advocated for monthly allowances and digital livelihood training for stay-at-home mothers, positioning the digital economy as a new frontier for economic empowerment.
“Wala tayong national program na nagtuturo ng digital services,” he pointed out. “Samantalang may cellphone ka lang at internet, pwede ka nang kumita.”
He called for government-funded processing, drying, and milling facilities to reduce dependency on middlemen and improve the farmgate prices for rice and other crops.
Citing a Cabanatuan case study, he noted how government milling brought rice prices down to PHP 38 per kilo—helping both farmers and consumers.
“Hindi po kami politiko hindi rin po kami malaking constructor o negosyante. Ang amin lang po ay totoong serbisyo para sa inyo at sana po matry niyo naman po na iba naman,” he concluded.
As the 2025 midterm elections approach, Oducado remains committed to his vision for poverty alleviation, inclusive development, and institutional reform—calling on the Filipinos, especially the voters, to support candidates based on their principles.
